23+ Stunning Short Winter Nail Designs For 2025
Looking for the prettiest short winter nail designs to get in 2025? I’ve got you! This post is all about trendy and cute short winter nail designs that are too pretty to not copy!
Winter is finally here, which means that it’s time to switch up your nail game from fall designs to wintry ones!
There are so many winter nail designs currently taking over social media, but sometimes it can be hard to find the perfect nail inspo, especially when you’re a short nail girly!
That is why today’s post will be all about short winter nail designs and winter nail colors perfect for the lovers of all things short nails.
What Nail Shape is Ideal for Shorter Nails?
Choosing the right nail shade is key when it comes to short nails. The ideal nail shape for shorter nails should enhance their appearance and make them look longer but without straying from the overall style you’re trying to go for.
A square shape will give your short nails a modern, polished look which is perfect for a minimalist, professional appearance. On the other hand, if you have a bit of length to work with, the almond shape will be perfect because it makes your nails appear more elongated and elegant.
But if you want the best of both worlds, you can give the squoval nail shape a chance!
What is the Best Nail Color for Winter?
Every nail color can be the best nail color for winter depending on your preferences and the vibe you’re trying to go for. But there are some nail colors that are always popular during winter. Blue shades such as baby blue, dark blue, and navy blue are perfect for the winter season because they match that frosty cool winter aesthetic.
On the other hand, rich jewel tones such as emerald green and ruby red are guaranteed to slay during winter, especially when paired with metallic colors such as silver and gold because the combination gives off that holiday season celebratory vibe.
Also, white is a great nail color choice for winter not only because it resembles snow but also because white nails tend to have that clean, elegant look most people love.
Related Post: 24 Cute Winter Nail Design Ideas You’ll Fall in Love With
What is the Winter Trend in Nails?
According to experts, the winter nail trend will be all about soft, more natural looking nail shapes such as simple almond nails rather than dramatic nail shapes, which means that clean girl nails will still be taking over the feed. Also, expect to see more 3D elements, deep blue shades, and glass nails.
23+ Gorgeous Short Winter Nail Designs For 2025
1. Simple Iridescent Short Winter Nails
Credit: truebeautybycarrie
Simple nails are perfect for the girlies who want to achieve that classy and elegant look on their nails. Most people usually think of a nude base with minimal designs when they hear simple nails, but there’s a lot of ways to add a bit of something to your nails without taking away from the simple and clean effect. These iridescent nails with asymmetrical snowflakes is the perfect example of simple nails that are not boring. They are simply out of this world and the design is guaranteed to look phenomenal on short nails.
2. Blue Sparkly Tips
Credit: truebeautybycarrie
Snowflake designs are absolutely a must when it comes to winter nail designs, but the magic lies in what you pair with the snowflakes. French tips are one of the most popular nail designs, but you can give them a wintry vibe by making them sparkly and going for a winter appropriate nail color like moody blue, deep turquoise, or silver. This nail design would also work perfectly for short square nails, so if you always go for the square shape definitely give this design a try.
3. Short Winter Gradient Nails
Credit: @bycheznails
What’s a better way to elevate simple gradient nails than with some subtle sparkle?! These grey and purple shades scream winter on their own in the best way possible, but it’s their combination that truly makes the nails stand out. You can also choose different winter hues that have a similar vibe and create the most stunning gradient look on your short nails. And don’t forget to add a sparkly top coat for that extra shine we all love.
4. Snowy Tips
Credit: bycheznails
We can’t forget about white as it’s the color most people imagine when they think of winter. These sweet gradient nails are way too cute to not recreate this winter. This look can be achieved by combining two different colors, one that is white and another that is neutral to create the perfect gradient effect. To get the perfect transition from white to neutral, use a nail art sponge.
5. Deep Blue Chrome Winter Nails
Credit: @thenaillologist
Deep blue is another color you should consider painting your nails this winter. There’s just something about this hue that matches the gloomy winter vibe. Pair it with two accent nails to break the pattern and make your nails pop even more. I love how the glazed finish of the accent nails is topped with snowflake designs.
6. Short Square Winter Nail Designs
Credit: @by_hannahtaylor
If you’re on the hunt for dark winter nail designs, this short nail inspo is for you! This nail design is like a combination of starry nights with snowflakes, which is probably the best combo ever! Also, can we take a moment to appreciate the sparkly slanted tips?! They are truly stunning and a beautiful take on the classic.
7. Metallic Red Short Winter Nails
Credit: @gelsbybry
These red metallic nails are so freaking cute and perfect for Christmas season and beyond. The metallic finish makes these nails perfect for any holiday party. This is one of those nail colors that turn any design into an elegant one. Wear this color without any intricate design or combine it with French tips and snowflakes on accent nails to make it work all winter long.
8. Short Cream Nail Inspo
Credit: @nailsbypaulin
For lovers of the clean girl aesthetic, this winter mani is a must-save for your next nail appointment. The cream shades really play into that clean girl nail trend and looks even more phenomenal on a short nail length. Add some 3D accents and play with different textures to make these nails steal the show this winter.
9. Swirl Designs
Credit: @nailsbypaulin
No matter the season or occasion, a good swirl design always does its thing! This simple nail design features minimalist swirly lines in navy blue and white. To spice things up a bit more, you can do an allover coat of the navy blue but with a sparkly finish. This one is specifically for the girlies who are on the hunt for elegant winter nail ideas.
10. Simple Short Winter Nails
Credit: @napaznokciach
These simple snowflake nails are so dreamy that you can’t help but gasp at the sight of them. A neutral base featuring simple white designs in a matte finish is something I didn’t know I needed until I saw these nails. This is the kind of nail design that’s perfect for those cozy winter days. You don’t have to copy this design to a T, you can also take the main idea and add your own favorite designs. For example on one of the accent nails, you can do hearts to match the Valentine’s Day heart nail trend.
Related Post: 24 Cute Heart Nail Designs to Try for Valentine’s Day
11. Add a Bit More Color
Credit: @napaznokciach
These nails are giving major “I can’t wait for spring” vibes and I’m so here for it. Most of us tend to avoid colors that are a bit more colorful during winter, but I believe that breaking those traditional rules from time to time can create the most beautiful and unique nail designs. Like if you think about it, you can even use non traditional winter nail colors to create a winter nail design. Such nail designs would be truly perfect for transitioning from winter to spring.
12. Brown Winter Nail Design
Credit: @napaznokciach
Here is another mani that breaks traditional nail art rules! Who said brown is only for fall?! With some snowflake and glittery polish, you can turn any nail color into a winter perfect mani masterpiece. Also, slanted tips with white accents is a super cute design but mixing it up with an allover coat on two accent nails really makes the combination interesting.
13. Short Light Blue Winter Nails
Credit: @nailsbypaulin
Blue is such a popular winter nail color and there are so many options when it comes to blue winter nail designs. You can combine it with other winter colors like silver and white to create a captivating nail design for your short nails this winter. I absolutely love the way these nails transition from silver to silver and light blue, and finally, turn into pure light blue! This is something you can play around with on your nails this winter.
14. Short Blue Winter Nails
Credit: @nailsbypaulin
If you want your nails to give major blue vibes this winter, this nail design is a must-save! The nail design itself is simple but it works perfectly because the bright blue polish takes most of the attention. This is something to be mindful of when you go for ultra-bright nail colors, as complicated designs would practically be competing with the nail color which will create an overwhelming end result. Always try to find the perfect balance between your nail color and design.
Related Post: 37 Frosty Blue Winter Nails You’ll Want to Screenshot
15. Black Winter Nails
Credit: @metdaan.nails
Black winter nails are a great choice because they will most likely suit your winter wardrobe. The sparkly black tips on these nails elevate the traditional black nail color and give off the vibe of a starry night. Also, can we talk about those sparkly black snowflakes? They are truly such beauties and add a bit more something to the mani to make it shine even more.
16. White French Tip Winter Nails
Credit: @magdula.es
These nails combine elegance and seasonal charm, making them the perfect choice for winter season. They feature a super light grey base with a shimmery finish, topped with white snowflake designs and French tips. The white French tips bring in that timeless sophistication, while the snowflake designs tie everything together into a winter theme.
17. 3D Effect
Credit: @magdula.es
For your winter nails, don’t be afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone. You can try different combinations to create the most “YOU” nail design. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to come up with the most unique nails ever! This combination of a regular glossy finish and 3D sugar effect is great because the design plays around with different textures.
18. Red Winter Nails
Credit: @magdula.es
Is it even winter nails if the red color is not involved? These short red winter nails would be perfect for Christmas but they would also work perfectly beyond the holiday season. Valentine’s Day nails usually feature heart designs, but you can get Valentine’s Day ready by swapping the hearts with snowflakes. Some people also generally love red nails because they give off those classy old money vibe. If that sounds like you, this is a nail design you can wear all winter long and still not get tired of it.
19. Velvets Tips – Short Winter Nail Designs 2025
Credit: @nailsbyalsn
You can’t help but obsess over these shimmery French tip nails. They are very simple but the magic is in GELCARE’s “Midnight Velvet” shade. These nails are another proof that you don’t have to go for super intricate designs to achieve a phenomenal mani! If you’re not big on nail designs but still want to participate in the winter nail trend, go for something like this. Also, the beauty of these nails is that you can wear them all year long since they don’t have insane wintry elements.
20. Short Green Winter Nail Design
Credit: @thenaillologist
Wintery green nails are a thing and that’s what @thenaillologist proved with these nails. If you’re tired of the typical forest green nails this winter, try something like this that features trendy elements. I’m in love with the combination of the aura nail trend and the 3D nail trend. And mixing it up with two French tip accent nails makes these nails stand out even more.
21. Icy Blue Nail Design for Winter
Credit: @nailsbyalsn
For the girlies who are not big on nail art, here is another winter nail idea for you! Something as simple as glossy light blue nails is all you need. This nail design would also be perfect for those who want to take a break from nail designs. The beauty of such simple nails is that you can easily achieve them from home too, which is a huge plus especially when you’re trying to cut down the amount of money you spend on getting nails done. To recreate these nails, use DND Gel’s 097 Summer Fuji shade.
22. Minimalist Short Winter Nail Designs
Credit: @nailsbyalsn
Now if you’re someone looking to dip your toes into the nail design world, start with something like this. A white allover coat with one accent nail featuring simplistic elements. Also, if you’ve been wanting to try the “old money nails” trend, this would be the perfect start. Old money nails are usually short with simple designs to play into that elegant and classy aesthetic that aligns with the old money lifestyle.
23. Love Season Short Nail Inspo
Credit: @amanda.sudolll
Now this is a nail design that perfectly combines winter and Valentine’s Day elements. Sometimes it feels like you can’t choose between two designs, and when that happens, I always say combine both of them. These nails are legitimately top tier because they also feature the gradient design, and plays around with different textures. Combine that with the cutesy hearts in a light purple shade, and you’ve got yourself a winning mani for Valentine’s Day season.
24. Glitter Magic
Credit: @napaznokciach
New Year’s Eve is about to be extra glam with these white and gold nails. NYE nails usually have such strong gold elements that might scare off a lot of people, but these nails are done is such an elegant way that even someone who isn’t big on designs will fall in love with them. Keeping everything simple and letting the nude base take center stage really helps keep everything at a minimal level which makes the end result classy rather than tacky.
Conclusion
This post showed you 24 short winter nail designs perfect for all the lovers of short nails! Which one of these short winter nails are you excited to try this year? Let me know in the comments down below!
Read Also:
24 Cute Winter Nail Design Ideas You’ll Fall in Love With
37 Frosty Blue Winter Nails You’ll Want to Screenshot
