There are only a few things that we can be sure of in this life, and one of them is that red lacquered nails are utterly timeless (and they always will be). Maybe that’s because they seamlessly fit every kind of outfit and occasion. Really, though. Try to think of something that wouldn’t be made better with a fresh red manicure. We bet you can’t. After all, we count on our favorite red nail polishes to elevate our effortless athleisure sets just as much as we count on them to add a sultry sort of elegance to our favorite cocktail dresses. We know they look just as appropriate when worn to a long, drawn-out dinner as they do when worn to an endless barrage of meetings at the office. Red nails are, without a doubt, considered classic for a reason.
Just because we have a deep and unadulterated love for red nail polish doesn’t mean we always stick with a standard red manicure, though. We like to spice it up every now and then with a fresh and innovative design. For that, we turn to Instagram. (Where else?) Keep scrolling to see 20 photogenic red nail designs we’ve saved from some of our most favorite nail accounts.
The ribbon of white nail polish really makes the red pop, no?
We love a combination of red and pink—always have, always will.
Who would have guessed a deck of cards could turn into such a photogenic manicure?
The bright-red nail polish is great, but the drops of gold are what really make this manicure.
You don’t need long nails to sport a design. Just look to these polka dots for inspiration.
Step one: Grab a bottle of cherry-red nail polish. Step two: Paint this negative-space design.
If Dorothy’s ruby-red slippers were turned into a manicure, this would be it.
This combination of red and black is strong and statement-making, and we love it.
You can never go wrong with a classic red French manicure.
Or kick it up a notch and alternate between French tips and fully painted nails.
A classic French manicure with bright-red cherries gives us ’50s vibes in the best way.
Sure, it’s not technically a design, but we couldn’t skip this fresh see-through set.
This ’60s-inspired manicure is practically begging to be worn with bold eyeliner and big lashes.
This is proof that manicures don’t have to match.
A swoop of scarlet (and a glossy topcoat) is all you need to re-create this chic design.
Red and beige make a sophisticated pairing.
Squiggle designs afford nail-art newbies room for error.
This is your sign to paint red asymmetric shapes over a base of beige.
This “shadow French” design deserves a place on your Instagram feed.
It’s not the most obvious color pairing, but there’s not denying that it works.
This opaque, poppy red is one of our all-time favorites.
Olive and June is one of our favorite places to shop for nail color.
Gucci Beauty’s new nail polishes deliver a high-shine finish.
Essie’s Forever Yummy is a classic shade of candy-apple red.
This universally flattering shade is somewhere between burgundy and cherry.
