Burgundy Is the Perfect Transitional Color for Fall—Try One of These Nail Ideas

1Shiny Burgundy Manicure@lolo.naileditBurgundy nails look good on every single nail length, style, and shape, as evidenced here. The glossy finish is so classic too. Two coats of OPI's Malaga Wine and a high-shine top coat (we love Sally Hansen Miracle Gel) should do it.2Burgundy Blooming Gel@samrosenailsBlooming gel is a nail technique that creates flowers, animal print, and more without the need for any equipment (aside from a UV light and gel polish). And if you’re trying to get into the fall spirit without completely abandoning summer, a flower motif is fairly seasonless.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Burgundy French Manicure@raelondonnailsDip your fingers in the burgundy nail trend with this thin French tip look. It's also perfect for people who let their nails grow out—no one will ever know since the base blends right into regrowth.4Full-Bodied Merlot Nails@nailcharkI will be matching my nails to my wine this winter, tyvm. Burgundy can go as deep and dark as you want, like this rich shade (I <3 Chanel Rouge Noir).Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Checkered Burgundy Nails@nailartbyqueenieBreak up the monotony of your burgundy nails by adding in a few accents, like these checkered nails. The negative space keeps the nails clean and fresh-looking, plus works just as well on short square nails (as shown here) as it would long almond.6Burgundy Polka Dot Nails@nailsbyzolaPolka dot nails have been one of the biggest 2025 nail trends, so why not complete it with a set in burgundy? Sydney Sweeney got in on the action with these nails by celeb nail artist Zola Ganzorigt. The reverse coloring on either hand keeps it looking fresh.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Studded Burgundy Nails@vanityprojectsmiaYour burgundy nails deserve a piercing too!! This studded manicure adds a teensy edge but doesn't feel like too much either.8Burgundy and Green Aura Nail Design@chummy.nailsBurgundy and green go together just as well as pink and green (IYKYK). This mix of aura nails is basically the cool girls' way to do a nail design in 2026.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Burgundy Cherry Nails@akikonails_nycBlack cherry and burgundy go hand-in-hand, so it makes sense that a cherry-accent nail amidst your burgundy mani just works. You don't have to do a 3D cherry, ofc, but it looks so freakin' cool.10Burgundy and Cream French Tips@overgloweditAnother take on the French mani, nail expert Melanie Graves paired burgundy and cream-colored polishes to create this unique look. If you decide to DIY, enlist the help of striper brushes to lay down clean, crisp lines.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11Burgundy Plaid Nails@nailartbyqueenieJust picture it: you, wrapped in a thick Burberry scarf while holding a pumpkin latte and sporting this plaid manicure. It's peak prep school fall vibes.12Burgundy Heart Nails@betina_goldsteinManicurist Betina Goldstein is the queen of tiny, ultra-detailed nail art. Case in point: This negative space heart on burgundy-painted nails. Might just save these for Valentine's Day, tbh.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Matte Burgundy Nails@stephstonenailsBurgundy polish looks equally gorgeous whether you choose a shiny or matte finish. Nail artist Stephanie Stone used Essie's Ace of Shades for this mani, but you can use a matte top coat over whatever burgundy polish you have at home to get a similar effect too.14Pearlescent Burgundy Nails@opiThe name of this polish is called "Big Sagittarius Energy," so if your birthday is between November 22 and December 21, this is 100 percent the burgundy mani for you.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Burgundy Dotted Nails@hollyfalconenailsMinimalist nail art—like these burgundy and red dots on clean nails—looks so damn chic and is surprisingly easy to DIY at home too. All you need is a dotter tool, a few different shades of polish in the same color family, and a clear top coat to recreate this look.16Burgundy Almond Nails@themaniclubNot only are the shape and length of this mani totally stunning, the burgundy polish used—Luxe Loafer by Olive & June—is one of the prettiest, most opaque burgundy shades I've tried to date.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowWhy trust 'Cosmopolitan'?Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with more than a decade of experience researching, writing, and editing nail stories that range from the best gel nail polishes to the best winter nail colors. She’s an authority in all skincare categories but an expert when it comes to nail colors and nail trends.Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing nail stories.Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months. Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for more than a decade at Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.