While most parts of my beauty routine stay pretty consistent (I reach for the same lip liner and gloss almost every day—yes, I’m that basic girl), there’s one part I love to switch up regularly: my manicure. I’m newly loyal to the classic almond nail shape; it’s timeless, flattering, and effortlessly chic. When it comes to colors and designs? I’m all about experimenting. I consider my nails to be one of my favorite accessories, and I love it when my manicure complements whatever I’m wearing. And now that sweater weather has officially arrived, I’ve been searching for fresh almond nail ideas that feel perfect for the winter season.
To help inspire my next look (and yours), I tapped a few celebrity manicurists for their expert takes on what’s trending. “Almond-shaped nails have been around for decades, and they’re flattering on every nail and hand shape. It’s a classic look that elongates the fingers beautifully,” says celebrity manicurist and Kiss Nails brand ambassador Julie Kandalec. She adds that you can also experiment with the length, ranging from short to medium to long nails, making it one of the most versatile nail shapes available.
When it comes to color, celebrity nail artist Stephanie Stone is all about jewel tones this time of year. “I recommend trying a deep red, cherry mocha, or burgundy shade. Dark cherry is having another moment, and it’s such a beautiful, rich color,” she says.
So, whether you prefer deep, moody tones or subtle neutral colors with a modern twist, I’ve rounded up 21 stunning almond nail ideas to match every mood. Ahead, find the cutest nail looks to inspire your next salon visit or DIY manicure.
Animal Print Mash Up
This nail look is so classy and playful, I had to include it on this list. Plus, it’s approved by one of my favorite nail experts, too. “Animal print nail designs paired with cat eye and some textured nail art is a great combination for a fun look,” says Jacqueline Pham, celebrity manicurist for Color Street.
Winter Florals
Who says flowers are just for spring? I love bringing florals into fall and winter, whether it’s in my home decor or on my nails. To get this look, paint your tips with a copper-gold polish, then add leaf nail stickers for a seasonal touch. And don’t hold back, the more you layer, the prettier it gets!
Black and White Polka Dots
Polka dots are a major trend this year, and it’s easy to see why. They’re fun, eye-catching, and give off a throwback retro vibe. So why not bring that energy to your nails? This manicure effectively utilizes negative space and playful, abstract shapes. Plus, the pop of silver chrome on the pinky adds a modern twist.
Orange Ombré
Say yes to pumpkin spice lattes and yes to these gorgeous, ombré orange-dipped nails that exude the warmest, coziest vibes.
Burgundy Tips
“Burgundy red with an almond shape is super sexy at the moment,” says Pham. And this simplistic design is easy to achieve, too. Start by painting your nails with a baby pink or clear, neutral base, then coat the tips with a deep red wine-colored polish.
Earth-Toned Green
Show off your short almond nails in a gorgeous shade of earthy green. Make sure to add a glossy top coat for an extra-chic finish.
Shades of Brown
You can easily spice up a basic manicure by adding fun designs to just two of your nails. Just take a look at this brown mani. The nail artist added vertical swirls in different shades of brown to create this pretty and cohesive look.
Chic Nudes
For a simple, crisp, and clean manicure, opt for a soft mocha-taupe base and a glossy top coat. It’ll give off a luxe, pretty, minimalist finish.
Pearly Winter Whites
If you're not into over-the-top designs, or you're simply in a minimal mood, try a nail look like this. “Adding chrome to any color will enhance the shine and give an interesting look to your typical solid color,” suggests Pham. You can also add pearl gems for an elegant touch.
Glazed Doughnut
These gorgeous nails made me instantly think of Hailey Bieber’s viral glazed doughnut nails. Featuring a pale shade of pink polish and ultra-glossy finish, these nails are super versatile for all occasions and easy to create.
Bubble Gum Pink
Pink is one of the most popular colors for manicures, and this playful bubblegum shade pairs well with just about everything. Instead of a bolder pink, opt for a softer, milky shade that still feels playful and chic.
Dark Night Blues
These nails are giving midnight blues in the best way. The gradient design blends two shades seamlessly to create a dark, night-sky effect. To get the look, start by applying black polish along the edges of the nail, then add a deep blue to the center and blend the two.
Snakeskin Foil
My favorite nail queen, Kylie Jenner, showed off her snakeskin nails on Instagram, and I instantly became obsessed with the look. I’m so grateful that her manicurist shared a DIY tutorial. For this look, you’ll need a nude base, snakeskin foil transfer stickers, and a top coat.
Moody Red
These jelly red velvet nails look so luxurious and captivating. Start with a black base, then add a rich vampy red shade for serious Twilight vibes. And if you love a little sparkle, you still add that, too, for a subtle shimmer look that catches the light from every angle.
Maroon Ovals
Opt for some color-blocking on your next manicure. The contrast between the rich, dark maroon ovals and the bright white outlines makes the design feel striking and elevated.
Abstract Stripes
Abstract nail art leaves lots of room for creativity and often results in cool, unique-looking designs, like this stunning dark brown and sky blue manicure. It’s also my favorite way to combine two shades into one look.
Silver Chrome
“Silver chrome has been a huge hit on set lately, being heavily requested to make those almond tips sparkle,” says Stone. To create a similar look, prep and file your nails into an almond shape, then paint them with your favorite chrome polish.
Mixed Media Tortoiseshell
Not one for basic single polish manicures? You’ll appreciate this stunning mix of animal print and abstract nail designs. To elevate the look even more, try adding tiny gold nail decals to the tips with abstract shapes for more pizzazz.
Gold and Silver Stars
Alternatively, if you prefer a more understated nail look, you can still have fun with nail decals. These gold and silver stars add a playful touch while keeping the natural nails looking minimal and neutral.
Enchanted Emerald Green
With Wicked: For Good coming out later this month, my inner Elphaba is heating up and while I might not go for a full green look every day, I can still pay tribute to my favorite character through my nails, especially with this stunning velvet emerald green manicure.
Grape Lagoon Swirls
This nail set embodies drama and elegance in one. The swirl of muted tones in abstract shapes creates movement and depth, while two nails are fully coated in a single shade to make the entire look cohesive. It's truly a work of art.
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Meet The Experts
Stephanie Stone is an advertising and editorial Manicurist based in Los Angeles, CA. She’s also a celebrity nail artist for Sally Hansen. Her clients include Charlie XCX, Tessa Thompson, and Olivia Munn.
Julie Kandalec is a New York City-based celebrity manicurist and brand ambassador for Kiss nails. Her clients include Ariana Greenblatt, Selena Gomez, Emily Blunt, Jessica Chastain, and more.
Jacqueline Pham is a New York City-based celebrity nail artist. Her clientele includes Tiffany Haddish, Camila Cabello, and Sunisa Lee.
