@saruhnails / Instagram
If red polish is a classic manicure staple, consider burgundy nails its elegant, more refined sister. Cherry red is an obvious choice, practically a neutral by manicure standards, but it’s not exactly a universally flattering shade. (Controversial statement, we know.) Burgundy polish, however, complements pretty much every skin tone, nail shape, and length. Plus, its darker, earthier presence offers a depth that transcends seasons, from beautifully accenting white summer linens to really grounding as the temperatures begin to fall.
The sultry color is gorgeously effective all on its own but lends itself nicely to intricate nail art and even more maximal trends. Don’t believe us? Scroll on for some of our favorite burgundy manicures.
Sweater Weather
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Sweater weather has arrived, and it’s brought the cutest sweater-inspired manicures along with it. A burgundy shade fits right in.
Cherry Bomb
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If you’re a cherry connoisseur, you know the deeper the color, the sweeter the fruit. This black cherry (or cherry noir?) manicure is a prime pick for summer, without going the obvious pastel route.
Cosmic Burgundy
@melanated.mani / Instagram
We may not by mystics at heart, but we can’t help but swoon over these cosmic burgundy nails.
Burgundy Valentine
@heygreatnails / Instagram
Wondering what looks good with burgundy nails? Look no further than sister shade pink. And not just for Valentine’s Day, mind you. We’ll be flaunting these sweet tips all year long.
Burgundy Chrome
@glammertized / Instagram
What’s a nail inspo roundup without a little chrome injection these days? Despite what many a milky glazed manicure would have you believe, chrome can get pretty deep, too. Just take this burgundy chrome approach for example.
Chevron
@lolo.nailedit / Instagram
If you have any fall parties on the horizon, consider a gold chevron moment. The glittery accent instantly ups the festive factor.
Burgundy Matte
@brushedbyb_ / Instagram
Glossy manicures may be the most common, but a high-gloss sheen isn’t required for a gorgeous nail look. Case in point? These burgundy and white matte nails.
Gold-Standard Burgundy
@chalkboardnails / Instagram
Let your rich burgundy polish do most of the talking by opting for a near-solid nail look with just a peek of gold at the cuticles.
Burgundy Stripes
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Thinly-striped nails are a fun, retro way to embrace a burgundy-enriched nail palette. Plus, the subtle shimmer? We’re so here for it.
Burgundy Skittles
@heygreatnails / Instagram
Make your gradient (or “skittle”) mani a little extra moody by adding in a burgundy shade. It looks beautiful with so many color palettes, if you want to keep things bright elsewhere.
Oxblood
@saruhnails / Instagram
Of course, don’t feel like you have to go all out with nail art. Burgundy is a rich shade that makes a bold statement all on its own.
Burgundy Fizz
@pop_polished / Instagram
Want a little something extra? This sparkly rendition emphasizes the depth of the color. Good luck not getting too mesmerized by those glittery pools on your fingertips.
Burberry Nails
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Burberry’s signature plaid is closely associated with the early ‘00s and ‘10s—and that means it’s even more in style in our Y2K-obsessed present. To keep your set from looking too busy, opt for just a couple of plaid accent nails within your solid burgundy mani.
Burgundy Aura
@heygreatnails / Instagram
Not everyone can see aura colors, but this burgundy manicure will leave no question as to the color of your soul. It’s giving esoteric vamp and feels like the perfect segue set for summer to fall.
Wavy Outlines
@brushedbyb_ / Instagram
If you like the idea of a two-toned burgundy nail look but prefer a shiny finish, check out this semi-outlined mani. As cute as the white heart is, you could easily forego it for a more minimalist nail look.
Negative Space
@nails_and_soul / Instagram
Let the trendy burgundy shade speak for itself by copying this head-turning negative space manicure. Given the intricacy, your best bet is to enlist the help of a manicurist but it’s also achievable with a steady hand and some nail tape.
Hawaiian-Inspired
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Hawaiian print is yet another early ‘00s motif that’s alive and well. While most Hawaiian prints feature shades of pink and blue, here you can see how beautiful a burgundy switch-up is.
Dual-Finish French
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Dual-finish French manicures are having a moment, which means this dark burgundy iteration is a particularly trendy choice for fall. If you prefer a glossier approach, flip the script by using a lacquered base polish and making the tips matte
Devilish French
@saruhnails / Instagram
Square-shaped nails were popular in the ‘90s and ‘00s, and now they’re popping up everywhere. The trick to getting such straight nail edges is to have a sturdy nail file. With a pack of three, you can easily keep one on hand at all times—ensuring your nails look their best whenever, wherever.
Blue Zones
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To the minimalist who loves understated designs: This one’s for you. Elevate your oxblood mani with a chic and strategically placed blue outline.
Sliced French
@saruhnails / Instagram
You can never go wrong with a French manicure—or a double French manicure, for that matter. This one features slightly thicker tips than your typical double French, giving it a more graphic appeal.
Burgundy Tortoiseshell
@gotg0ld / Instagram
Tortoiseshell often contains a touch of burgundy, making it a perfect neutral print for those looking to lean into the color trend. For a unique touch, add some nail art or decals on top. We love the choice of an eight-ball, as seen here.
Heat Wave
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Heat maps may typically use shades of red, orange, yellow, green, and blue, but these turquoise, pink, mint, mango, and burgundy nails give us the same vibe. Just keep in mind that to recreate this nail look, you’ll probably want to go to a pro.
Graphic Lilac
@PAINTBOXNAILS / Instagram
Burgundy’s rich depth makes it the perfect pair for lighter colors like lilac. To DIY this look, start with the geometric burgundy tip, followed by a swipe of lilac underneath.
Burgundy Croc
@heygreatnails / Instagram
Excuse us while we sprint to the salon to copy these burgundy croc/snake print nails. We’re obsessed.
Foil-Accented
@ELEVEN2SIX_ / Instagram
Burgundy is gorgeous all on its own, but add gold foil flakes and the shade is even more eye-catching. We love it as a statement accent here, but the pairing would look equally as lovely on every fingertip.
Watercolor
@manicures.as / Instagram
Feeling a bit of tie-dye nostalgia? We’ve got you covered. Complete with watercolor splotches and gemstone accents, this is one nail look that’s hard to ignore.
Burgundy Almond
@lolo.nailedit / instagram
Another classic burgundy manicure comes courtesy of nail artist Lauren, who used Holo Taco’s Devil’s Advocate polish on a soft almond-shaped canvas to kick off October a few years back.
