We Can't Stop Staring at These 14 Photogenic Red Nail Designs
Each one is effortlessly chic.
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 14 photogenic red nail designs we've saved from some of our favorite nail accounts.
Mix-and-Match
We love a combination of red and pink—always have, always will.
Deck of Cards
Who would have guessed a deck of cards could turn into such a photogenic manicure?
Gold Details
The bright-red nail polish is great, but the drops of gold are what really make this manicure.
Polka-Dot Play
You don't need long nails to wear a design. Just look to these polka dots for inspiration.
Negative Space
Step one: Grab a bottle of cherry-red nail polish. Step two: Paint this negative-space design.
Fiery French Tips
You can never go wrong with a classic red French manicure.
Alternating Reds
Or kick it up a notch and alternate between French tips and fully painted nails.
Vintage Cherry
A classic French manicure with bright-red cherries gives us '50s vibes in the best way.
See-Through
Sure, it's not technically a design, but we couldn't skip this fresh see-through set.
Retro Daisies
This '60s-inspired manicure is practically begging to be worn with bold eyeliner and big lashes.
Y2K Patterns
This is proof that manicures don't have to match.
Striking Squiggles
Squiggle designs afford nail-art newbies room for error.
Asymmetric Shapes
This is your sign to paint red asymmetric shapes over a base of beige.
Shadow French
This "shadow French" design deserves a place on your Instagram feed.
Five Red Nail Polishes We're Shopping Now
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.
Why Trust Who What Wear?
At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
