Take it from me, this is the manicure shade that'll dominate the season for a chic winter upgrade
How to embrace the shade of the season
![A woman walking down the street wearing tonal clothes, holding on to her bag with Mocha Mousse Nails](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BPbUaS8AbJi5yoqVNqU2Pj-1280-80.png)
Pantone seems to always nail it with their official 'Colour Of The Year.' They somehow manage to capture the feel of the upcoming 12 months, not only in terms of fashion, beauty and interiors, but culture and the underlying mood of modern life itself. For 2025, as we likely already know, it's all about calming, grounding Mocha Mousse. Speaking about the choice, they announced: "For 2025, the Pantone Color Institute selects PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a warming, brown hue imbued with richness. It nurtures us with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, answering our desire for comfort."
A post shared by PANTONE (@pantone)
A photo posted by on
Mocha mousse is described as "Simple and Comforting: A Soft, Warming Brown." Somehow, the choice feels natural after a year of brown blusher, Hailey Bieber's cinnamon girl makeup and nails, and the continuous rise of soft brown liner (for both lips and eyes). But the hue seems to suit manicures the most, following on from a year where muted brown tones reigned supreme on social media. There's something so warming and wintery about brown manicures, making Pantone's choice a perfect one for those always following the latest nail trends.
Achieving this elevated, stylish manicure is simple: all you need is a gorgeous soft brown nail polish if you want to do it at home. Alternatively, a visit to the salon opens the doors to nail art and chrome finishes, both equally as chic. Browse my fave mocha mousse nail polishes and looks below.
Mocha mousse nails inspo
Simple & short
A post shared by IMARNI (@imarninails)
A photo posted by on
For the chicest way to wear muted brown, keep nails short and softly square. Nail artist Imarni uses Chanel Particuliere (available to buy below) for this mani.
Fine-line tips
A post shared by Harriet Westmoreland (@harrietwestmoreland)
A photo posted by on
Not ready to embrace the trend all-over the nail? Opt for simple, fine-line tips that mimic a classic French mani.
Keep it chrome
A post shared by Zola Ganzorigt (@nailsbyzola)
A photo posted by on
No, chrome is not dead – in fact, it's still very much alive. The finish looks beautiful with a mocha mousse polish, too.
Rounded almond shape
A post shared by Shoreditch Nails (@shoreditchnails)
A photo posted by on
If shorter nails aren't your thing, opt for a longer mani with rounded, slightly-almond edges.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
Mix'n'match
A post shared by Daisy Marsden (@dais_does_nails)
A photo posted by on
Brown nail art can be so fun and cute; embrace tortoiseshell, French tips and more.
Dainty florals
A post shared by Melanie Graves (@overglowedit)
A photo posted by on
If floral nail art is your thing, Mocha Mousse can work beautifully.
Graphic shapes
A post shared by ❤ Hang Nguyen ❤ (@thehangedit)
A photo posted by on
Try this look by nail artist Hang Nguyen, which celebrates fun, graphic lines.
Shop the looks
Rebecca is a freelance beauty journalist and contributor to Marie Claire. She has written for titles including Refinery29, The Independent, Grazia, Coveteur, Dazed, Stylist, and Glamour. She is also a brand consultant and has worked with the likes of The Inkey List on campaign messaging and branded copy. She’s obsessed with skincare, nail art and fragrance, and outside of beauty, Rebecca likes to travel, watch true crime docs, pet sausage dogs and drink coffee. Rebecca is also passionate about American politics and mental health awareness.
-
International court wants to arrest Taliban leaders over human rights abuses of Afghan women
After years of systemic oppression, Afghan women might finally see some justice served.
By Mischa Anouk Smith
-
Prince William and Princess Kate’s relationship has dramatically changed this year, according to experts
By Jenny Proudfoot
-
The ‘It Ends With Us’ writer has deactivated her Instagram amid the ongoing lawsuits
By Jenny Proudfoot
-
I swear by these 6 clever tips to make my manicure last longer—and they've been approved by the experts
Go longer between salon appointments
By Jazzria Harris
-
These two top hairstylists just confirmed fringes are back in a *big* way for 2025; here's how to wear them
If you're thinking about bangs, nows the time
By Rebecca Fearn
-
Looking for ways to soothe your skin? These 12 products are expert-approved winter skin saviours
They use the products in their own routines
By Tori Crowther
-
I searched for years for the perfect styling cream that would leave my curls hydrated, defined and bouncy—mission accomplished
For the bounciest and most defined curls
By Lollie King
-
Foodie fragrances are set to be *the* scents we'll all be wearing in 2025—a perfume expert just confirmed to me
From gummy bears to ripe tomatoes
By Mica Ricketts
-
In a quest for radiant, hydrated and smooth skin I've turned to these 7 K-beauty products
In K-beauty products, we trust
By Tori Crowther
-
My goal is soft, dewy and plump skin—this is the product that helps me achieve it
Puts the beauty into beauty sleep
By Matilda Stanley
-
Here’s every product I use as a beauty editor in my winter body care routine to keep dry skin at bay
6 steps to restore radiance
By Mica Ricketts