We may earn commission from links on this page. Each product featured has been vetted and chosen by our editors.
As the holidays come barrelling around the corner (where did the year go?), it’s time to refresh your nail look. And if you want an expensive-looking nail shade for the season, you need this curated guide. Keep scrolling to see our favorites.
How to Find an Expensive-Looking Nail Shade
Winter Neutrals to Write Home About
If there’s one thing we know about the “old money” look, it’s that neutrals are a girl’s best friend. As the season changes, turn towards creams and camel shades to compliment your cozy attire. And with trending espresso brown looks still all the rage, consider going for a deep, dark brown to ground your look.
Swap Your Jewel Tone for a Deeper Version
The holidays are all about those big, bright colors. Jewel tones dominate the season, with ruby reds and emerald greens at the top of the mind. But sometimes, these bold colors don’t read as “expensive” as a nail shade.
This year, we’ve seen a big surge in deep, moody takes on our favorite colors, with more burgundies than red and more navy blues than baby blues. And it’s no coincidence that these shades tend to communicate a more rich girl vibe. For the winter season, we expect to see expensive-looking nail shades in deep forest greens and red wine shades to take this year-long trend to the holiday space.
Magnetic Metallics
Alongside jewel tones, precious metals also have their day in winter. From Hanukkah’s gorgeous silver to Christmas gold, these colors are everywhere during the holidays. And you might be tempted to reach for a silver or gold polish to match the festive atmosphere. Just consider the texture and finish if you want this look to read as expensive-looking.
Chunky glitters and super-reflective glossy coats can give these looks a less-than-expensive vibe. In their place, consider a magnetic polish that provides a shimmery depth to your gold or silver. Not only are velvet magnetic nails super trendy right now, but they also provide the ideal amount of glow for your winter nails.
Our Favorite Expensive-Looking Nail Shades for Winter
1 / 13
This rich, deep red is inspired by blackberries, but it’s also the perfect winter holiday red. Distinctly rouge with an expensive, moody tone, this will have your nails looking ready for the season.
2 / 13
If you’re looking for a slightly bolder red, consider this gorgeous ruby tone from Hermès. This color is more jewel-toned but not so bright as to compete with any holiday decorations or gift wrap.
3 / 13
When navy blue hit our radar as a fall color, thanks to Hailey Bieber, we knew there would be a winter variant that caught our eye. Nearly black and with just enough blue to make a statement, this dark tone just screams rich girl holiday.
4 / 13
A gorgeous brown, this cool-toned shade is a beautiful take on the trendy chocolate nails we’ve seen this year. This upscale neutral will complement any cozy winter look.
5 / 13
If there’s a winter neutral we can’t get enough of, it’s camel. The rich, warm and cozy tone is the ideal expensive-looking nail shade for the season.
6 / 13
For a winter wonderland that looks ski resort-appropriate, try this beautiful silver magnetic polish. Layer on its own for a snow-swept look, or top your favorite polish to add a shimmery depth.
7 / 13
We love this shade for sweater season; there’s something so cozy about this nearly black deep green. It’s got Christmas tree vibes!
8 / 13
We think of this shade as a more neutral holiday green. Rich and inviting, this hunter green is an ideal rich girl shade for winter.
9 / 13
Winter neutrals are all about creamy, cozy colors. This light beige reminds us of the perfect latte.
10 / 13
The holidays aren’t just about red and green. We’d argue that royal purple, eggplant and plum are all perfect winter shades. Just look at this gorgeous aubergine!
11 / 13
This warm neutral is a step between cream and coffee, with a soft, sheer hue to complement any winter look.
12 / 13
This champagne gold has the perfect amount of dimension to easily go from day-to-holiday-party.
13 / 13
This magnetic gold polish allows you to easily create the trendy velvet nails look, or add a bit of flare with a cat-eye detail.
