Our Favorite Nail Polish Shades for Winter

By Southern Living Editors
Ulta

Southern winters can be tricky to predict. All Southern women know good and well that one day we’ll be bundled up in hats and gloves, and the next we’ll be bare-legged as if it were the middle of July. In turn, this means our nails better be prepared to be in the spotlight on any given day. 

The winter blues are all too real, but there’s nothing that perks us up like a fresh new update to our look. We know that the devil’s in the details, and Southern women are notorious for keeping themselves put-together at all times from our teased hair down to our perfectly polished toes. Around here, you’ll nary find an unpolished hand, or worse, chipped polish, so help our grandmothers.

Although our hearts will always be true to Ballet Slippers, we’re taking a little inspiration from the season among us and incorporating it into our winter beauty regimen. Whether you're aiming to make a statement with deep, vampy tones or prefer to stick to subtly smoky hues, these pretty winter nail colors will take your look from flat to festive in a cinch.

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Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

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“By Popular Vote” by OPI

OPI

We love this popular color for its crème finish and velvety undertones.

Buy It: $10; amazon.com

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2 of 21

“Chinchilly” by Essie

Essie

It’s no surprise why this sophisticated grey is one of Essie’s most popular colors. This shade is made perfect for winter with equal parts sleek and warmth.

Buy It: $9; amazon.com

3 of 21

“Bobbing for Baubles” by Essie

Essie

Tis’ the season for jewel tones, and we dare you to try this luxe dark navy polish.

Buy It: $9; amazon.com

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4 of 21

“Ruby Murray” by Butter London

Butter London

Everyone needs a staple red polish, and this vampy red is our go-to for this winter. Plus, we love its friendly formula!

Buy It: $15; amazon.com

5 of 21

“You Don’t Know Jacques!” by OPI

OPI

We don’t think a trusted shade of taupe will ever go out of style. This seasonal favorite is just as on-trend as ever.

Buy It: $10; amazon.com

6 of 21

“Buy Me a Cameo” by Essie

Essie

Think of your favorite frosted mocha in nail polish form. This shade has just enough sheen to effortlessly transition from everyday to holiday party in no time.

Buy It: $9; amazon.com

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7 of 21

“Marshmallow” by Essie

Ulta

Buy It: $9; ulta.com

Marshmallow has been part of the Essie lineup for decades because it’s just that good. This silky white isn’t too stark and makes for the dreamiest winter manicure if you don’t want to go dark.

8 of 21

“Love Hangover” by Deborah Lippmann

Nordstrom

Buy It: $20; nordstrom.com

This gray-purple is the perfect on-trend mauve. It will go with everything, and the price tag is worth it for a gel manicure that looks straight from the salon.

9 of 21

“Cashmere Bathrobe” by Essie

Ulta

Buy It: $9; ulta.com

This polish’s luxurious name matches it perfectly. Add a little shimmer (that still looks grown-up) to dark winter outfits.

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10 of 21

"Ghost Edit" by Smith & Cult

Neiman Marcus

Buy It: $18; neimanmarcus.com

Smith & Cult’s “Ghost Edit” has reached cult status as a holy grail nude. Its pale, pinky hue complements any skin tone. It will become your ultimate go-to.

11 of 21

"Lincoln Park After Dark" by OPI

Ulta

Buy It: $10.50; ulta.com

Depending on how many coats you add, this sultry shade can range from a deep eggplant to almost-black aubergine, and it’s perfect for winter weather.

12 of 21

“Bitter Buddhist” by Smith & Cult

Birchbox

Buy It: $18; birchbox.com

On first glance, this color might seem more fit for spring, but the opaque grayish-green is cool enough for a winter palette. It somehow manages to stand out while also going with any outfit you wear.

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13 of 21

“Fiction” by Chanel

Nordstrom

Buy It: $28; nordstrom.com

A deep emerald green is a diversion from classic red we’ll gladly take for the holiday season.

14 of 21

“Worth A Pretty Penne” by OPI

Ulta

Buy It: $10.50; ulta.com

This coppery polish has a shimmer that’s not too much. This shade leans rose gold rather than orange, so it’s softer than other copper shades.

15 of 21

"I'm My Own Hero" by Deborah Lippmann

Neiman Marcus

Buy It: $20; neimanmarcus.com

This dusty rose is the cool winter cousin to spring’s pale pinks, and it looks endlessly trendy with every outfit.

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16 of 21

"Linger Over Coffee" by OPI

Ulta

Buy It: $12.50; ulta.com

This java brown is part of OPI’s Infinite Shine Collection, which provides a high-shine, long-lasting mani from home. This brown has rosy undertones and is beautiful with a timeless winter wardrobe.

17 of 21

“Brill-Ant” by Londontown

Anthropologie

Buy It: $16; anthropologie.com

This isn’t your average rose-gold nail polish. This shimmery shade reads on the lavender-gray spectrum, so it’s the coolest shade for winter.

18 of 21

“Junon” by Dior

Neiman Marcus

Buy It: $27; neimanmarcus.com

This gorgeous powder blue-grey is inspired by the iconic “Junon” dress designed by Christian Dior.

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19 of 21

“Abyss” by JINsoon

Barneys

Buy It: $18; barneys.com

Get lost in this deep, dark blue that’s only for the daring.

20 of 21

"Exposed" by Essie

Ulta

Buy It: $9; ulta.com

This unique mossy green has khaki undertones, which makes it understated and not too green. It’s a new take on nude that we’re here for.

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