There’s no doubt about it, burgundy is the colour of the season. It’s everywhere at the moment and I, for one, am all for it. It’s perfect because it’s a nod to the wintery time of year, but is still super elegant, classy and not in-your-face festive.
A few coats of burgundy nail polish on short, neat nails is a simple way to lean into the trending colour but if you want to experiment a little more, I’ve hunted down some of the best nail designs, shapes and finishes for your final mani moment for 2025…
Pearly accents
We loved the pearl accents seen at the Meruert Tolegen A/W 2025 show. Maybe not super practical to stick them to your skin for everyday live but then a little nail-bed accent works for a frosted touch.
Retro Polka dots
The combo of blue and burgundy is so retro and we love the added element of polka dots here.
Translucent burgundy
The Ahluwalia Spring/Summer 2026 show showed us that actually a translucent burgundy is eternally chic and transcends seasons! Extra points for the square nail shape making a huge comeback.
Laced up
Wholly impractical, yes, but so wintery gothic! We love lace on burgundy as seen at Di Petsa A/W 2025. To make this nail inspo last longer, apply the lace on top of your mani rather that surrounding your nails.
Burgundy accent nails
If you don't want a full-blown burgundy mani, a few burgundy accent nails is a nice way to nod to the trend.
Starry nights
If you want to amplify the Christmassy-ness of your burgundy mani some well placed glittery gold star bursts are undeniably festive.
Burgundy French marble
Is it a French mani, is it marbled nails? Well it's both! Nail art has no rules so if you want to combine two trends, we say go for it. We love how rich the colour looks despite the gradient effect.
Burgundy black
Red nails not your vibe? This almost-black hue is a chic way to do burgundy if you are a neutral fan. A few coat s of a deep burgundy and you'll only get a slight glimpse of the rich colour in the light.
French burgundy
Sounds like a wine, but is actually the hottest new way to wear your French tips.
Burgundy talons
A stiletto nail shape is SO good with this hue thanks to the deep gothic colour.
Burgundy animal print
Animal print is an always-on nail trend and we love how this one is so discreet, almost like a secret nail art design that shines when it's lit up.
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
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