15 Winter 2026 Nail Polish Color Trends You'll Want To Try

If you're already wearing wool sweaters and lighting holiday-scented candles , then you're likely daydreaming about your upcoming winter manicure , too. After a season of spooky Halloween designs and autumnal, leaf-inspired hues, this is when you dive into the burgundy, navy, and chic French tips.

While these snowy season shades are classic for a reason, several other nail polish colors are trending this season. According to Sofiia Mazur , nail artist and educator, winter nail polish for 2025 will be dominated by deep, rich tones that reflect the cozy, luxurious feeling of holiday parties, a wardrobe full of fluffy scarves and cute coats, and trips to the coffee shop.

"We're already starting to see rich browns and deep cherry reds gaining traction," she tells Bustle. "These 'edible' shades, like espresso, chocolate, and dark berry, are becoming the new winter neutrals because they flatter every skin tone and instantly add depth."

Natalia Minerva , an OPI Global Ambassador, says a bright pop of red will also work, especially if it's shiny. "A little shimmer is pretty much a must as we head into the holiday season," she says. With the usual go-tos covered, there are quite a few unexpected shades trending for winter, too. Think purple, burnt orange, and even a collection of jewel tones. (Yup, they're so back!) Below, 15 nail polish shades you need to try this winter.

According to Mazur, deep merlots and red wine hues — like Dazzle Dry's " Mulled Wine " — will be the "it" shade of the season. "It captures the mood of winter glamour: rich, romantic, and dramatic," she says. "It's luxurious without being loud, and it pairs perfectly with evening looks and holiday events."

Navy always makes an appearance in the colder months, and it's back for 2025. "Midnight navy is expected to replace black as the go-to dark shade," Mazur says. "It feels modern, sleek, and slightly mysterious while still being wearable. Navy also adds depth and elegance, making nails look expensive and editorial." She recommends Mineral Fusion's " Deep Dive " shade.