With the arrival of fall, my routines shift in two significant ways: 1) I swap out my iced coffee for a warm, cozy latte, and 2) my summer nail shades—think soft pinks and lavenders—get replaced by a deep, luxurious burgundy. This shade is a stunning blend of red, brown, and purple undertones, making it the perfect pick for cooler months. It adds warmth to any look and pairs seamlessly with fall staples like leather jackets, oversized knits, and suede boots.
Not convinced yet? Let these 20 stunning burgundy nail designs, sourced straight from Instagram, change your mind. Whether you’re into minimalist nails or love more intricate, statement designs, there’s something for everyone in this burgundy nail inspiration roundup.
Stunning Burgundy Nail Designs to Try This Fall
This Pearlescent Burgundy Manicure
If you’re a Sagittarius (born between November 22 and December 21), then this pearlescent burgundy nail polish—cheekily named “Big Sagittarius Energy”—is practically made for you. The deep burgundy hue, enhanced with a shimmering finish, creates an elegant yet bold statement. It’s the perfect balance of sophistication and flair, making it a great choice whether you’re dressing up for a fall night out or keeping it casual during the day.
Art Deco Geometric Burgundy Nails
For a look that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, try these Art Deco-inspired geometric nails. With a rich burgundy base color, bold graphic shapes, and eye-catching gold accents, this manicure is a standout for festive occasions. The sharp lines and glittery details make it both modern and glamorous, a nod to vintage elegance with a contemporary twist. Ideal for anyone looking to make a statement at their next party.
Burgundy and Cream French Manicure
For a sophisticated twist on the classic French manicure, this burgundy and cream design is a must-try. Created by nail expert Melanie Graves, this look features burgundy tips paired with a cream base, offering a subtle yet striking contrast. To achieve the perfect lines, it’s recommended to use striper brushes, which help maintain clean and precise edges. This manicure is perfect for those who want a chic, understated nail design that still feels fresh and modern.
Bold Burgundy Nail Art for a Standout Look
Halloween-Inspired Drippy Burgundy Nails
Looking for a fun, edgy nail design to rock all October long? This drippy, burgundy Halloween-inspired manicure is your answer. The deep burgundy base paired with dripping black or red polish creates a spooky yet stylish effect, making it ideal for anyone embracing the Halloween spirit. This design adds a playful, trendy edge to your fall look, perfect for pairing with dark lipsticks and vampy outfits.
Wavy Burgundy Nails with Pale Pink Accents
For those who love abstract designs, this wavy burgundy manicure with pale pink accents is the way to go. The fluid, swirling lines of the design give off a playful and modern vibe, while the mix of burgundy and soft pink creates a beautiful contrast. This design is perfect for transitioning from the warmer months into the fall season, offering just the right blend of summer fun and autumn sophistication. If you’re heading to the salon, show this design to your nail tech for a truly artistic finish.
Matte Burgundy Nails
Burgundy polish doesn’t always need to be shiny to make a statement. Nail artist Stephanie Stone shows us how a matte finish can transform this classic color into something more contemporary and chic. Using Essie’s “Ace of Shades” for the deep burgundy base, and a matte top coat to complete the look, this manicure feels refined and modern. Matte nails add a subtle sophistication, making this an ideal choice for both everyday wear and special occasions.
Burgundy Nail Designs with a Festive Touch
Glitter and Burgundy
Nothing says “holiday party” like a combination of glitter and rich burgundy polish. These gold glitter accents over a burgundy base create the perfect festive nail look, ideal for the holiday season. If you’re in the mood to celebrate early, there’s no need to wait until December to try these out—rock this sparkling combo for any fall or winter gathering. This design effortlessly transitions from a casual event to a glamorous night out.
Half-French Burgundy Manicure: Subtle Yet Chic
If you’re looking to elevate your standard French manicure, consider this half-French burgundy design. Featuring two accent nails on the middle and pointer fingers, this manicure offers a creative twist without being overly flashy. The half-French tip adds just enough detail to make it stand out, while still maintaining a refined, sophisticated feel. Perfect for when you want a little extra flair without going overboard.
Burgundy Nails with Gold Foil Accents
Capture the essence of fall with this gorgeous burgundy manicure featuring gold and orange foil accents. The warm, glowing effect of the foil over the rich burgundy base brings to mind the changing colors of fall leaves. It’s the perfect seasonal design for anyone who loves to embrace autumn’s beauty. Wear this manicure to enhance your fall wardrobe, whether you’re layering scarves or cozying up in chunky knits.
Negative Space Burgundy Nails
The negative space manicure trend is still going strong, and this version using burgundy polish is absolutely stunning. By leaving parts of the nail bare while using burgundy to create bold designs, this manicure achieves a clean yet striking contrast. It’s perfect for anyone looking to try something trendy but subtle enough for everyday wear. This design brings a modern, artsy vibe to your fall manicure game.
Multi-Color Burgundy Nails
For a trendy twist, mix and match your favorite fall shades like burgundy, chocolate brown, navy, and deep green. This multi-color manicure trend is perfect for those who love variety and want their nails to reflect the rich, earthy tones of autumn. This look is playful and chic, giving off major cozy fall vibes that pair well with any seasonal outfit.
Transitional Burgundy Nail Designs
Burgundy Jelly Nails: Sheer Perfection
Ready for something a little different? These sheer, burgundy-tinted jelly nails are the perfect blend of light and dark, making them the ultimate summer-to-fall transition manicure. The translucent effect of the jelly polish adds a cool, modern touch, while the burgundy color keeps things feeling warm and autumnal. It’s the best of both worlds for those not ready to fully commit to deeper tones.
Two-Tone Stacked French Manicure
Take your French manicure to the next level with this chic two-tone design. Nail artist Rita Remark uses a combination of Essie’s “Mademoiselle” for the base, “Maki Me Happy” for the burgundy tips, and “A-List” for a pop of true red. This manicure is elegant yet playful, making it perfect for fall parties or even a sophisticated day look. It’s a fun, fresh update on a classic manicure.
Burgundy Nails with Heart Accents
Looking for a romantic twist on your fall manicure? These metallic burgundy hearts set against a nude base are both sweet and stylish. To achieve this look at home, try using nail stickers or wraps for precise hearts. This manicure would also make an adorable Valentine’s Day option, but there’s no reason you can’t rock it during the fall for a unique, love-inspired look.
Plaid Burgundy Nails: Cozy Fall Vibes
Channel ultimate fall vibes with these plaid burgundy nails. Imagine yourself wrapped in a cozy Burberry scarf, sipping on a pumpkin spice latte while showing off this chic plaid manicure. It’s the perfect design for anyone who loves classic autumn aesthetics. Plaid nails are timeless and pair well with everything from trench coats to your favorite fall boots.
Timeless Glossy Burgundy Nails
A glossy burgundy manicure never goes out of style. With a squoval shape and medium length, this look is simple yet undeniably chic. The glossy finish adds a level of sophistication, making it perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions. Achieve this timeless look with two coats of OPI’s “Complimentary Wine” and a high-shine top coat for extra durability and shine.
Negative Space Hearts
Nail artist Betina Goldstein is renowned for her intricate, delicate designs, and this negative space heart mani is a perfect example of her expertise. The rich burgundy polish contrasts beautifully with the natural nail, creating tiny heart-shaped windows that add a playful, romantic touch. This minimalist yet detailed look is perfect for those who love subtle nail art with a sophisticated edge. It’s a stylish way to embrace the negative space trend while still keeping it cute and elegant.
Metallic Burgundy Nails
Looking for a manicure that’s easy to DIY but still screams festive chic? This high-shine metallic burgundy look is your answer. The deep, wine-colored shade—Zoya’s Metora—gives off a luxurious, party-ready vibe. All you need is two coats of this stunning polish, topped off with a glossy top coat to enhance the metallic finish. It’s perfect for holiday parties or any occasion where you want your nails to shimmer and shine without much effort.
Burgundy-Dotted Nails
For those who love minimalist nail art, these burgundy and red dots on bare nails are the epitome of understated chic. The simplicity of the clean nail base paired with a few carefully placed dots makes this design feel modern and elegant. Plus, it’s super easy to recreate at home. Just grab a dotting tool, a few burgundy polishes in different shades, and a clear top coat to achieve this look. It’s the perfect combination of simplicity and style, ideal for any occasion when you want a quick yet polished mani.
Burgundy Polish on Rounded Nails
If you’re after a manicure that’s both timeless and on-trend, this rounded nail shape paired with Olive & June’s “Luxe Loafer” burgundy polish is the way to go. The rich, opaque burgundy color offers a luxurious, sophisticated feel, while the rounded shape adds a modern touch. This polish is one of the most striking and full-coverage burgundy shades available, making it the perfect choice for fall or winter. Whether for everyday wear or a special occasion, this look is effortlessly elegant.
FAQs About Burgundy Nails
Q: Can I wear burgundy nails throughout the year?
A: Definitely! While burgundy is especially popular in fall and winter, it’s a versatile color that can be worn year-round. Its deep tones complement any season, so feel free to rock it whenever you like.
Q: How can I extend the life of my burgundy manicure?
A: To make your burgundy nails last longer, start with a good base coat, apply two thin layers of polish, and finish with a durable top coat. Reapplying the top coat every few days will help maintain the shine and prevent chipping.
Q: What nail shape works best with burgundy polish?
A: Burgundy polish pairs well with a variety of nail shapes, but squoval, almond, and rounded shapes are especially flattering. Choose a shape that complements your style and personality for the best look!