7 Winter 2020 Nail Polish Colors

With its numbing cold that makes for uncomfortable commutes, long, dark nights spent bundled at home, and the layers upon layers that you're forced to resort to, winter has a way of hiding away any semblance of self when it comes to getting ready. It sounds melodramatic, but it's true — people are just trying to stay comfortable and cozy, even if it means packing away personal aesthetics 'til spring. But there's still one way to express yourself amidst all the flannel, down, and wool: by coating your nails with one of these unexpected winter 2020 nail polish colors.

A fresh manicure can do wonders when it comes to resetting your outlook (on your wardrobe, and on life in general), and luckily there are plenty of new polishes to get inspired by for your next salon visit. But the colors coming out by beloved nail brands and indie lines alike aren't just your typical winter hues — you know, the snow whites, jet blacks, moody purples, and jolly reds you're used to seeing — alongside those classics you'll find cool colors that are reinventing what a seasonally appropriate manicure really looks like.

From whimsical updates on wintry mainstays to warm colors you'd typically spot somewhere tropical, click through to discover the shades to shake up the season (and show off your style).

It's going to be cold outside for the foreseeable future, so why not give in to the chilly vibes? Go for one of the icy blue nail polishes that are featured big in this season's polish drops — from deeper blues that evoke glacial atmospheres to silvery shades that sparkle like falling snow, they'll make your manicure winter ready in an instant (and look more unique than a standard white or silver).

Cold Shoulder is a deep teal with grey-blue glitter that feels unexpected, but will perfectly complement a winter wardrobe.

Part of OPI's Hello Kitty collection, Let Love Sparkle is a playful pale blue with platinum sparkle — it's like a supercharged take on a metallic silver winter manicure.

Tend to go for a classic red manicure all year round? You're not alone, and plenty of this season's nail drops included a crimson iteration — but with a winter-ready twist. Reds with richness and depth by way of brown undertones instantly warm up your vibe this time of year; keep an eye out for oxblood, burgundy, and cherry chocolate lacquers to get the look.

Essie's Expressie collection features a variety of shades that dry super-fast so you can get your manicure on point in a flash. Go for Not So Low-Key to get the rich red look for winter — it's a cherry chocolate shade that's got deep brown undertones for a sensual vibe.

Chanel's holiday collection, which is about all things opulent, included two fresh nail lacquers. One is Richness, a bold oxblood shade that's a sophisticated, warm winter-ready take on a classic red manicure. Whether worn for a big day at work or out on a dinner date, it says all the right things.

No. 101 is a smoky gray with a creme finish that's got a cool tone. It'd be a fun shade for playing with negative space nail art, but would be equally as modern covering the full nail.

Darker but still plenty cool is OPI's Rub-a-Pub-Pub, from the brand's recent Scotland-inspired collection. Created by combining an ashy coal with a chilly gray, it's an unexpected shade suitable for cold winter days.

Want to keep everyone on their toes? Opt for one of winter's more unexpected polish shades: bold fuchsia. The vivid pink hue is a playful pick that'll instantly make you feel warm and bright, as if you're about to embark on a tropical getaway. And don't worry, thanks to fuchsia's blue undertones the color still feels cool and weather-appropriate. Choose the shade if you're tired of your tried-and-true red.