Colours

Which nail polish colours should you wear this winter?

5 min to read

When the temperature drops, we swap our vibrant nail shades for softer, more muted tones. Winter is the perfect time to treat yourself to a comforting manicure with plenty of style! This season, we’re revisiting the timeless classics with a chic, modern twist inspired by the Autumn-Winter 2025-2026 couture runway shows.

Winter 2025-2026 Colour Trends

Chic, soothing browns

Brown nail polish is emerging as the new neutral this winter. Say goodbye to half-measures and hello to warm, woody tones inspired by vintage interiors and cosy Parisian cafés…

Take Orme for instance: a milky coffee hue with soft charm, somewhere between greige and creamy brown. Right on trend — just like the mohair body spotted at the Acne Studios Autumn-Winter 2025 show — this calming shade echoes the spirit of Mocha Mousse, one of 2025’s key colours.

In a similar vein: Chestnut, a radiant chestnut brown with hints of polished leather, reminiscent of the dress from the Fendi Autumn-Winter 2025 collection. It’s the kind of polish that exudes confidence and elegance.

Another standout choice is Mocha, a deep brown polish with cool undertones, somewhere between dark cocoa and frosted ebony. It’s a rare intensity, and a favourite at Hermès — the ultimate in winter chic.

💡 Tip: These brown tones are perfect for a tonal manicure that pairs beautifully with camel or gold accessories, or used in nail art for a modern French twist or subtle polka dot design.

Orme, Chestnut and Mocha: the ultimate trio of browns for an ultra-chic winter manicure.
(@tagwalk)

Sensual, intoxicating burgundies

A standout colour for Autumn 2025 and the epitome of elegance, burgundy remains a winter staple. This year, it’s branching out — leaning into plum, violet and wine-inspired tones.

A perfect example: Violeta, a rosy violet polish with berry undertones and a purple sheen that catches the light for truly stunning Velvet nails. Bold and vibrant, it recalls the futuristic sculptural outfit from Mugler. Where sensuality meets innovation…

Equally mesmerising: Dark Pansy, our signature wine-red polish laced with plum, like the soft velvet of a ball skirt on a winter evening in New York. Dramatic and romantic — very Carolina Herrera.

And let’s not forget Prune: a rich, wine-red with hints of ripe grape and garnet silk. It was seen gracing the transparent silhouettes of Christopher Esber. Desirable, warm and mysterious — a truly captivating shade.

💡 Tip: Burgundy tones look stunning paired with gold jewellery. For a red carpet effect, combine them with a nude base for a reverse French manicure.

From runway to fingertips: Violeta, Dark Pansy and Prune make burgundy the standout shade of the season.
(@tagwalk)

Soft, delicate milk nails

Balancing opacity and transparency, the milk nails trend is still going strong across social media. This winter, it’s more than ever a go-to for softness and luminosity.

For instance, try Milky White, a translucent white polish with infinite delicacy. Its milky finish mirrors the soft draping seen at Alberta Ferretti. Like light gliding over fabric… A must-have, easy to pair with minimalist outfits or vibrant sportswear looks.

There’s also Crème, a rich off-white shade filled with diffused light that channels effortless elegance. Chanel’s legendary tweed also embraces this shade this season — and it’s divine.

And finally, Blossom, a marshmallow-pink polish with powdery softness and discreet sweetness, spotted on an asymmetrical cocoon jumper by Issey Miyake. A joyful, playful note for the colder months.

💡 Tip: Apply a single thin coat for a barely-there nude effect, or two for a milkier, more opaque finish. These shades are especially lovely with well-moisturised hands and silver jewellery!

Milky White, Blossom and Crème: three soft shades for beautifully delicate milk nails. (@tagwalk)

Frosted and shimmery pearlescents

When the sky turns grey, pearlescent polishes become our go-to for a soft, radiant glow. Their sheen dances over the hands like shimmering snow on skin, bringing a quiet brilliance to the season.

Starting with Fairy, a holographic pearly white polish that cloaks nails like moonlight over a deep winter night. A silky veil gliding across the nail, just like the white satin dress seen at Ralph Lauren. Subtle, fluid and endlessly refined.

Then there’s Tweed, a warm-toned urban grey with a hint of shimmer, reminiscent of the futuristic metallic knit dress by Courrèges.

And finally, meet Quartz, a frosted taupe with a touch of sparkle — the pinnacle of winter elegance. Like a stylish princess in a riding outfit by Max Mara, embracing the season with grace and confidence.

💡 Tip: Layer a thin coat of Quartz over Milky White for a gorgeous Frosted nails look. Ideal for festive nights or simply to brighten up a cosy grey knit.

Let winter’s magic sparkle all the way to your fingertips with our pearlescent polishes.
(@tagwalk)

Nail and hand care: winter essentials

Hydrate to combat the cold

Winter can be tough on both skin and nails. Cold weather, frequent hand washing and indoor heating can weaken the keratin and dry out the cuticles. Thankfully, the right routine will help keep your nails strong, smooth and supple.

The golden rule? Daily hydration. To keep nails flexible and hands soft, try our Nail Moisturizing Duo: a balancing pair that restores moisture and comfort to dehydrated nails. The Base 5.5 is packed with protective plant-based actives, while the Complete Serum delivers continuous, non-greasy hydration.

👉 How to use it: For 2 weeks, apply the Base 5.5 to clean nails every other day without removing the previous layers. At the same time, massage a drop of Complete Serum into each nail and the surrounding area daily.

Finish off with our Hand Cream, with its comforting orange blossom scent and melt-in texture — a must for your winter handbag.

The Nail Moisturizing Duo and Hand Cream: your winter allies for soft, protected hands.

Strengthen against seasonal fatigue

Temperature shifts can affect nail resilience. To give yours a boost, reach for our Green Oil and Perfecting Concentrate duo:

  • Green Oil hydrates and protects nails and their contours.

  • The Perfecting Concentrate acts as a fortifying treatment.

👉 How to use: Apply a drop of Green Oil daily and gently massage it into the nail and surrounding area, whether bare or polished. Keep the Perfecting Concentrate pen close for nourishing on-the-go care whenever needed.

Winter wellness in a duo: Green Oil and Perfecting Concentrate are handbag essentials.

Boost nail growth

To promote strong, healthy nail growth, you can choose between:

  • Kératine Booster, a hardening treatment that strengthens weakened nails from the inside out. Its biomimetic formula with plant keratin, silica and biotin rebuilds density. Apply it to bare nails once to three times daily for one week. Let it absorb completely — no rinsing or massaging needed.

  • Nail Boost supplements, which nourish nails from within with essential vitamins and minerals. Take them as a 2-month maintenance course with 2 capsules per day, two to three times a year.

Kératine Booster and Nail Boost: the complete routine for stronger nails inside and out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to choose your nail polish colour in winter?

In winter, go for colours that are both elegant and cosy: burgundy or cherry red offer timeless sophistication and suit all skin tones. Modern neutrals like coffee brown or frosted beige are a must. And for party season, classic black and white polishes also shine, especially when combined with gold glitter or metallic effects for dazzling nail art.

What kind of manicure should I choose in winter?

When cold weather takes its toll on your hands, your manicure routine needs a strategic rethink. For a feel-good routine, Green™ classic polish is a great pick — easy to apply and switch up as your mood changes. If you’re after lasting colour, try Green Flash™, our LED Gel Polish that stays put for up to 12 days without damaging the nail. One gives glow, the other offers hold — the choice is yours.