The 15 Coolest Nail Polish Color Trends For Winter 2023

Cao predicts icy metallic colors, especially those blue shades, will be trending this winter. “Everything has an ultra-shiny, outer-space feel to it,” she says. “Light blue is especially great for winter.”

An oldie but a goodie, metallics are Goldstein’s pick for winter 2023 colors to see trending all over your social feeds. “Silver, gold, and chrome variations of colors — they are a great way to play with nail art without getting overwhelmed,” she says. “[They’re also] easy to recreate at home.”

Choi predicts that the infamous glazed donut nails will continue to be big into the winter. “The base color is selected to complement each person’s undertones for a natural pearlescent look,” she says. “Many prefer a soft look for their manicure, and iridescent polishes are the perfect way to get the shine without using glitter; iridescent polishes shine beautifully on their own for a minimalist look or atop vibrant hues for a glowy finish.”

When you think of metallics, it’s natural to think of silver, gold, and bronze. But this winter, Cao says pastel colors like lilac will also take center stage. “In winter, it’s really pretty with a cool-tone shimmer,” she adds.

Choi says that earthy tones are going to be big this winter. “[They] have a certain elegance that make a statement without flashy designs or finishes,” she says. While earthy tones are also popular for fall, she says you’ll see earthy tones like rusty reds a lot in 2023.

Goldstein recommends going with brown nail polish if you want to change up the usual burgundy that you normally reach for in the winter months. It’s still just as cozy and warm but gives you something more neutral. She and her clients love this Chanel polish in particular for its deep brown shade with a shiny finish.

A winter white is one of the go-to winter colors for many. For 2023, Cao says the color will go a more sheer route. “Sheer milky whites pop more than a basic sheer [neutral],” she says. “It looks great on short, natural-shaped nails for a clean look.”

Another earthy tone shade that Choi says will be big for 2023 is cerulean. The muted light blue is a soft winter shade that can match any look.

When in doubt, go for a classic cherry red nail polish. “Red is always a great way to start the new year,” says Goldstein. “It is said to bring good luck and fortune in many cultures.”

Cao says to look for creamy midnight blues in the colder months. She recommends looking for warm-toned dark blues as those tend to be more universal.

Moody and romantic, Cao says that dark black cherry red hues are great, sophisticated shades for the winter months. You can go full-coverage or take the French manicure route, which is always a classic.

Cao says that if you’re looking for an opaque white, turn to something that has a beige tone and is loaded with pigment to give it that creamy feel. “It stands out and looks great across all skin tones,” she says. She recommends pairing it with minimal nail art or a playful decal for a fun twist.

To enhance the metallic trend that Goldstein mentioned previously, she recommends using a black base (her pick is the Chanel Boy de Chanel Nail Colour in 404) beneath chrome powder to really get your nails to pop.

Another pick from Choi is this muted olive green that goes on smooth and creamy. It’s a perfect earth tone that seamlessly transitions from winter to spring.

Classic black nails will never go out of style. Chanel your inner Wednesday Addams and opt for the dark and moody shade as winter settles in.