I always need a little more sparkle in the cold, do you? As soon as the sweaters appear and the nights become longer, I suddenly feel the desire that my nails should become a part of the outfit, a part of the mood. Fall-winter 2025-2026 nail design is more of a story than a simple choice of a shade of polish. Are you inclined to warm and playful or to daring and celebratory? This season allows us room to play with texture, seasonal themes and a touch of glitter that is just right when the holidays are on the verge of arrival.
The most interesting thing to me is that the current trends in nail art strike the right balance between fun and sophistication. It could be light-gathering glitter, the icons of a holiday past, or a simple earthy palette that reminds of a cabin holiday, but all designs bring some magic to the daily routine. And, truthfully, how playful is it when your nails talk?
Ok, so here are some of the looks that I have been loving. These are not merely pretty notions, but workable, wearable, and, surprisingly, easy to attempt at home should you wish. And no, I will not leave out a few tips I have learned on the way of celebrity nail artists and beauty insiders.
Holiday Lights in a New Twist
This nail polish is like putting your fingertips in a holiday mood. The smooth white base is hard and sleek, and the strands of colored bulbs red, blue, green, and yellow, are twisted over each nail like a strand of Christmas lights. A single nail of silver glitter is an accent, and a glittering contrast to nearly the glitter of frost in the sun.
To achieve this appearance, I would pick up a traditional white polish such as OPI Alpine Snow, and a fine nail art brush to apply the thin black lines of wires. In the case of the bulbs, small spots of bright gel colors or even nail art pens suffice. That one glittery nail? Set in Stones by Try Essie or Silver Bells by Deborah Lippmann is a multi-dimensional shine.
When I attempted a similar one last December, I found it easiest to sketch the bulbs first and then fill them in. Celebrity nail artist Jin Soon frequently reminds her clients that it is easier to work in layers let one step dry completely before proceeding to the next so your lines are not smeared.
To me, these nails are not merely ornament, but a mood. Whenever I saw them, I imagined hot cocoa, warm socks, and the light of twinkling lights in the window. Is not that just the way winter is supposed to be?
Gingerbread Charm on Cozy Days
This gingerbread inspired set is irresistibly warm. The bottom is alternating between glittering copper and creamy white, decorated with gingerbread men, polka dots, and tiny snowflakes. It is fun and still stylish, the type of manicure that makes you reach out to a sugar cookie.
To add shine, a metallic copper such as Autumn by Zoya adds depth, and a milky white gel provides you with the ideal canvas to paint. The gingerbread figures can be made easier with nail stickers or stamping plates in case drawing by hand seems daunting. Forget not a shiny top-coat here it sets the design and makes the copper shine like a Christmas ornament.
The secret lies in adding the details in layers one by one: the white background, the gingerbread outlines and the little dot accents. Elle Gerstein, a manicurist who created the majority of red carpet appearances, says dotting tools are your new best friend in creating fast, accurate accents. And honestly, she’s right.
Personally, I would wear them during a December weekend when I am having friends over. They are entertaining and not too extreme and they receive compliments each time. Imagine them as hand jewelry in celebration.
Grounded Green and Tree Patterns
This manicure is a combination of muted green, taupe and chocolate brown and soft botanical designs. The nails are matte with fine leaf and sun patterns in a minimalist design. It is cool and down-to-earth and suited to the colder seasons when the world outside is quiet but not lifeless.
In this design, matte topcoat is necessary I would suggest the Essie Matte About You. The greens might be attained using colors such as Olive and June WKF (a forest green) or Wild Willow by Orly. Combine them with a fine detailing brush to the strokes of the leaves and sunburst accents in dull gold or cream.
It is a relaxing procedure: paint your base, matte topcoat, and then add your simple linear details. Celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein tends to recommend keeping designs simple to have the greatest effect, and this manicure demonstrates that indeed. It is evidence that you do not have to use rhinestones or glitter to shine.
I adore such nails when I need something not so flashy but still special. They are gorgeous poking out of knit gloves or around a cup of tea. It is a kind of bringing a small fragment of the forest to the city.
Gradient Jewel-Tone With Golden Leaves
This collection is bold teal and amber fades into an ombre, golden leaf patterns swept across the ends. The outcome is deep, as autumn sunsets and winter nights collide, and it is topped with a shiny surface that cannot be ignored.
It is simpler to create gradients with a makeup sponge: dab teal and amber polishes, then blend them until the colors mix, and brush the edges with acetone-dipped brush. In the case of the metallic accents I adore foil nail art or gold leaf that is laid on by a thin layer of adhesive. Another great polish to make a definite golden touch is Orly, Luxe.
Celeb nail pro Tom Bachik (the man behind the manicures of Jennifer Lopez) says that the simplest way to make a manicure instantly luxurious is with metallics. I could not say it better these nails are jewelry in themselves.
I observe that whenever I put on some bold jewel tones during winter, my mood changes. It is empowering to be able to look down at your hands and feel a small splash of luxury. It is dramatic but not excessive and that is what I desire in holiday parties.
Golden Mustard Marble
When you are in the mood to be cozy and a surprise, mustard yellow with swirled marble accents is a winner. The solid mustard nails are not neon and the marbled ones blend cream, brown and gold into flowing patterns. It is warm, somewhat vintage and very autumnal.
Here, the most important aspect is contrast flat mustard in contrast to high-detailed marble makes the entire set jump. Experiment with colors such as Sally Hansen Mellow Yellow to use as a base, and mix brown and cream polishes with a toothpick or thin brush and then seal with a glossy topcoat. The swirls are sophisticated by a touch of metallic gold.
The marble method may be untidy, but that is the fun. Celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec recommends doing one nail at a time to achieve the best results- marble must remain wet to mix well. Good advice when you are doing this at home.
I have always been fond of mustard shades in fashion and it is so nice to have them on nails. They go well with big knits and coffee runs and provide you with the right amount of warm and daring. Would you sample this shade or is it too bold on you?
Red Accents Cardinal Charm
The design here is a winter postcard in action. The presence of a cardinal on fragile branches immediately links to that eternal seasonal imagery, and the combination of it with a bright red nail makes it all. The neutral base maintains the art fresh and contemporary, and this nail design appears both classy and fun simultaneously.
Should I ever re-create this manicure, I would pick a nude gel polish such as OPI’s Bubble Bath as my canvas, and apply fine black detailing to the branches. To the cardinal itself, something such as Essie’s Really Red or Gelish Hot Rod Red would look great. To create the design look polished and not cluttered, a thin liner brush is necessary to drag those small lines.
To get this appearance at home I would begin by painting on two layers of the nude base followed by drying in a lamp. Draw the branches with nail art pens or a fine brush, then sketch the outline of the bird, then fill it in with red polish. Celebrity manicurist Jin Soon frequently reminds customers that contrast is essential in seasonal nails and this design fits the description perfectly: little background, big centerpiece.
Personally, I am fond of the storytelling nature of this manicure I feel that I am carrying a slice of warm winter landscape around with me. It is audacious enough to invite compliments but gentle enough to wear every day, which is a combination I am always seeking in my seasonal manicure concepts.
Midnight Navy in Metallic Leaves
The evidence that dark polish does not need to be heavy is this manicure. The rich navy foundation combined with the metallic gold and silver leaves gives it an easy grace that can be worn on office days as much as it can be worn on holiday dinners. The gloss of the navy is opulent and the leaf patterns make the appearance tied to the rhythm of nature.
The combination that is most nailable is a high-gloss navy color, such as Chanel’s “Rhythm” or Essie’s “Style Cartel.” In the case of the leaves, heavy lifting is done by metallic foils or stamping plates in gold and bronze color. I would also have a bottle of Seche Vite Top Coat on hand this fixes the shine and does not flatten the detail.
On application, I would recommend that the solid navy nails be alternated with neutral-colored bases that carry the metallic leaves. Such mix and match always make the design more personalized. American celebrity nail artist Deborah Lippmann has reported that metallics are among the most adaptable accents during colder seasons- they make one look brighter without being overwhelming. I couldn’t agree more.
It is one of such designs that I would be happy to wear throughout weeks since it is not only sophisticated but also seasonless. It is luxurious but not screaming to be noticed, and to me that is the best type of winter nail decoration.
Cozy Knits and Golden Blossoms
It is something so comforting about a manicure that it almost fits beside a cable-knit sweater. This design is a mixture of textured white bottom, quilt-like impressions and golden flowery decorations, and navy nails with metallic leafy patterns balance the coziness with depth. It is touchy, welcoming and simply screams fall-to-winter change.
On materials, I would grab some textured stamping gels that create that quilted look- you can pick them up with brands such as Born Pretty or Moyra. The gold detailing may be done using metallic gel paints or even foil transfer to add some depth. It is complemented by a navy polish such as the OPI Russian Navy, which gives the entire appearance a step higher.
Back at home, the knit-inspired base can be a challenge, however, it is possible to do it by applying a layer of gel polish and a top coat of matte polish, followed by embossing the lines with a dotting tool. New York-based nail artist Miss Pop has said that textures are trending due to the fact that they make nails feel like accessories in their own right and I could not agree more.
Putting this on makes me feel like I have plunged into the season: warm evenings, cups of hot cocoa, and nails that are as decadent as my favorite winter sweater. It is an assertion, yet it is one that is very personal.
Autumn Leaves in a New Fashion
Here I like the contemporary interpretation of a fall classic. Rather than making it all orange and brown, the design toys with clear bases, black French tips and stacked metallic leaves. It is cool, a bit rough, and the type of manicure that seems like it should be in a rooftop bar in November.
To reproduce this, I would leave the bottom neutral and apply a sheer polish of pink such as Essie’s Ballet Slippers. Then put on some thin black French tips and then apply leaf stickers or hand-painted patterns in copper, bronze and olive green. Your friend is a detail brush, to get that leaf symmetry.
This type of nail art is also great in DIY since you can purchase ready-made metallic decals that replicate the hand-painted look. I would suggest a glossy top layer to seal to ensure that the leaves look bright and three dimensional. Celebrity manicurist Betina Goldstein has frequently remarked that French tips are the little black dress of nails they can be used anywhere and can be endlessly personalized. Leaves added to them make them seasonally ideal.
In truth, I would use this outfit at any holiday party. It is not childish but adult, not celebratory but not cliched. It is one of those designs that instantly polish your hands when you are holding a glass of wine in front of the fire.
Golden Branches Regal Plum
Deep plum is one of such colors that immediately make a manicure a statement. In this case, combined with golden branched branches, it adopts a near royal look. The richness of the color on the metallic detailing is luxurious, but comfortable enough to wear during evening out or holiday events.
In this appearance, I would choose a jewel-colored purple such as OPI’s “Lincoln Park After Dark” or Zoya’s “Payton.” They could be stampeded or painted in metallic gel paints freehand to get the gold accents. It is the type of mix that never leaves out of feeling luxurious.
I would apply two coats of plum step-wise, allow to dry, then paint with a fine liner brush, the delicate branches in gold. The details shine with a high-gloss top coating. As the beauty editors of Elle magazine explain, jewel tones are coming back to nail trends as they add drama, but not overwhelmingly so- a fact that rings particularly true in this case.
To me, this manicure is a bottle of confidence in the polish. It is audacious, unashamed, and yet, sophisticated. I find myself using more gestures with my hands when I wear something like this- it is that little reminder that beauty rituals can change the way we carry ourselves into the season.
Burgundy Geometric Gold Elegance
This design is the final word in fall evenings when deep burgundy is the ideal background to geometric gold lines and delicate pearl accents. The matte finish enhances the richness of the color and the clean angular lines provide the nails a modern almost architectural elegance. It is daring, yet not obnoxious the type of manicure that immediately makes any fashion look more professional.
To achieve this appearance, I would turn to a long-lasting matte burgundy polish, such as OPI Malaga Wine, and use ultra-thin metallic striping tape, or a thin metallic gold foil polish, like Essie Good as Gold. The pearl accents are possible using small flat-back nail gems which can be purchased at most beauty stores. They provide the perfect contrast of the hard geometric edges with softness.
It is a simple process provided you have a steady hand. I would then use striping tape to outline the lines after the application of the burgundy base and then paint on the gold to create symmetry. The pearl down the center gives it a runway finish celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein has told us on numerous occasions that the balance between embellishment and negative space is the secret to a timeless manicure.
Personally, I love the way this design does not require overload with glitter or rhinestones to feel luxurious. When I am wearing something simple such as a black knit dress on a chilly evening, this manicure is the accessory. Less glitter and more form can be the greatest effect sometimes.
Autumn Leaves on Ivory
Fall leaves are magical, and this manicure embodies it with hand-painted accents in warm metallic hues. Copper and golden leaves appear to almost shine on the creamy ivory background, and each nail is a small work of fall art. It is comfortable and stylish simultaneously, such as strolling through the Central Park in October with a latte in your hand.
To nail this style (pun intended), I would use a milky ivory polish- Zoya has a good one called Snow White and apply metallic foils or stamping decals to represent the leaves. Copper, bronze and gold polishes such as China Glaze “Harvest Moon” add depth. In case you like shortcuts, there are great fall leaf decals online that can be coated with a gel top layer to make them last.
In my own house I would begin with two coats of ivory polish, and allow them to dry, and then foil-transfer adhesive or stamping patterns to the leaves. The final finishing touch of a glossy coat covers the artwork and gives the impression of falling leaves in a wet morning. Seasonal designs should feel wearable and not costume-like, which is the philosophy that nail pros such as Jin Soon Choi remind us of all the time.
I had a similar style last Thanksgiving and I noticed that it was a conversation starter. All wanted to see what was inside the leaves, nearly as though my nails were bringing a bit of autumn. And isn’t that the best of seasonal beauty to put the season on your fingertips?
Burgundy and Green Botanical Mix
This design combines two seasonal colors, burgundy and subdued forest green and then overprints them with golden leafy designs. The mix is bold and grounded, so it is an ideal style during the late fall into winter. The richness is softened by the matte finish and the botanical details make it whimsical.
The essentials? I would use dark burgundy and dark green polishes such as Essie polish in Bordeaux and Zoya polish in Hunter. In the case of the leaf patterns, a fine detail brush and a metallic polish such as Sally Hansen, Golden-I will work. Nail stamping kits are also a great choice in case hand-painting is too daunting.
The first step would be to alternate the base colors nail by nail and then to add the leafy motifs across the two colors carefully to create continuity. A matte topcoat is essential in this case; it changes the appearance to a glossy holiday to a low-key seasonal opulence. A matte finish, as celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec frequently tells us, is a cashmere sweater on your nails and she is correct.
I like this appearance as it makes me think of the multi-textured nature of fall clothing: wool coats, knit scarves, suede boots. It is not nail art, but a fashion accessory, which connects with all the other things I wear in this season.
Sage Green and Light Florals
The lower temperatures of the colder months can demand darker colors, but this manicure demonstrates that dulled greens with subtle floral linework can be equally seasonal. The neutral palette mixed with the sage green gradient is refreshing, and the rose-gold floral patterns are elegant, but not overwhelming.
In terms of materials, I would suggest a sage green polish such as the one by Olive and Junes, called Into the trees and a nude base such as the one by OPI, called Bubble Bath. The floral designs may be performed using rose-gold stamping foil or metallic liners. The trick to making it soft is to apply the designs in a thin layer to the point of floating upon the base color.
When I consider making this at home, I would begin with an ombre base- sponging the tips with sage green to a nude base. I would dry it and then lightly paint or stamp in the floral details, then apply a high-shine top coat. Pro tip of editorial nail artist Julie K: use a little polish on the brush when doing finer details; it is easier to add than to take away.
In my case, this design reminds me of early winter mornings when there is frost on the garden but there are still some small flowers on it. It is delicate, considerate, and classy the manicure that I would put on during a holiday brunch and not feel too fancy.
Midnight Black Golden Vines
Glossy black nails with gold vines are a sure way to say winter glamour. This is an unashamedly bold style and it feels like evening on your fingertips. The black background makes the design of the gold even more reflective and visible as jewelry would be. It is a party statement, but I would gladly wear it on a daily basis just to feel strong.
In order to recreate, I would begin with a jet-black lacquer like OPI Black Onyx and apply it with gold nail art stickers or foil. To be more exact, a fine-tipped brush and metallic gel paint such as Born Pretty Gold Gel provide a professional look. A top coat is glossy to make it as shiny and durable as possible.
This manicure is not that complex: two layers of black, the decals of the golden vine or hand-drawn lines and a sealant top. Its distinguishing feature is the shine the last glossy layer is essential. Nail artist Tom Bachik, who has worked with Jennifer Lopez, frequently stresses that red carpet situations can never go wrong with black and gold.
When I had an attempt to create such a design last December, I realized how it immediately lifted even my most basic outfits. Jeans and a sweater all of a sudden felt dressed up, simply because of my nails. It is the details that create the mood of the entire season sometimes.
Neutrals Rose Gold Touch Geometric
This is a manicure that is grace in a discreet manner. A dark taupe groundwork preconditions the appearance of geometric black lines creating a sharp and clean pattern. Rose gold foil accents and tiny beads, almost like the jewelry constructed into the design, are placed over each nail. It is contemporary and comfortable, so it can be used both in the office and at a party.
I would apply a creamy nude polish such as Essie Topless and Barefoot as the base and a fine striping brush to apply the black chevron lines. In the case of the metallic accents, rose gold nail foil or even chrome powder pressed on the gel polish is a miracle. The trick is to have the base matte to make the metallics shine.
I like the contrast here, black lines and fine rose gold detail. Celebrity manicurist Sarah Gibson Tuttle has remarked, that metallic elements immediately add to a minimalist design, and I believe that this set does just that.
I have had something like this with warm sweaters and the combination is heavenly. It is subtle enough to wear in everyday, yet on closer examination, it is like a secret luxury.
Dark Florals With Shiny Richness
This is a balanced polish of rich chocolate brown and soft floral over a sheer base. The flowers, defined in black with metallic rose petals, are the winter flowers that are under glass. The look is glued by a glossy finish that makes the dark shade even more prominent.
In the case of polishes, I would suggest a dark brown such as Espresso Your Inner Self by OPI, and a nude jelly shade to use as the base of the flowery. The flowers may be painted by hand or they may be stamped using stamping plates and completed with metallic pigments to provide a shininess. Here, a topcoat such as Seche Vite is required to be of high gloss.
It is not a quick task to work on floral details. Begin with the nude base and apply the petals in rose gold and outline them with black. A trick I’ve picked up? Better precision is achieved with a very fine nail art pen rather than a brush.
Dark florals in my personal opinion are sophisticated but romantic, particularly during winter. They match well with opulent materials such as velvet or satin, and they have that somber, fashionable feel that is so 2025.
Neutral Bronze Glitter Leaves on Neutral Tips
This manicure is a combination of soft and neutral pink bases and bronze glitter tops. The glitter sweeps into fine lines of leaves giving a blend of nature and glamour. It is lightweight enough to wear on a daily basis but reflects the light so well when you move your hands.
To reproduce it, I would use a sheer pink base such as Essie Ballet Slippers and then apply glitter tips using a bronze shade, such as Zoya Autumn Spark. The leaves can be outlined with a detailing brush in a soft brown polish to make the design look hand drawn.
The method is user friendly: paint a glitter French tip, then place the lines of the leaves on top. Celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein frequently points out that a simple leaf or branch design can instantly make a manicure look seasonal without being over the top.
This set is ideal to me during the transitional weeks between fall and winter. It is seasonal chic without screaming at you, and this is sometimes just what you need.
Dark Chocolate and Gold Drama
This is a manicure that is unashamed and unashamedly rich deep, shiny chocolate brown nails with molten gold spots. It is luxurious, nearly royal, molten metal on a black canvas. It is the type of design that makes you feel strong whenever you have a glimpse of your hands.
In the case of the base, I would recommend a deep brown gel polish like Bitter Sweet by Gelish, and topped with a high-gloss topcoat. The gold can be done using foil or metallic gel, which is done using a fine brush in irregular lines to resemble the veins of nature.
This appearance is most effective when you learn to live with the flaws there are no two gold streaks alike. Nail experts tend to stress the aesthetic of organic flow, and I fully support it. It is not so much about accuracy but drama.
I could not help but stare at my nails when I tried a similar look last year. They were luxurious, as putting on a velvet dress and gold jewelry. This ensemble is ready to go to a holiday party and it does not need any accessories.
Plaid Excellence With Small Sparkle
Plaid nails will never become outdated, yet this one is particularly contemporary. Stripes of taupe and chocolate brown are intersected by a nude base and lines of thin silver glitter provide just the right amount of sparkle to feel festive without being too much. It is comfortable, vintage, and infinite.
To remove this, begin with a beige nude such as Sally Hansen Bare It All, and apply striping tape or brushes to make clean lines of plaid using brown polish. The silver accents are provided by a fine glitter liner a kind of Mirrorball by Orly. Symmetry depends on patience, but it is worth it.
I have always believed that plaid nails are the best way of paying tribute to fall and winter fashion. Celebrity manicurist Miss Pop once remarked that nail art must feel like an extension of your outfit and this set does just that. It appears unbelievable in woolen coats, scarves, and leather gloves.
Personally, I would wear this during Thanksgiving or even during January, it can be used in any season, but it is always fashionable. And how wonderful it is when nails hold your entire outfit together?
Metallic Accent Rustic Elegance
This design is very grounded and yet there is a bit of shine that almost makes one think of entering a warm lodge with polished wood and flickering candles. The woodgrain-based nails create a rustic mood and the silver base with horsehoe and leaf motif creates a modern, playful touch. It is a manicure with tradition and trend.
In materials I would use a copper-brown gel on the wood pattern, overlaid with fine striping brushes to imitate the natural grain. The metallic silver foundation would be possible in colors such as Zoya, Trixie or Essie, No Place Like Chrome. Stamping plates or hand-painted gel polish would be perfect in the case of the horseshoe and leaf details.
At home I would make this one, alternating the woodgrain nails and the metallic accents, so that there would be a balance. The woodgrain trick is to allow your base to dry a little and then to run fine lines across to create texture. American nail professionals usually suggest gel pens to this type of accuracy- to make the process easier.
Personally, I would wear this during informal holiday parties where you would like to wear something different but still festive. It is special, memorable and bold enough to create a discussion.
Evergreen Snowflake Detail Sparkle
Deep green nails in winter are something that feel timeless. This design is plain but appealing with a glittering navy accent and a white snowflake. It makes me think of warm sweaters, snowy mornings, and the type of holiday mood that does not have to be loud to be experienced.
An opulent forest green polish such as the OPI “Stay Off the Lawn!!” works best here, and to make the navy glitter, Essie’s Aruba Blue or ILNP’s Navy Hollow would replicate the glitter. The snowflake is sharp and defined with a white stamping polish or nail art pen.
It is among the simplest designs to make at home: two layers of green paint, one or two glitter accents, and a snowflake stamped or painted carefully. The beauty editors of Allure consider minimalist winter nail design with one statement detail to be among the most powerful trends in 2025- it is stylish without being overly assertive.
I love how wearable this is. It is celebratory, but not limited to a particular holiday, and thus can be worn throughout the entire winter. It is the type of manicure that is equally as pretty with a hot cocoa in hand as it is with a glass of champagne on New Years Eve.
Animal Print Twist Golden Green
This is a manicure that is fun in the most appropriate manner: a blend of light sage green, glittering gold, and bright leopard spots. It is as though you are putting the comfort of low key sounds into a blender and adding a splash of wildness. Ideal to those of us who would like something more daring this season.
In order to do so, I would pick a green polish that is muted like Essies sage you love me and combine it with a metallic gold such as OPI gold key to the kingdom. In the case of the leopard print, a dotting tool and black polish can be used to form the flawed spots- since the charm of animal print is in its irregularity.
At home, I would suggest to paint all nails in green, and then add gold accents to one feature nail. The leopard may be freehanded or be done with decals to be precise. Nail artist Hang Nguyen has frequently described animal prints as a good alternative to making a bold statement with colors, and I couldn’t agree more.
I would use this design when I am spending the weekend in winter and want my nails to be fun and visible against the heavier clothes. It is jovial, surprising and simply quirky enough to make it interesting.
Lantern Glow Under Winter Skies
It is nail storytelling. The stage is a dark navy background with small stars and snow, with glowing lanterns illuminating the stage. It is playful, celebratory, and brings me back to winter nights when I was outside and light is even more magical.
In the case of colors, a dark navy gel base such as the Essie boy blazer- after school is ideal. Layering can be used to paint lanterns: orange and yellow gradients with black outlines. A sprinkle of white dots to make it look like snow and gold to make it look like stars make the look complete.
This is a slow process to recreate at home, but much easier with decals or water stickers. Nail experts tend to recommend using translucent colors to get light effects, and in this case it does just the trick to get that radiant lantern.
I believe that this manicure is a small winter wonder celebration. It is daring and creative, the type of design that I would wear in December when everything is brighter, colder, and a little more magical.
Holly Green and Gold Accents
Holly leaves and berries are the ultimate symbol of holiday and this manicure embodies the spirit. The gradient green tips with golden flecks make the nails have a dimension and the holly motifs provide that festive cheer without being overdone.
The best way to replicate this would be to apply a soft nude base such as Essie’s “Mademoiselle” and then apply a gradient of green with a sponge technique and colors such as OPI’s “Christmas Gone Plaid.” The holly leaves and berries can be added with a fine brush or decals and tiny red dots to make the detail. The look is sealed with gold foil flakes.
This design could be made simpler at home, by concentrating on the green gradient and only adding holly on one or two accent nails. The beauty editors of Harper Bazaar suggest that manicure concepts with a holiday theme are becoming more sophisticated, not cartoonish, more elegant and this is one such concept.
I would use this one to all holiday events, including informal family dinners and formal events. It is vintage seasonal but with modern stylish detailing. It is celebratory and yet not cliche, which makes it a favorite in my book.
With changing seasons, our nails are more than a detail, they are a reflection of mood, style, and the mini-rituals that make us feel inspired. Fall and winter 2025-2026 are all about the designs that are warm and creative at the same time. Be it bright in jewelry or more natural in neutrals, the trick is to find something that you will smile at when you look down at your hands.
Which of these styles do you want to start with? I would like to know tell me your favorite in the comments and keep the inspiration flowing.
