The Moody Nail Trend That's Perfect For People Who Don't Like The Minimalist Manicure Look

Minimalist manicures have been on the rise for a couple of years now, but each fall and winter we see a resurgence of moody and dark nail colors. This year, it's all about Bordeaux nails, the deep wine-like color that instantly gives your manicure a bold look. While minimalist manicures dominated the 2026 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, and Pamela Anderson combined two minimalist nail trends into one, Hollywood icon Julianne Moore has taken her nails in the opposite direction, rocking a chic Bordeaux manicure for a screening of her film "The Debut" during the London Film Festival in October 2026.

"Rather than a traditional red-toned burgundy, this darker 'Bordeaux' shade is more expensive and refined. It's a great example of how classic color can feel modern without following an obvious trend," the founder of medical spa Young LDN, Sue Carroll, explained to Harper's Bazaar. The expert added that using a high-shine top coat ensures the manicure "catches the light and allows those beautiful wine undertones to come through, rather than making the color look flat."

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Speaking to Elle in September 2026, Carroll said, "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. That subtle variation is what makes Bordeaux feel particularly modern and dimensional." The best part about the moody manicure? It's among the 2026 manicure trends that look great on both long and short nails. That said, compared to a more nude-leaning manicure, the chic Bordeaux does have a drawback. The dark shade makes streaks, chips, and other flaws easier to spot, so extra care with nail prep is essential.

Even though it's technically a daring color, a Bordeaux manicure is very versatile and works well with different fashion choices. The main reason for that is the depth of its color, which is what differentiates it from a classic wine red, deep brown, or warm purple. In fact, unless it's in bright light, the manicure can often even appear black, which "gives it a chic, contemporary finish," according to Sue Carroll (via Harper's Bazaar).

And as far as finding the perfect nail color for your skin undertone goes, the Bordeaux manicure also has a cool and warm-toned range you can pick from. "Some Bordeaux shades lean more purple, while others have warmer brown or red undertones, so there's definitely a shade to suit everyone. If you're worried about the color feeling too intense, opt for a slightly berry-toned burgundy or keep your nails shorter," Carroll added. 

And while neutral minimalist nails are still a popular choice, it's no surprise that people are turning to something with a little more depth for the colder months, especially since this shade gives off an effortless sophistication. Thanks to her nail artist Zola Ganzorigt, beauty mogul Kylie Jenner was at the forefront of Bordeaux nails in 2024, while singer and actor Jennifer Lopez's manicurist Tom Bachik ensured she rocked the trend in 2025.