Winter's Best Nail-Polish Colors Are Dark Like the Sky at 5 p.m. — and Just as Cool

Updated on 11/26/2022 at 5:45 PM

Olive & June

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As we transition from fall to winter, it's time to make room for new nail-polish trends.

Whether you are looking for nail-art inspiration or just want to add new colors to your collection, we've got you covered.

Ahead, a nail pro breaks down everything to know about the winter nail trends you're going to see everywhere.

Darkness in the wintertime is the talk of every meteorologist and "Game of Thrones" fan, but it's true: it comes without warning. Once your body has adjusted to getting that extra hour of sleep from the "fall back" portion of daylight saving time, the sun starts fading five hours too early and you'll notice everyone, all of a sudden, is wearing black.

The same goes for nail-polish colors. The big difference this season, though, is that you can expect a slow build into dark territory.

"Fall polish was all about warm neutrals, rosy blushes, and a hint of deeper berry shades, but as we head into winter, we're seeing darker colors reign supreme, with metallics adding a pop of fun," said Sarah Gibson Tuttle, founder and CEO of nail brand Olive & June. "It's not just the expected black; it's slight variations of that deep tone — so vampy plums, deep greens, chocolate browns, and midnight blues are going to be big."

"These nail-polish shades are more nuanced and have more depth to them. The subtlety is what allows you to express your every mani mood."

The biggest theme is "an ode to the '90s, but with an unexpected twist that makes you look twice," she said. "These nail-polish shades are more nuanced and have more depth to them. The subtlety is what allows you to express your every mani mood."

Ahead, we've asked a nail pro to break down the biggest nail-polish trends you can expect to see everywhere this winter. Consider it reading the "warning" label.

Winter Nail-Polish Color: Ice Princess

"Cool, steel-toned metallics are having a day this winter as we channel our inner ice princess," celebrity nail artist Holly Falcone tells POPSUGAR. "These shades don't require intricate nail art; they're gorgeous alone on long, either squoval or round nails. Try Orly's Ascension ($11) and top it with a glossy topcoat."

Winter's Best Nail-Polish Colors Are Dark Like the Sky at 5 p.m. — and Just as Cool

Winter Nail-Polish Color: Ice Princess

Winter Nail-Polish Color: Ice Princess

Winter Nail-Polish Color: Ice Princess

Winter Nail-Polish Color: Ice Princess

Winter Nail-Polish Color: Ice Princess

Winter Nail-Polish Color: Holiday Party Confetti

Winter Nail-Polish Color: Holiday Party Confetti

Winter Nail-Polish Color: Holiday Party Confetti

Winter Nail-Polish Color: Holiday Party Confetti

Winter Nail-Polish Color: Holiday Party Confetti

Winter Nail-Polish Color: Rich Brown

Winter Nail-Polish Color: Rich Brown

Winter Nail-Polish Color: Rich Brown

Winter Nail-Polish Color: Rich Brown

Winter Nail-Polish Color: Lip Gloss Nails

Winter Nail-Polish Color: Lip Gloss Nails

Winter Nail-Polish Color: Lip Gloss Nails

Winter Nail-Polish Color: Dark and Stormy

Winter Nail-Polish Color: Dark and Stormy

Winter Nail-Polish Color: Dark and Stormy

Winter Nail-Polish Color: Dark and Stormy