Winter 2011 Holiday Nail Polish Trends

Although the holidays can spark desires to don your favorite festive sweater (Santa appliques and all), we believe there are more appropriate and fashion-forward ways to show your holiday spirit. Velvet separates and sequin skirts can make an impact, but so can your favorite holiday shade of nail polish.

And these 2011 holiday polish trends won’t disappoint. From classic reds to eye-catching sparkles to chocolate browns, the holidays are calling for a myriad of varnishes just waiting to make an appearance at all your holiday festivities. Play around with jewel tone bolds, or try a more subtle take on some sparkle with metallic shades. No matter your choice, these holiday nail options will all strike the balance between holiday fun and current beauty trends.

Take a peek at our favorite 2011 holiday nail polish trends:

Metallics:

For a subtle take on a shimmer varnish, opt for metallic, neutral shades that can pair with any outfit. This polish is the perfect balance between Holiday-bold glimmer and shine and traditional shades of metals and rosy pinks.

Classic and eye-catching, this Dior Vernis Silver Lake – Special Edition, $22, is a staple no matter the time of year. And this Deborah Lippmann Glamorous Life Rolex Rose Gold, $16, is feminine and muted with the right dash of metallic shimmer.

Sparkle:

A little pizzaz can go along way, and what better way to don some sequin fun then on your nails. Since the texture is bold and fun enough, try keeping the color in neutral shades, like silver and gold. Not to mention, this polish will pair perfectly with your New Year’s Eve outfit…

Go bold with this Butter London Rosie Lee, $14, which is the perfect shade of rose gold fun. This Platinum, Record – Color Club Nail Polish, $6, is eye-catching for sure and will make a statement with minimal accessories.

Jewel Tones:

Rich and vibrant, these shades ooze a sense of sophistication and sex appeal. The jewel-tone trend is here to stay, and for the holidays, what better way to don festive fun on your nails without the typical reds and greens?

This Zoya Nail Polish Izzy, $8, is poppy and fun, but be careful to not clash with any other red details. And OPI Yodel Me, $8 is the perfect contrast to warm holiday hues while still touting your festive spirit.

Reds and Plums:

A classic red is ideal for the holidays, while a vampy plum is a play on the traditional shade. Go all the way with a bright, cherry red, or try a rich purple for a subtler way to celebrate Christmas.

A classic Christmas red, this CND Scarlett Letter, $20, can be worn from now through New Year’s. This Essie Carry On, $8, though, is a more subtle take on classic shades and adds a sense of sex appeal.

Greens:

Emerald greens make the holidays a little brighter when worn on your nails for a festive and fun effect. Instead of neon brights, rich tones of green will read more sophisticated and fashion forward.

Go dark and bold at the same time with this Illamasqua Kink Nail Varnish, $14. Try a more turquoise shade with this Butter London Thames, $14, which is a twist on the classic green.

Chocolate Browns:

Cocoa and chocolate lovers rejoice: now, this luscious shade is all the rage for your nails. The perfect balance between neutrals and darker shades, chocolate brown will flatter almost every skin tone and, of course, pair with all your holiday ensembles.

Still not convinced brown varnishes are your thing? Ease into them with this Sonia Kashuk Chocoholic, $5. Meanwhile, this Essie Downtown Brown, $5.75, is rich and the perfect shade to pair with all your holiday outfits.