6 classy and simple winter nail colours that'll make your nails look expensive 'till spring

If there’s anything that’ll take the edge off shorter days, darker nights, and general midwinter malaise, it’s treating yourself to a classy winter nail colour.

Whether you're keen to follow the 2026 nail trends or just want a pick-me-up, there's something highly enjoyable, and dare we say mindful, about picking a lovely colour and adorning your nails with it.

While the likes of BIAB nails and pro gel manicures are a long-lasting luxury - one that this shade selection can inspire, too - budgets and busy schedules don't always allow for salon appointments. The darker days of winter are ideal for indulging in the simple pleasure of a DIY manicure. Set aside an evening, take some me-time, and try one of these simple winter nail colours for instant elegance and satisfaction.

What are the best nail colours for winter 2026?

As with any season, there are a few ways you can go in winter '26. According to Lynn Mason, in-house expert at Mavala, rich colour is king. “2026 is shaping up to be the year of short, healthy nails. And as nail shapes become simpler, we can expect self-expression to flourish through colour instead, with bold, deep hues." We agree - short, neat nails are the perfect canvas for saturated greens, blues, and forest fruit hues.

If neutral shades are more your thing, get inspired by the 2026 Golden Globes red carpet, where senior Mylee Ambassador, Tinu Bello, spotted countless A-listers wearing a nude look that she has dubbed princess nails. "Think sheer pinks, subtle shimmer, glazed finishes, and delicate embellishments like gems or pearls."

And if you prefer timeless nail polishes to following trends, our curated edit can provide the goods in that department too - from the perfect true red to a flatter-all winter hue inspired by your morning cuppa. Here are six simple and classy winter nail colours to try now.

1. Dark berries

If you want to embrace quiet luxury with expensive-looking nails, you can’t go wrong with forest fruit-inspired dark cherry red or blackberry hues. “Classic dark colours will always be trending,” says A-List manicurist Iram Shelton. “They’re so classy, and there is a shade for all skin tones. ”

2. Forest green

It’s always nice to take your nail inspiration from nature. Pistachio nails tend to be on the menu come springtime, so why not ease yourself into the green with forest and so-dark-they-could-be-black hues that wouldn’t look out of place on a woodland walk?

3. Navy blue

In fashion, you often hear the advice that navy makes for a softer alternative to black, and the same logic applies to your nails. With a wintry navy nail colour, you get intensity and depth of colour, but without going too gothic. It also feels a bit more fashion-forward than expected tones like deep red.

4. Hollywood red

Another classic winter nail colour that will never date is bright red. True, pillar-box hues are best here, as anything too orange, pink or coral-toned will feel like a step forward into summer nail colours. It’s also a good idea to keep your nails relatively short with this statement shade for a clean, modern look.

5. Princess neutrals

Don't be put off by the girlish name; this is simply neutral nails with a bit of extra pizzazz. Either pick a sheer pink or nude with a shimmer or chrome finish, or try a plain neutral, layered up with a pearly top coat or embellishments. Just like shapewear, tights, and lipstick, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to nude, but most brands have upped their offering for a range of skin tones.

6. Double espresso

Coffee really comes into its own during dark, cold mornings. Make ours a long black Americano, with an extra caffeine fix from our nail colour. This winter, they’re deeper and more luxurious than last summer’s latte nails. “We feel clients will be requesting darker shades this year, including rich browns and almost-black shades,” says Austinya Parnell-Raghnal, Senior Manicurist at Duck & Dry,

Iram Shelton

Iram Shelton is one of the UK's most in-demand nail artists. A star resident at the Bulgari Hotel in London, she was appointed as Global Ambassador for the world's leading nail brand OPI in July 2023.