Cozy season is here. Guess what that means? Winter nail trends. We know that spring and summer typically mean bright hues like neons, yellows, and of course, white nails. Who can say no to white toes? On the other hand, fall means deep colors like moody blues and skin-matching nudes. So what does winter have in store as we sip hot toddies and snuggle under our favorite blankets? Well, some trending hues are to stay along with more calming colors that evoke calm and, dare we say it, a feeling of coziness.
To get the deets on winter nail trends, I went to an expert: Maia Alejandro, founder of FOR TMRW, a non-toxic nail polish brand. Keep reading for more on this season's go-to nail colors.
1. The Milk Bath
White after Labor Day no longer applies to our wardrobes. So it certainly doesn't apply to white nail polish. However, Alejandro says there's a trending upgrade. "A truly chic look I love for cozy season are milk bath nails," she tells xoNecole. "Creamy, white nails that mimic just fallen snow are the perfect addition to your winter nail look."
2. The Chocolate Glazed Mani
Here's the thing: We know the glazed mani has been around forever. OK, maybe not forever, but certainly since the '90s. However, like most things in beauty and fashion, trends make their way back around. And because of that, the glazed mani is one that's here to stay. To bring it into the cooler months, Alejandro recommends a warmer take. Think: browns and skin tone-matching nudes before adding a layer of glaze polish.
3. Red Nails
Whether you think red nails are for more seasoned women or not, the fiery hue is undoubtedly on trend (cc: the "red nail theory"). Red is this season's version of the neons and bright shades we often see as the weather heats up. "I think bright reds are a perfect way to enjoy this season with a bit of spice," Alejandro says with excitement. "They offer a pop of color for our winter wardrobes."
4. Grounding Greens and Browns
"Unconventional greens are so hot for cozy season," Alejandro shares. And she notes that you can do more with it than go solid. "This shade works perfectly as a modern French mani, plus it's so calming during this extra busy season." Additionally, she notes earthy browns are at the top of this season's nail color wishlist. "I love earthy browns for this cozy season as well. Nothing keeps you warmer than a grounding color that reminds us to slow down and enjoy the simpler things in life."
5. Chrome, Chrome, And More Chrome
Going chrome is more than just on trend this season. Chrome hues instantly say holiday and will match any outfit you curate this season. With chrome nails, you can go silver or gold (or mix them) to give your nails a metallic pop. For good measure, don't be afraid to add some extra bling.
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Featured image by Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images
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To help you better understand why this was such a mental awakening for me, I first need to give a bit of my backstory. I’m in my late thirties. I’m an attorneyand a journalist. I own a home and have traveled the world extensively. Essentially, I’ve done everything in life I set out to do. However, when it comes to dating, I struggle. Not because there is anything wrong with me per se, but because my career and “lifestyle” often create problems in my romantic relationships.
View from my hotel room
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I’ve been told everything from, ‘I can’t continue to date you because you seem to choose your career over wanting to settle down and have kids’ by a man after only the second date to ‘Maybe if you just sat down somewhere for a while, I’d actually wife you’ by someone who has honestly never proven themselves to be the settle down type. And these are only a handful of the things I’ve been told over the years.
It’s been frustrating, to say the least, and there have even been seasons where I purposely dimmed my light in hopes that my career wouldn’t push away potential suitors. I know what you’re thinking, “Girl, why would you even consider that? If they’re for you, it won’t matter what you do.” Hey, don’t judge me, but also, I one hundred percent agree.
My hotel bathroom
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That’s why this recent moment in Switzerland was right on time. When I first walked into the hotel to check in, I was blown away by the surrounding beauty. It was a five-star property with one of the world’s most famous thermal bathhouses. Yet, it was something about seeing that 90% of the hotel’s guests were couples, that forced me to sit back for a bit of introspection—while soaking in the thermal spa, of course.
As I went through the mental conversation, there was a battle of sorts. On one hand, I knew that being able to partake in experiences like the one I was having at that moment was important to me. I knew that, at times I actually love being able to dabble in the finer things—after all, I’ve worked hard to be able to afford them. On the other hand, and sadly, I knew that sometimes being a single Black woman that publicly showcases her “luxurious” habits can intimidate men and even scare them off from pursuing you under the guise of them feeling like they “can’t do anything for you, because you have everything.”
My hotel room
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So, what is a girl to do?
Do I minimize/hide the life and experiences that I have? Do I play down the hard work I’ve put in to get where I am professionally? Or, do I risk being single in exchange for being able to have said life, without backlash?
Luckily, the joy that I felt while being at this property won. There was something about taking a full day to simply pamper myself at the bathhouse and in my in-room steam shower and soaker tub, indulging in cuisine from a 2-star Michelin restaurant and doing all of this while surrounded by an amazing group of Black women that reminded me—this is certainly the life I was meant to live and that I deserve. Even if it means that right now, I’ll just have to provide it for myself until the right partner comes along. And honestly, I’m okay with that.
Restaurant at 7132 hotel
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