Bordeaux Nails Are the Rich, Wine-Inspired Manicure Taking Over This Autumn
Like clockwork, a wave of dark red and cherry tones descended onto our social media feeds this week. Burgundy for autumn is nothing new; for many of us, the beginning of September signals the changing of the guard, when summer's bright, joyful nail colors are traded in for something richer, moodier, and more classically elegant. But this year, wine-inspired shades are paving the way for Bordeaux nails to give traditional burgundy a fresh upgrade.
What distinguishes the Bordeaux shade?
Although burgundy evokes a similar palette—somewhere between maroon and purple-tinted red—its Bordeaux counterpart draws inspiration from a different region of France. Susan Carroll, founder of Young LDN in Notting Hill, explains that Bordeaux features more depth and earthiness.
"A brown undertone softens the red and gives it an incredibly luxurious, almost wine-stained quality. Rather than a very obvious red-purple burgundy, these shades can shift between deep red, chocolate, and oxblood depending on the light," Carroll notes. "That subtle variation is what makes bordeaux feel particularly modern and dimensional."
Why are Bordeaux nails trending?
Carroll agrees that such hues are known to come back into focus at the start of autumn, "because they have that richness and warmth that we associate with the season." But she nods to a wider, recent shift towards manicure minimalism —think the slew of clean, natural colors and barely-there finishes which have gained momentum in recent months—as part of the reason why Bordeaux feels so appealing this season.
"After the transparent pinks and milky neutrals , there's a real appetite for something more polished and timeless," Carroll observes. "A deep Bordeaux nail instantly feels sophisticated, so it's a shade people are turning to."
What are the best ways to wear Bordeaux nails now?
Versatility is one of the many benefits of opting for Bordeaux for autumn. Carroll cites short, softly rounded or squoval nails as chic, understated ways to interpret the trend "(particularly with a high-gloss finish)," but equally recommends longer, almond shapes to those seeking a more dramatic and glamorous look.
"If you want to incorporate nail art , I'd keep it minimal," she suggests. "A bordeaux French tip over a transparent nude base is a beautiful way to wear it without committing to a full dark nail—or you could use it alongside chocolate brown for a tonal manicure."
In general, immaculate nail preparation and careful application are to be considered when working with deeper shades, as imperfections and chipping tend to be more noticeable. "Make sure the nail shape is consistent and the cuticle area is neat before applying color, use a base coat to help prevent staining, and finally, finish with a really glossy top coat," Carroll concludes. "Bordeaux looks its most expensive when the color is rich, smooth, and almost glass-like."
Ahead, find six of the most elegant Bordeaux nail ideas to bookmark now.
Short 'n' chic
The combination of natural-looking shapes and simple gels is infinitely flattering. For those who prefer to keep things pared-back and understated, this is a great way to let the Bordeaux color take the spotlight.
Simple squares
At the start of the year, celebrity manicurist Iram Shelton predicted that square and squoval nails would see a revival. Once popular in the early 2000s, these chic, edgy shapes are firmly back on our radars.
Matte moment
Courtesy of Shelton, this creative variation of a matte Bordeaux base color topped with a subtle, glossy French tip has earned a place on our mood boards. If you're indecisive when it comes to choosing a finish, here's the solution.
French Bordeaux
If you're looking to truly embrace the French theme, tick off two trends in one. Sleek French tips pair beautifully with a few block-color nails.
Glazed chrome
Even if bold maximalism isn't on the cards, adding a glazed chrome finish will effortlessly elevate any otherwise simple Bordeaux set. Each nail will catch the light in the most eye-catching way.
Tortoiseshell accents
Consider incorporating motifs that lean into similar color palettes—whether chocolate browns, vibrant plums, or this subtle tortoiseshell addition, which promises to attract compliments.
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