As the excitement of New Year’s celebrations fades, January can feel like a prolonged winter wonderland. But fear not! With a few simple tricks, you can turn this chilliest month into a vibrant and fun experience. One easy way to boost your mood is by giving yourself a fresh manicure with a bold new nail polish color.
January’s trending colors lean towards warm and cozy shades like pinks, purples, and browns. You could also opt for brighter hues or darker navy blues/black for a dramatic look.
I personally prefer cheerful and uplifting colors that reflect the month’s optimistic vibe.
If you’re curious about the best nail polish colors for winter, I’ve got you covered in this post.
Below are my top picks of trending January nail colors, each paired with cute winter outfit ideas featuring sweaters. Why not dress to impress and brighten up your day?
10 Best January Nail Colors to Wear Right Now
As we enter a new year, it’s time to blast off into a fresh beauty routine. And what better way to start than with a stunning new manicure? Our top picks for January’s hottest nail polish colors are ready to launch – let’s take off and explore the best shades together!
Metallic Light Pink
Imagine slipping into the warmth of winter with OPI’s Snowfalling for You, a stunning shiny pink nail polish that exudes cozy charm. As the snowflakes gently fall outside, this vibrant hue adds a pop of color to your winter wonderland. For a chic outfit idea in January, why not pair Snowfalling for You with a light blue suede jacket, like the Allegra K Moto Jacket, for a beautiful contrast that’s sure to turn heads?
The perfect combination of cold-weather style and nail art inspiration, OPI’s Snowfalling for You is a must-have for any winter fashionista.
Light Baby Pink
When it comes to choosing the perfect OPI shade for a cold January night, ‘Let’s Just Be Friends’ is an excellent option. This soft, baby pink hue exudes warmth and coziness, making it a great choice for a winter evening. If you’re looking to create a cute outfit with this nail polish, consider pairing it with a white sweater dress and light brown booties for a chic and effortless look. The combination of the pale pink nails and crisp white dress is perfect for a wintery ensemble.
For more inspiration on what to wear with dresses, check out our article ‘The Best Booties to Wear with Dresses’.
Purple Taupe
For those seeking the perfect January nail polish shade, look no further than OPI’s Taupe-Less Beach. This understated yet elegant combination of light grey and lavender hues is a versatile choice that can be paired with just about anything. Its professional tone makes it an excellent option for the winter season.
When it comes to styling this neutral gray nail polish, consider combining it with a cozy cream sweater like the ZESICA Women’s Turtleneck Sweater, topped off with a bold red lip gloss for a chic and sophisticated look.
Winter White
As the snow falls gently in Los Angeles, OPI’s Snow Day In LA is the perfect nail polish to add a touch of winter wonderland to your look. This crisp white shade is reminiscent of fresh fallen snow and can be worn alone or layered with other colors for a unique effect. For a fun and festive date night outfit, pair this polish with a bold floral red dress like UGUEST’s Long Sleeve V Neck Dress, creating a striking contrast that’s sure to turn heads.
Sparkly Gray
For a stylish and seasonal look, consider pairing the Essie ‘Go With The Flowy’ snowy gray nail polish with a matching gray sweater and jeans. This cozy combination is perfect for winter or fall, and the subtle sparkle in the polish adds a touch of elegance to the overall outfit. If you’re looking for a similar sweater, ANRABESS Women’s Turtleneck is a great option to consider.
Soft Brown
The Smith & Cult ‘Mannequin Moves’ collection offers a stunning array of shades, and one particular color stands out as a perfect accompaniment to January’s winter wonderland. This light brown nail polish is a rich, earthy hue that exudes warmth and coziness, making it an ideal choice for the colder months. To take your winter style to the next level, consider pairing this polish with a sultry off-the-shoulder light blue sweater and distressed denim jeans.
For added elegance, try layering over a ZCSIA Long Sleeve Wrap V Neck top.
Dark Dramatic Brown
The essence of winter’s chill is captured perfectly by Essie’s Good Knight nail polish, a rich dark brown hue that evokes memories of sipping hot coffee on a cold January morning. When paired with complementary colors like dark green or white, this shade truly shines. Imagine teaming it with a cozy sweater dress and a pair of boots for a stylish winter outfit. In fact, I own the v28 Sweater Dress in both red and cream – its warm, body-hugging fit makes it a perfect choice for the colder months.
Pretty in Peachy Pink
Step into the world of royalty with Essie’s ‘Princess Charming’ light pink nail polish. As the winter blues set in, this enchanting shade will transport you to a fairytale realm where all that matters is the warmth and comfort of being surrounded by loved ones.
Stylish Outfit Idea for January
Create a chic winter look by pairing a black sweater dress with understated yet elegant accessories. Start with the dress, which can be a Mansy Women’s Sexy Cocktail Dress from Amazon. Next, add some subtle pops of color with light pink nail polish and glossy lipstick for a sophisticated finish. Hoop earrings provide a playful touch without overwhelming the overall look. If you’re braving the cold, consider layering sheer black tights under your dress to stay cozy and stylish.
Bold Red
When the gloomy January weather sets in, why not add a pop of color to brighten things up? Essie’s Bubbles Only nail polish is the perfect solution – its vibrant red hue is sure to make a statement. To really let your nails shine, try pairing this bold shade with a cozy white sweater and black leggings. The contrast between the soft, casual outfit and the striking red polish will create a chic and eye-catching look.
Sparkly Pink
I have a soft spot for the Smith & Cult’s ‘Ceremony of Secrets’ nail polish, which boasts a mesmerizing combination of sparkly pink and rose gold hues. When winter rolls around, I like to get cozy at home by pairing this polish with a fun loungewear outfit. For instance, you can’t go wrong with the PRETTYGARDEN Tie Dye Two Piece Pajamas Set – its playful design perfectly complements the polish’s whimsical charm.
FAQs about Winter Nail Trends
What nail colors are in for January 2022?
When it comes to choosing the perfect January nails, some swear by a palette that includes light grey, navy blue, dark green, and subtle pops of pink and purple. However, I’m a firm believer that the best nail colors for this month are a harmonious blend of soft pinks, shimmering pastel hues, and deep, rich purples and browns. The result is a look that’s both understatedly elegant and effortlessly on-trend.
What’s the #1 best color for January nails?
While I have a soft spot for many nail polish colors, my top pick for January nails is undoubtedly sparkly gray. What makes this color so unique is that it’s perfect for embracing the monochromatic tones of winter without feeling too bold. In fact, light gray has become the go-to nude color for the season, providing a stylish alternative to traditional pink or beige hues.
Should I wear a dark nail polish or a light nail polish for January nails?
Whether you prefer bold and dark or soft and subtle, January presents the perfect opportunity to experiment with your favorite nail polish hues. While fall’s warm tones typically feature rich browns and deep reds, the colder months bring a natural inclination towards darker, more dramatic colors. If you’re in the mood for something edgy, consider embracing a dark polish for the winter season.
On the other hand, if you prefer to keep things light and playful, January is an excellent time to opt for a lighter shade. I’m particularly fond of wearing white or soft pinks during this time, as they add a touch of whimsy to your overall look.
What brands have the best nail polish colors for January?
When it comes to January nails, Essie offers a range of fantastic colors. Among my favorites is their signature red hue. For a more classic approach, OPI is always a reliable choice. Additionally, Smith & Cult provides a variety of metallic and shimmery options that are sure to impress. If you’re a Target shopper, don’t overlook Olive & June’s fun and vibrant color palette.
Can I wear Christmas nail polish colors in January?
While many may assume that Christmas-themed nail polish colors should be retired come January, the truth is you can absolutely still wear them. In fact, dark green and bright red are two of the most popular nail polish colors for the month, making it perfectly fine to keep your current polish in place if it’s not showing signs of chipping.
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