Popular Nail Polish Colors for Every Month in 2021

By Southern Living Editors
December 06, 2018
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Credit: Westend61/Getty Images

With the start of a New Year comes the inevitable desire to freshen things up, whether it be your closet, workout class, or beauty routine. An easy switch? Going into each month of 2021 wearing a fresh manicure that fits the bill. 

Consider this list of 2021 nail colors as a mood board to match every month, from jewel tones in the winter to new takes on classic nude for spring to bright citrusy hues for summertime. It'a your perfect excuse to make a trip to the nail salon and treat yourself every month.

A new year means it’s time for some changes, and these are the best nail colors if you’re considering switching up from your usual go-tos. Here are 12 popular nail polish colors to make every manicure of 2021 something special. 

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January: Moody Blue

Credit: Essie

Favorite Shade: Essie 'Caviar Bar'

Start 2021 off on a bold note with this classic creamy navy. If you’ve been going hard on the bright holiday red and New Year’s sparkle, this is just the wintry antidote.

BUY IT: $11.50; amazon.com

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February: Ruby Red

Credit: Chanel

Favorite Shade: Chanel 'Pirate'

Chanel knows how to master a magnetic red, and this shade is robust and rich without being too bright to wear during the tail end of winter. Plus, Valentine’s Day calls for a romantic hue, no?

BUY IT: $28; nordstrom.com

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March: Toasted Nude

Credit: OPI

Favorite Shade: OPI 'Icelanded a Bottle of OPI'

We’re about finished with the vampy colors by the time March is in full swing. Nurse your growing winter blues with a super opaque toasted nude. It will start warming up those digits for spring.

BUY IT: $10.50; amazon.com

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April: Pretty Periwinkle

Favorite Shade: Smith & Cult 'Exit the Void'

April is when we are officially *so* over all things cold and wintry, and this periwinkle blue is the cutest way to coax the beginnings of a warm Southern spring to come just a little earlier. 

BUY IT: $14.99; walmart.com

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May: Peach Tones

Credit: Essie

Favorite Shade: Nails Inc. Kiss My Peach Duo

Keep things peachy in May with this adorable duo. Paint all of your nails one of the two colors—we’re thinking baby peach!—and accentuate with a statement nail in tangerine orange.

BUY IT: $15; sephora.com

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June: Blush Pink

Credit: Olive & June

Favorite Shade: Olive & June 'GH' 

Because you’ll need a trusty color that will work for all of those June outdoor weddings...

We love this baby pink because it goes on perfectly opaque and creamy—no streaks or see-through spots allowed! Plus, it’ll bring out your early summer tan.

BUY IT: $8; oliveandjune.com

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July: Tomato Red

Credit: Nordstrom

Favorite Shade: Deborah Lippmann 'It's Raining Men'

Give your manicure a patriotic makeover that also matches that scorching summer heat. Zany and bright, this tomato red will see you through the dog days of July.

BUY IT: $20; nordstrom.com

8 of 12

August: Muted Neutral

Credit: Nordstrom

Favorite Shade: Base Coat 'Myth'

It might still be hot outside, but we’re starting to itch for fall come August. Play both sides with a dusty purple that isn’t too summery nor autumnal.

BUY IT: $18; nordstrom.com

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September: Camo Green

Credit: OPI

Favorite Shade: OPI 'Things I’ve Seen in Aber-green'

As far as we’re concerned, September means all things fall—and that starts with a moody mani. This dark forest green from OPI’s Scotland Collection has fan-fave written all over it.

BUY IT: $10.50; walmart.com

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October: Vampy Purple

Credit: Amazon

Favorite Shade: Revlon 'Heartbreaker'

Something wicked this way comes…

Cap off spooky season with this dark plum color. It’s just the vibrant refresh to try if you’re fatigued on Lincoln Park After Dark.

BUY IT: $7.99; amazon.com

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November: Pumpkin Spice

Credit: Essie

Favorite Shade: Essie 'Rocky Rose'

We’re all about an autumnal burnt orange, and this color is wonderfully warm and spiced. It’ll look just charming in your pumpkin patch picture.

BUY IT: $9; target.com

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December: Holiday Red

Credit: OPI

Favorite Shade: OPI 'Red-y For the Holidays'

A standout from OPI’s holiday collection, this rich Christmas red is basically like wearing a bright cranberry on every finger. It’s the most festive choice for the holiday season.

BUY IT: $10.50; amazon.com

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