Leading beauty experts are forecasting a major shift toward deep burgundy tones for the Autumn/Winter 2026 season. as the fashion calendar moves away from summer aesthetics, manicurists suggest this sophisticated shade will replace brighter reds.
The transition from summer brights to AW26's deep ruby reds
The upcoming season is defined by a move toward mid-to-deep red tones that incorporate subtle purple undertones. According to a report by Glamour, these shades sit in a specific aesthetic sweet spot: they are darker than a standard post-box red, yet they do not reach the extreme depth of a pure espresso .
This color profile is designed to feel "expensive," classic, and sophisticated. As the weather cools, this palette provides a sense of warmth and luxury that aligns with the broader shift in seasonal wardrobes. The trend is part of a larger color quad currently ruling the fashion landscape, which includes shades of brown, butter yellow, and blue.
Why Dua Lipa and Charli XCX's manicurists are betting on ruby
Celebrity nail artists are already seeing this shift reflected in their high-profile client lists. One prominent artist, who provides manicures for stars including Dua Lipa , Simone Ashley, and Charli XCX, confirmed that "rich ruby red" will be the headlining shade for the autumn season. The expert noted that while red is a perennial favorite, the upcoming season feels deeper and more luxurious compared to the bright tones of summer.
This sentiment is echoed by an OPI Global Ambassador, who identifies both rich espresso and deep burgundy as the defining shades of the season. As reported by Glamour, these colors are being treated as "timeless, elevated, and incredibly versatile" neutrals that allow for an effortless, high-end look.
Achieving the 'patent leather' look with Susan Carroll's tips
For those looking to implement the trend, Susan Carroll, the founder of a leading Notting Hill beauty destination, suggests focusing heavily on texture.. Carroll recommends a "high-gloss finish" that mimics the appearance of patent leather to ensure the manicure feels instantly polished. While the shade is versatile enough for various nail lengths, Carroll notes it is particularly effective on shorter, neatly shaped nails.
Beyond a simple solid color, the burgundy trend is expected to serve as a versatile base for other popular nail art techniques. This includes the polka dot manicure, aura nails, and the widely popular glazed nail aesthetic.
Will cat-eye or translucent finishes win the season?
While the color itself is a consensus among experts, the specific textural application remains an open question for the upcoming season. Manicurist Michelle suggests that the shade works beautifully whether worn glossy, translucent, or even with a specialized cat-eye finish.
It remains to be seen whether the trend will lean toward a minimalist, single-color approach or if the more experimental "glazed" and "aura" styles will dominate the burgundy aesthetic.. Additionally, while the report highlights the color's versatility, it does not specify if certain burgundy undertones will be more popular than others for different skin tones.
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