Winter isn't the best time of the year for many things (uh, sun, warmth, glowy happiness, etc.), and let's be honest, it definitely isn't the best time for your nails either. Between the dry, brittle tips and peeling cuticles (does anyone else go through a bottle of cuticle oil every year, or is it just us?), and the fact that you keep them shoved in your pockets and gloves for months on end, winter isn't exactly known to be the time to let your mani shine. But things are changing!

If you currently think of winter as that awful period of time where you have to stop wearing pastel and rainbow nail colours and fun prints, think again. Winter nail colours can be fun, too, and to prove it to you, we've predicted some non-boring nail trends for you to copy this winter season. Keep reading for all the nail inspo, tips, and products to DIY them yourself come winter.

Cool tones

You know what goes perfectly with cooler weather? Cool nails with cool colours. We will never not be into wearing a different shade on each finger, and if you share these same thoughts, you can make your nails feel very wintery by alternating multiple shades of blue nail polish and a touch of green.

Neutral almond hue

The only nail look more classic than an almond nail shape is a neutral or nude nail polish. Pair them together, and you've got a manicure that looks good all year long.

Matte and shiny

A mix of matte and glossy nails was one of the biggest fall nail trends for 2021, and you best believe it's still a cool idea for winter, too. Try it with a variety of red nail polish shades to make the trend look extra festive.

Pearly polka dots

These swirls and subtle polka dot nails made with different shades of white nail polish will look like melting ice and snowflakes (but the pretty kind, not the gross, muddy stuff).

Black and white florals

You know what actually is groundbreaking? Florals for winter. Don't be afraid to wear your favourite flower nail designs even as winter approaches. A black-and-gold nail combo or a blend of black-and-white nails will make it feel perfect for the season.

Snow leopard print

Finally, your love for all things animal print can and should be carried into winter 2021 with a little holographic nail polish or transfer foil.

French tips

If you really want to accentuate your almond-shaped nails, go with an elongated French mani. This versatile nail trend would look cool with your winter uniform but can also clean up nicely for your holiday party.

Multi-print mani

Animal print? Check. Cloud print? Check. Check print? Literally, check. To keep all the different prints from clashing, use a handful of complementary colours.

Pop of neon

There's really no better time of the year to wear gray than winter, but when the winter fatigue starts creeping in, brighten things up a bit with a stripe of neon yellow. And since even short nails can pull off this design, you don't have to go without gloves for good nails.

Colourful half-moon

You wore this same negative-space nail trend all spring and summer, but to keep it current for colder months, add a black nail polish in between the half-moon and French tip for winter 2021.

Swirly prints

If you also have been super into the swirl print these days and constantly rotate between wearing your swirly shirt and dress, you need your mid-length coffin nails with streaks of browns, grays, and mauve nail polish to match.

Opal nails

With a little transfer foil, you can transform a sheer white nail polish into a whole opalescent moment. Add a touch of gold around the border of your nails with gold nail polish to make your nail looks look like jewellery.

Subdued smiley faces

Brown nail polish is one the biggest 2021 nail trends, so end the year with a bang and a bangin' brown shade like a warm taupe. The melted smiley faces not only look cool, but the squiggly outlines are also much easier to paint with your non-dominant hand than perfect circles.