16 Glitter Nails Ideas for the Perfect Holiday Party Mani

With so many trendy nail effects to choose from, sometimes you just can’t beat the classics. For winter, that usually means glitter nails.

Sparkling manicures transition seamlessly from holiday parties to New Year’s Eve, but they can also brighten up any part of the darkest season. Glitter nails are more of a statement than a solid shade, but unlike more intricate nail art choices, they’re super versatile: They work just as well for formal events as they do for everyday—if you like to be at least a little extra. There’s a reason Taylor Swift has opted for glitter manicures through nearly every era, and why our feeds are filled with fresh sparkling nail inspiration every year.

Light-catching nails are especially on-trend this winter: We’ve been loving toasted manicures and cat-eye nails for fall, which give off a smoother ‘shimmer’ effect. But with the holidays right around the corner, more defined glitter coats are the perfect way to up the festive energy. Unlike chrome manicures, which typically require a fine powder layer over a base coat, glitter nails are easy to DIY: Lots glittery polishes combine the color and sparkle in one formula. And with some extra grit built in, they tend to last longer than traditional nail polishes—just keep the acetone handy when it’s time to remove.