8 Best Red Nail Polish Colours Of All Time – And The Trending Ways To Wear Them

There’s a reason red nail polish is a classic, throughout the seasons (and throughout the decades for that matter). The versatile shade has managed to stay relevant, stylish and ready for whatever occasions are thrown at it. While it may have been benched for a second to make way for the glazed milky pinks that have dominated the past few years, the classic shade is experiencing a renewed appreciation with the runways and our favourite it-girls bringing it firmly back into rotation.

“I feel like red nails have come into a chic era at the moment,” confirmed celebrity manicurist, Michelle Humphrey, who counts Dua Lipa and Sabrina Carpenter as clients. “Less is more and what better way to sex up a look than a statement red nail,” she insists. “Think expensive and luxury vibes here,” she adds.

Shop the trend

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Rouge Noir

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What red nail polish to choose?

The good news is, there’s room to play within the one trend – after all there’s a big difference between shouty orange-red and sophisticated bordeaux. “It works perfectly for all seasons, as it’s so timeless,” A-list manicurist, Tinu Bello, told us. “Deep cherry and merlot reds are hot [at the beginning of the year], with tomato and post box reds dominating the summer months,” she added.

The fact is, red is a classic, especially on your nails. It’s stood the test of time, from ‘20s flappers, to ’40s Jenny Wrens, to ’50s Marilyn Monroe, to today where bright fire-engine and sultry merlot are as covetable and versatile as ever.

And, it offers a whole spectrum of opportunities. Sunny days, when you’re dining al fresco, calls for a cheery orange-spiked sunrise red (which looks banging with a tan). As it turns colder and you turn to your favourite cosy knit, a sultry deep cherry works beautifully. For off-duty days a brick red is a cool switch from ruby. And for a shade you can’t go wrong with, pillar box red works well on everyone. But of course, you can break the rules and wear any of these at any time you fancy.