Come September a switch goes off. Where lighter, brighter colours rule our summer aesthetic choices, autumn calls for something decidedly darker. While there’s a deep well of mahogany-toned maroons and almost-black blues, there’s one colour that wins out almost every time: burgundy nails. Somehow appropriate for every occasion and event, burgundy nails are the white t-shirt of the manicure world. Reminiscent of long, languorous dinner parties or an evening on the sofa with a glass of rich, jammy red, burgundy is luxurious and elegant without feeling twee.
Don’t think burgundy nails necessitate a certain shade in a certain shape every single time, though. There are myriad tones of the deep red stuff ripe for the picking. From the vampy classic colour to one that resembles a perfect splodge of wild strawberry jam, burgundy is versatile and well-suited to wherever these chilly months take you. Still not convinced? Listen closer.
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What colour goes with burgundy nails?
By December, you might be feeling slightly fatigued with your burgundy manicure, dutifully filled in or reglossed every two weeks. Giorgia Capella, training and education manager at The Gel Bottle, says this is when to consider adding a complementary colour. 'Gold and silver are always good choices at this time of year but I prefer to pair burgundy with nude and neutral shades for a soft, subtle contrast. Jewel tones, like emerald green and sapphire blue, can add a touch of opulence.'
Best burgundy nail inspiration for every single season
Classic Vamp
Slightly elongated, a straight tip can create a structured, clean look.
Bonne Maman
Butter knives at the ready, this burgundy-with-a-touch-of-brown is reminiscent of plump, organic strawberry jam.
Garnet Red
A burgundy pedicure will carry you from September through to March, ideal for festive parties and shimmer-encrusted New Year’s shoes.
Mahogany
As dark as you can go before veering into true maroon, this burgundy is intensely sophisticated – made perfect by the colour-matched bag.
Burgundy Almond
The shape of the moment, almond nails are an easy way to add length that gently tapers off and doesn’t feel or look heavy at the tip.
Burgundy French
When you’re ready for a change but don’t want to dismiss burgundy entirely, this flipped French concept is a stunning middle ground.
Squaregundy
Forgive the clunky name but square burgundy nails give the statement shade a truly striking finish.
French Max
This style (a half-moon of natural nail left bare near the cuticle) is a great opportunity to try Capella’s advice and pick a contrasting colour like emerald green or sapphire blue.
Pinot Noir
Short nail lovers, rejoice. A dark shade like burgundy or pinot noir doesn’t require excessive length to look eye-catching.
Raisin Drop
Lean into raisin tones with a darker burgundy, finished with a healthy coating of glossy topcoat.
Negative Space
The beauty of negative space designs is that they don’t have to be on every single nail to have an impact. Here, just two nails are chosen, creating intrigue on an otherwise classic manicure.
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