11 Ways To Wear Silver Nails — Winter’s Coolest Shade

There’s something about a silver manicure that, for me, has always screamed winter. And thanks to a recent viral 10-minute TikTok video by creator Amanda Sujin, in which she swatches all of her favourite silver nail polishes, I’ve become certifiably obsessed with the different ways you can style a silver manicure. “It’s neutral and so cool,” insists Amanda, and, honestly, I couldn’t agree more.

You see, silver nails are surprisingly versatile. Want to make a statement? Opt for a metallic chrome effect with a glass-like shine. Into more of a minimalist vibe? A pearlescent silver with a touch of shimmer adds a subtle glow to nails. Even better, silver nails play well with everything: from an oversized coat and boots to a cosy jumper — a silver manicure is pleasingly neutral.

Ahead, we’ve rounded up 11 of the coolest silver nail looks to try this winter, and the standout polishes to help you achieve them.

Take a simple colorblock manicure to the next level by opting for a gleaming silver chrome with so much shine like this one by @chromefangstudio. If you’re recreating it at home, then the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish in Chrome Steel, $12.95 $10.99, gives a similar glassy finish, with no need for a UV lamp.

I love the juxtaposition between this milky French manicure and the molten silver squiggles layered over the top. A work of art by Rani at @heapsgoodnails. Try Emily De Molly's Silver Chrome Nail Polish, $12.

If you’re on the fence about metallics, then this simple micro French look by nail artist Lois Samantha switches a classic white tip out for a skinny silver one — and it looks so chic. Try Essie Nail Lacquer in Apres Chic, $7.99, with a fine detailing brush to recreate it.

One for the maximalists, this mirrorball manicure was dreamed up by creator Destiney by layering squares of holographic cellophane (like this set) over a base of opaque silver nail polish for a look that catches the light from every angle.

Proving that it’s still cool to indulge your inner emo, this flame-tipped silver manicure by nail artist Shelley Graham is so fun. Top tip: team your fiery French with a neutral base colour to keep it feeling fresh and modern.

This playful manicure created at N’DAO Shoreditch proves that silver can act as the perfect neutral base coat for more colourful nail art. OPI's Infinite Shine Work From Chrome, $24.95, will let any rainbow embellishments layered on top really shine.

Beach nails are a huge trend for 2025, so why not make like nail artist Learnah Starbuck and combine it with the season’s hottest shade? These sparkling silver starfish look so pretty on fresh pink nails.

Although this year's take on silver is all about sheeny, pearlescent finishes, I can’t help but be drawn to the intense sparkle of this glitzy manicure by Nail Bath. Recreate it yourself using Manicurist's Glitters Duo in Mirror & Silver, $32.

A playful twist on beach nails, sardine nails — like this silver-flecked set by nail artist Saskia Tobiassen — are making a splash.

Finally, this textured look by Tila Nails captures the molten metallic nature of a true silver manicure but with enough negative space to leave it feeling cool and fresh for winter.

The idea of a silver French manicure sounds simple, but by switching your nail shape to something more dramatic (like an elongated pointed stiletto), nail artist Danny Pham proves that it can be a totally head-turning look.