45 New Year’s Nails That'll Help You Start 2025 in Style

As I get closer to saying au revoir to 2024 and bonjour to 2025, I'm already thinking about how I want to bring in the new year—and what better way to do that than with a festive manicure? Whether you're preparing for a night out with friends or catching Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin Eve with Ryan Seacrest on television with the fam, a fresh set can put you in a more celebratory mood.

If you need some inspo, ask yourself these questions: Do you want your hands to sparkle like the NYE ball? Or would you rather bedazzle your nails in sequins to match your sparkliest outfit? How about getting a jumpstart on the latest nail trends like a reverse French mani or French ombré nails before the clock strikes midnight? The options for New Year’s nails are endless, so I compiled 45 designs that will stand out the most. Bring these inspo pics to your next nail appointment or try to recreate some of them right at home.

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Among crystal collectors, amethyst is regarded as a protective stone. (It’s even been linked to warding off overindulgence and hangovers). While I can't promise an amethyst mani will do this for you on NYE, perhaps the purple hue can serve as a visual cue to at least drink more water throughout the night?

Put a twist on a classic look by painting your nails in glitter and applying black matte polish to the tips. The black and gold combo adds an elegant finish that will work for any banquet or New Year’s afterparty.

This Art Deco style doesn’t have to be perfect. Have fun with the different lines and shapes by using a nail brush to create your own geometric masterpiece. It’s helpful to start with one color (like gold) and layer the next two shades on top (toward the tips).

Stickers are simple, yet they make a bold statement (especially when gold is involved). Begin with a base color and let it fully dry before applying the stickers parallel to your cuticle. Seal it all in with a top coat to keep everything in place and add a little shine to your New Year's nails.

Want to rock gold without being too blinged out? This chic look will be right up your alley. First, add a layer of clear polish before using nail adhesive to transfer the gilded foil onto your nails. (If you need a bit more guidance, here’s a helpful tutorial to get you started.)

This glitter and gold number reminds me of delicious champagne and the wonderful toast I'll give before the ball drops. Use nail tape to lay out your desired shape before coating your tips with gold polish.

It’s all about the glitz and glamour on New Year’s. Prime example: These holographic nails that are great for any party or any NYE-themed game night. The iridescent finish makes it so that you get a different hue at every angle.

"Viva Magenta" was Pantone's 2023 color of the year and what better way to honor the past than wearing this vibrant shade on your nails? Keep a shimmery gold as your base, then add magenta swirls for a pop of color.

Black goes with everything and adding silver to the mix is a match made in mani heaven. For this style, it’s all about precision. A good nail art brush (or a French tip template) can help you get the lines nice and crisp.

And the Oscar goes to…you. This gold chrome mani will surely turn heads at your next event. All you need to achieve it is gold polish or some nail foil.

Similar effect as #10, but with glitter instead. This shimmery rose gold mani will look perfect against your champagne flute.

Did you know that the color blue signals inspiration, stability and calmness? By that token, this blue and gold mani can bring you good vibes once the clock strikes 12. When it comes to a marbled style, it’s a blend of art and science. First, mix your blue and white polish together (similar to this tutorial). Once you have a base color on, apply the freshly mixed combo on your nails. Then, top it off with small pieces of gold foil for some finishing sparkle.

Take your French tips for a modern plunge by outlining them in black instead of painting them white like you did in the ‘90s. Whether you have an almond, stiletto or square shape, the stark lines are sure to make a statement.

A nail art brush (and a steady arm against a flat surface) can help give the right amount of control needed to paint such a detailed silver design.

Nothing says, “Happy New Year!” like a confetti explosion on your nails.

Here's another (more affordable) way to dress in designer for your upcoming New Year's bash. This Versace-inspired manicure definitely deserves its own runway. Grab some gold and black polish, as well as a stripping brush, to paint on the iconic logos. (Or you can always opt for stickers instead.)

This ombré style is the glam mani you’ve been searching for. Aside from painting your tips with a glitter polish, there are various ways to achieve the stars. You can opt for stickers or try hand-drawing them instead. Either way, your nails will sparkle brightly.

This negative space technique calls for some nail tape, black and glitter polish and, most importantly, a party-ready mindset.

Fact: Gold gems will elevate any manicure. A few well-placed gems not only look super cool but they also give your nails dimension and edge.

Who says you have to rock just one color on New Year’s Eve? Deck each nail out in its own shade of blue—then, add some gold foil to a finger or two while you’re at it.

While sage green was technically the official color of 2022, this greenish-gray shade can still offer a sense of comfort and manifest growth for the year ahead. Throw in a few specks of gold foil and you’ll have a real winner on your hands (literally).

Art is always up for interpretation. Have fun with scattered splats of gold polish—like your very own Jackson Pollock painting. FYI, it’s all about the flick of the polish brush.

Tortoise print plus a hint of gold equals one elevated mani. Watch this handy tutorial to guide you through the intricate print (or book an appointment at your local salon).

Feeling indecisive about which nail design you should get? Consider this mixed mani with a milky white finish on one hand and a classic matte black polish on the other. And of course, a touch of gold to bring the look together.

The party will begin as soon as you arrive because these colorful tips demand it. First, paint on a base coat using clear polish and, before it fully dries, begin placing individual confetti flecks onto your nails (if you prefer a specific layout) using a nail brush. Once you get your preferred design, gently seal the confetti in with top coat. The rainbow confetti reminds us of all the festivities in Times Square.

Alexa, play “Diamonds” by Rihanna. The ball isn’t the only thing getting the spotlight this New Year’s. Use jewels to decorate the tips of your nails and let them shine bright like a…you know.

“We are family. I got all my polishes with me…” Whether it’s rose gold, bronze or your classic gold, you can’t go wrong. Mix and match the shades for a multi-dimensional mani.

This mani is our ode to NYE. Bedazzle your tips by applying a silver glitter polish before topping them off with jewels.

If you're confident with freehanding those fine, festive lines with a slim nail art brush, go forth, Picasso. (But if you need a little help like I do, some painters tape will come in handy.)

Speaking of tape, you know those hole reinforcement stickers you used back in grade school? They make for great half-moon stencils on your nails as well. Just make sure to let your polish dry completely before you peel the stickers off.

This glam mani provides a 3D effect that will have everyone doing a double take. To recreate the look, apply a coat of black gel polish before adding as many pearl stickers as you see fit.

This fresh take on the negative space mani puts the focus on the outer edges of each nail. FYI: Any color would work, but there's something about this sparkly green that feels extra special.

If you're looking for a next-level manicure, the blob trend is the way to go. First, apply a silver base onto your nails before mixing up some silver polish with acrylic powder to create a paste. Then, using a nail art brush, begin painting swirls and drips all over your manicure. If you need more guidance, I found a tutorial to help you perfect your skills.

This silver mani is giving major glam rock vibes. Apply a clear shimmery polish onto the entire nail before using a nail art brush to create the dripping silver decal on your tips. And don't forget to add a few gems to really bring out the shine.

Glazed donut nails are beloved for their subtle shine, but you should take them to another level for New Year's. After putting on a glossy base, use a striping brush to create little stars and hearts that will twinkle brighter than the Time Square ball.

December 31 isn't the only time we celebrate the new year. In February, pay tribute to the first new moon of the lunar calendar with this mani. After painting on a solid black base, use a nail art brush to create the different moon cycles on each finger.

The Great Gatsby-inspired NYE party you RSVP'd to calls for this glamorous mani. After you apply a coat of white and black polish, use a striping brush and some gold polish to outline each nail for contrast. It will definitely take your basic manicure to new heights.

A silver and gold combo will always be a great option for New Years and this look is proof. Use silver and gold metallic polish to decorate your nails. Whether you're into a negative space style (like the one above) or a more linear striped design, have fun with these holiday hues.

If you want a temporary look (or you're just not very good at freehanding designs), press-on nails offer the perfect solution. This limited-edition set from Paintbox was all over New York Fashion Week, so you'll be totally on-trend at your NYE party.

Before we welcome a new year, sport Benjamin Moore's color of the year for 2024. 'Blue Nova' is a shade that's all about "capturing the spotlight with endlessly classic appeal." Add some gold detailing over the blue for an extra pop of color.

This manicure gives the illusion that you dipped your fingers in gold—and it would surely be the talk of the night. Use a gold polish, chrome powder and a nail art brush, focusing on getting the dips just near the tip of your nails for a glistening finish.

Gold gilded nails are oh-so chic for New Year's. The glittery base already adds sparkle, and the golden trim is a nice touch for even more shine. The trick here is to use a bonding gel and a nail art brush to create your oval shape on top of your nail. Need a visual? Here's a helpful tutorial to get you started.

I've suggested a velvety outline (see: #32), but how about covering the entire nail in the popular finish? It looks even better in silver, along with 3D decals to bring everything together.

While blue marble signals inspiration, white marble represents calmness and elegance. Add some gold linings to the side of your nails and you have yourself an NYE design that will ground you during the festivities and into the new year. 

While I wait for Pantone to release their color of the year, other brands—like Sherwin-Williams—have predicted a few colors will reign in 2025. One shade I'm particularly excited for? Dark brown. Get ahead of the game and sport the top shade of the new year.