Cloud Nails Are the Coolest New Nail Trend for Winter

Abby Gardner

January 10, 2020 at 2:10 PM

Not to be all downer, but we've officially hit the doldrums of winter. The holidays are over, it's still gray and freezing outside, he days are short, and spring feels a million years away. But the latest nail trend is here to brighten things up.

This season it's all about cloud nails. First spotted on Instagram by Refinery29, the trend is exactly as it sounds: dreamy, whimsical swirls of white and blue that take inspiration from the sky on a vivid summer day. Yes, there are puffy clouds drawn over sky-blue bases, but also many more abstract interpretations for those who prefer a less obvious manicure. For example: soft pastel pinks and lavenders and milky, marbled finishes. And as you'll see, the look works on a wide variety of nail lengths and shapes.

We love all the variations, as they offer a little something for everyone. Here are some of the intricate versions featuring actual clouds.

Then you've got the cloud nails that aren't quite so literal.

Finally, there are those that are more of a vibe or a mood—but just as dreamy.

But cloud nails aren't the only trend that will have us all looking toward the skies in 2020. Space tattoos (think stars, moons, planets, and spaceships) are going to be huge this year, according to Pinterest. Searches on the platform are up 267% for “geometric space tattoos." Gorgeous takes on cloud eyeliner, like the look worn by Jules on Euphoria, also popped up on the spring 2020 runways at shows like Cynthia Rowley. Or perhaps astrology is more your bag, in which case you're going to want to check out all the incredible zodiac nails on Instagram right now.

Even if cloud nails feel too literal for you, there are a ton of new nail colors hitting stores right now that give off the same dreamy kind of mood. It's not a fast track to spring, but it certainly doesn't hurt. Shop some of our favorite pastel blues, below.