Beauty
15 Pedicure Colors To Paint Your Toes This Winter 2024 Season
From low-key colors to sparkling shades.
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The days are getting shorter and the weather is getting chillier, which could only mean one thing: winter is coming. And especially when it comes to the ever-evolving beauty — and mani-pedi — trends, the go-to color palettes tend to shift with the season.
Fall is known to be all things toasty and spiced, with warm tones at an all-time high. Come winter, however, the overall vibe is a bit more dark, cool, and icy.
When it comes to winter-ready manicures, a lot of classic (and more unexpected) nail polish colors are already taking center stage, with shades of glossy black and milk chocolate brown a few buzzy colors of note. As for pedicures, of course there is a bit of overlap (because who doesn’t love a matching mani-pedi moment), though experts predict a few more colors that will reign.
For one, dark turquoise is sure to be a fave, while shades of vibrant cherry-inspired red will continue to be spotted on the toes of trendsetters.
Need a bit of inspo for the cold months to come? Here are 15 nail polish colors that are on-trend for winter 2024 pedicures, as shared by industry experts Amy Ling Lin, Michelle Nguyen, Mazz Hanna, Hannah Lee, Rachel Joseph, Elsbeth Schuetz, and Betina R. Goldstein.
Dark Academia Purple-Toned Gray
While spring and summer are very much associated with the cottagecore aesthetic, fall and winter are often met with those dark academia vibes.
Amy Ling Lin, the founder of sundays, shares an on-trend nail polish color that will bring the buzzy aesthetic to your next pedicure. “Smoky gray-purple shades are captivating the nail industry scene. This unique blend of muted purples and cool tones creates a mysterious and alluring vibe that’s perfect for the winter season.”
Midnight Black
ICYMI: Glossy black polish is taking over the current mani-pedi trends. Selena Gomez most recently painted her coffin-shaped nails the buzzy polish color, while Jennifer Lopez’s pedicure, seen here, also featured the trending shade.
Earth Tones
Throughout the fall months, dark chocolate and deep emerald hues have been trending, with A-listers like Hailey Bieber a total fan of the former.
As for this winter? Hannah Lee, a licensed manicurist and Sally Hansen Global Ambassador, says the buzzy shade will get lighter and earthier. “I've been seeing a lot of lighter browns and earth-toned greens. I think these will definitely stick around for winter.”
Shimmering Night Sky
This winter, midnight navy, pure black, and sultry burgundy shades with hints of glitter are a major green flag.
“Deep colors with hints of shimmer are something that I’m excited very excited to see,” Mazz Hanna, founder of Nailing Hollywood, shares with Bustle.
Shine-Free Finishes
While most wintertime pedis are topped with shine, Nguyen, founder of PLA, predicts that leather-inspired matte top coats will be huge for the months ahead.
“We predict that matte pedicures in shades such as dark brown, olive green, and black will make a comeback,” says Nguyen. “I personally love a matte white pedicure because the contrast of the white makes my skin appear tanner during those cold months.”
Sheer Naked Nails
Whether you prefer a naked nail moment with or without some subtle shimmer, Nguyen says that sheer toenail polishes with beige undertones are a vibe for winter 2024.
“These classic and sophisticated sheers and nudes are perfect for any skin tone or nail design, and we love them for French manis and pedis,” she says. “Layer them for more opaque, solid color or leave one coat for a translucent effect.”
Vibrant Cherry Red
Wearing PLA’s Gel Polish in Messy Business, Kylie Jenner recently declared that it’s red nail season. Other celebs were quick to follow suit, with Camila Cabello the most recent to adorn her toes in a cherry red polish shade.
Betina R. Goldstein, a Chanel nail artist who calls Margot Robbie a client, agrees that vibrant red nail polish shades aren’t going anywhere, naming the Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Incendiaire ($32) as her personal favorite.
Nguyen agrees, and predicts that many will opt to match their ruby red from tip to toe.
Romantic Rosy Reds
For quite some time now, red has reigned in the vibrant world of mani-pedis, with the “red nail theory” an example of the polish shade’s power. Though come winter, a more muted, rosy version the beloved hue is sure to take centerstage.
“‘Rose hip’ red — which [is reminiscent of dried flowers in certain] teas — is on-trend,” notes Elsbeth Schuetz, a manicurist and ORLY Brand Educator, explains.
Sheer Barbiecore Pink
While the Barbie movie hype was at its height in summer, the Barbiecore vibes are still coming in hot for winter, too.
“Semi-sheer pink is another standout trend that’s perfect for winter,” says Lin. “These subtle, elegant shades provide a touch of femininity and class.”
“Frosted” Blue Chrome
Baby blue metallic polish is a sure-fire way to nail those frosted vibes.
“As far as an unexpected winter nail color, I'd love the light pastels to stick around,” exclaims Rachel Joseph, a Nailing Hollywood nail artist. “I'm sure blue pastel with chrome will be around all winter as well to give a frosty snowy look.”
Futuristic Pastels
Following Bella Hadid’s lead, try a digital lavender pedi for the winter SZN ahead. “I think metallic pastels are going to be an unexpected winter trend,” Lee tells Bustle. “These would definitely be a fun twist for a pedicure color.”
Stormy Sea Green
If you’re a fan of color, prepare to meet your new favorite winter shade. “I have been seeing deep turquoise everywhere this fall,” Hanna says. “Given its versatility, I expect these to continue to be on trend through the winter.”
Major Metallic Toes
With countless celebs a fan of chrome nails — including Beyoncé, Cardi B, and Dua Lipa, Hanna says that the shade is perfect for winter pedicures, too. “I am loving the chrome polish look. My absolute favorite for this right now is Dior Mirror.”
Sultry Scarlet
Vibrant cherry red shades are truly having their main character moment — though the winter 2024 trends predict a deeper iteration of the fave pick.
“Deep, dark reds have been everywhere,” notes Lin. “Shades like Sundays No. 17 are an absolute must-try [as it] brings a touch of sophistication and warmth to your winter look, making them an ideal choice for those holiday gatherings this winter.”
Glittering White Snow
Craving a pedi that serves big après ski energy? “Shimmery whites not only capture the glistening essence of snow, but also add a hint of glamor to your toes,” explains Lin. “They’re versatile and can complement a variety of winter outfits, from cozy sweaters to elegant evening wear.”
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