If you thought pedicures were a summer event only, we are here to make you rethink that with eight expert-approved pedicure colors that are perfect for winter.
While it is true that we get to show off our nail polish a lot more during the spring and summer, with open-toe shoes becoming the go-to, there’s something so special and intimate about a winter pedicure. You might not get to show it off as much, but looking at your painted toes even while cozying up at home has its charm. That’s not to say there won’t be chances to show off your pedicure: after all, the colder months are primetime for big gatherings and formal events, which often call for open-toed sandals and heels despite the cold creeping in.
Nail art is super personal, and we are more than used to seeing trending manicures all over our feeds as winter comes in — whether it’s a classic staple or holiday-themed. The good thing is you don’t have to go all out for your winter pedicures; simple nail colors to complement your mani (or not) are super trendy options.
If you are looking for the best pedicure colors for winter, we have tapped the experts to get you the definitive guide so you can work on your next pedi from the comfort of your home.
Meet the experts
- Ramon Duran, OPI mani crew member and nail artist
- Corey Weber, CND expert, Sola Salons beauty pro, and owner of TheNailBox.Inc
Winter pedicures FAQs
Are pedicures a no-go in the winter?
Some people see no point in having a pedicure for the winter, but we beg to differ — we all deserve some TLC, and pedicures are perfect for that.
“I think that pedicures matter year-round!” Duran tells Teen Vogue. “Feet tend to become dry and neglected while wearing closed-toe shoes in the winter. Keeping up your pedicure routine will have your nails healthy and feet feeling soft year-round. Plus, I think people still show their toes at yoga, pilates, travel, or holiday events, so you might as well be prepared. It's also nice that pedicures in the colder months tend to last longer since we're wearing socks and not in the sun or pool.”
What's the key to maintaining pedicures in the winter?
Pedicures tend to last longer than manicures as a whole, and DIY pedicures require a little maintenance to make them last well in good shape.
“If you're doing your toes at home during the season, then you need to start with a coat of OPI Infinite Shine Gel-like Base Coat, two thin color coats, and finish off with OPI Infinite Shine Gel-like Top Coat. I like to refresh the top coat weekly,” Duran says, though similar products also work.
To make sure the toes shine even brighter, hydration is key during the colder months. “I always recommend a good foot cream like OPI Nature Strong Nails & Skin to keep your feet smooth and hydrated,” Duran adds.
Top 10 best pedicure colors for winter:
Love it or hate it, the night arrives a little earlier during winter, providing the perfect inspo for the first trending shade: Midnight blue. “I am seeing a lot of inky blue and black colors trending right now, like CND Shellac Midnight Flight,” Weber shares. Whether you go for a solid shade or one with shimmer, dark blue is a safe bet these months. Duran also suggests OPI Nail Lacquer in Midnight Mantra, which he describes as “a dark navy that’s effortlessly chic and polished.”
If you want to channel even darker night vibes, both Weber and Duran pick OPI Nail Lacquer in Lincoln Park After Dark as a standout for the season. “It gives a deep plum tone that’s sultry and classic for cooler weather,” Duran adds. Plummy witchy shades like black cherry make for great autumnal choices, but if you want to go classic, black is always an option (and this editor’s favorite!)
If we tell you to think of a classic fall-winter landscape, your mind probably immediately conjures up fallen leaves, and that’s precisely why Weber shares that burnt oranges are one of the best nail colors for this season. Whether you go more terracotta or keep it more pumpkin spice is up to you. “Matte is also having a large moment with these nail art designs,” Weber shares, so make sure to add a topcoat if that’s your vibe.
Similarly, brick reds are also having a significant moment, Weber shares. Inspired by apple picking, CND Cherry Apple, which has deep blue-red undertones, is an option he favors. Brick tones are great “for more traditional looks,” Weber says, picking CND Books & Beaujolais or CND Maple Leaves as choices toeing the line between red and orange.
Milk nails have been having a major moment, and they don’t seem to be going away any time soon. Weber shares that shades like CND Negligee and OPI Hearts and Tarts will be massive this winter for those looking for a more minimalist, neutral pedicure in the pastel realm. Think pink so pale that it is almost white.
A take on a French tip mixing the two shades is also a good idea. “For something minimal but stylish, a micro French using OPI Nail Lacquer in Put It In Neutral as the base with a thin OPI Nail Lacquer in Alpine Snow tip adds a subtle, elevated touch for the season,” Duran says.
When we think of winter days, our mind immediately goes to cold weather, and cold weather means snow! If you want to fully tap into the winter wonderland vibes, don't sleep on white nail polishes. Beauty editor staple Funny Bunny is one of the most classic white shades, making it the perfect choice for winter nails. You can also go super pigmented and add some nail art on top if you want to get creative. If you want a more subtle take on white nail polish, opt for a sheer, shimmery finish.
Of course, it wouldn’t be the fall-winter season without brown. Mocha brown, espresso brown, chocolate brown… They are all reigning when it comes to winter nail trends, so draw inspo from your favorite seasonal beverage for your winter pedicure ideas.
“For fall-winter pedicures, OPI has the perfect lineup to match the cozy vibe of the season. OPI Nail Lacquer in Espresso Your Inner Self brings those rich latte vibes,” Duran says. Weber, on the other hand, suggests CND Arrowhead or Fedora for richer options if you like a darker pedi color.
A good in-between, bridging the gap between pinky pastels and coffee browns, is mauve. Weber says shades like CND Mulberry Tart or LeChat Grace are in. You can get a simple gel nail polish or opt for more intricate nail designs, adding a vampy twist with burgundy accents.
For those who want to extend the festive mood down to their toes, forest greens are a great choice. “OPI Nail Lacquer in Stay Off the Lawn!! delivers the ultimate forest green for a bold yet grounded look,” Duran says. You can go more forest or more pine, depending on how you like your toenails to look, but they’ll bring in a festive touch.
If you want the festive touch to be even bolder (and you want it to last beyond the holidays), then you can never go wrong with a red winter pedicure. A classic red nail polish works for Christmas, New Year's, and beyond. For a classic look, go for a high-shine polish like Essie's Forever Yummy. If you want to add a more modern flair, consider professional gel polish for a long-lasting pedicure and consider a cat-eye effect for a shimmery touch.
