If your favorite mani to rock all summer long is jelly nails, we totally get it: The playful trend is full of color and absolutely mesmerizing. And the good news is that you don’t have to give them up during the colder months, as winter jelly nails are offering a fresh seasonal twist on the translucent favorite. If you’re wondering how to transition the jelly look to your winter mani or the best ways to integrate this trend into all your looks, we got a full breakdown from two pro nail artists. Read on to learn all about winter jelly nails, complete with several shining examples of the mesmerizing look.

What Are Winter Jelly Nails?

Winter jelly nails are exactly what they sound like: a twist on the translucent, playful jelly nails trend, but in a more cold-weather-inspired palette. “Jelly nails are nails using semi sheer colors, like sheer pinks, blues, and greens,” says Nailing Hollywood artist Rachel Joseph. “Think of gummy candy or jello—colors you can see through.”

To turn this look from summer to winter, simply adjust your color palette to “feature deeper sheer tones or comforting textures like tortoiseshell or soft marble,” says Nailing Hollywood CEO Mazz Hanna. “Opt for colors like browns, brick red, or snowy blues.” This unique combination gives nails a contemporary, whimsical appearance that effortlessly bridges the gap between summer and winter.

How to Wear Them

When wearing winter jelly nails, consider incorporating them into your overall cold-weather style. Coordinate the colors of your winter jelly nails with your seasonal wardrobe, opting for hues that complement the chilly weather. Additionally, experiment with statement jewelry choices that work well with the colors and playful vibe of your nails.

When it comes to the nails themselves, you may want to consider the shape, too—Hanna suggests medium-length, almond-shaped nails or short squoval nails for this trend. “These shapes and lengths effectively capture the coziness of winter and the subtle charm of jelly nails,” she adds.

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How to Get the Look

To get winter jelly nails for yourself, start by choosing your favorite winter hues or a sheer color nail polish. Hanna recommends the Gelcare Polish in Argan Oil ($20) for an orange-inspired jelly effect, or any polish from brands like The Gel Bottle, Ice Gel and La Par. If you don’t have sheer polish, no worries: “You can mix your color with a top coat or a clear builder gel to create the same effect,” Joseph says.

As with any mani, winter jelly nails will look their best with proper prep. We always recommend cleaning up nails before adding color by applying cuticle oil, pushing your cuticles back, trimming any excess, and applying a clear base coat to create a smooth canvas for the jelly effect. Then, apply thin, even layers of the jelly polish, allowing each coat to dry completely before the next. For an added touch, consider incorporating glitter or metallic accents to elevate the wintry vibe. Complete the look with a high-quality top coat to enhance the shine and durability of your winter jelly nails.

The Final Takeaway

Winter jelly nails are a fun, visually interesting way to shake up your mani during the colder months, bringing together the ever-popular jelly nails trend with a refreshed seasonal palette. While achieving the translucent effect takes a bit more effort than a regular mani, it’s still possible to recreate at home—or you can always head to a pro for a seamless experience. No matter what, you’ll end up with a mesmerizing mani that you can play up with all your winter style favorites, bringing an extra boost of joy to tide you over before spring arrives.