Red-Era Nail Ideas For Your Next Taylor Swift-Inspired Manicure

Black and red manicure beside Red-era Taylor Swift

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Celebrities are constantly reimagining their looks, but Taylor Swift may be the queen of style evolution. In both her music and her wardrobe, Swift reinvents herself time and time again — so much that her so-called “eras” have become cultural touchstones. Take her “Red” era, for example. Spanning from the release of Swift’s “Red” album in 2012 until the drop of her next album, “1989,” in 2014, this time period marked the performer’s shift from country starlet to full-on pop powerhouse.

Swift’s “Red”-era aesthetic featured graphic color combos and adorably vintage silhouettes. For instance, black, white, and, of course, red were all major players in the “22” singer’s tour looks. Swift also gravitated toward chunky stripes and lacy florals, and she wasn’t afraid to add sparkle to her outfits. This surprisingly harmonious blend of elements echoed the feel of the album itself, which Swift described in a 2021 Instagram post as “all over the place, a fractured mosaic of feelings that somehow all fit together in the end.”

Not only does this eclectic approach add up to an iconic moment in Swift’s style, but it also gives fans a lot to play with when they want to embody their own “Red”-inspired looks — or manicures. Whether you’re seeing her on tour or simply want to represent your Swiftie status in everyday life, nail art is an easy and impactful way to embody Swift’s energy and enter your very own “Red” era.

A red French mani captures Taylor’s timeless charm

Taylor Swift’s “Red” tour outfits ran the gamut from black-tie attire to street style, but vivid red hues were a constant through-line. For instance, while on tour, Swift rocked a show-stopping, all-red ensemble that was part classy evening gown, part playful shorts, and part old Hollywood glamor with its elbow-length gloves. The look presented a gorgeous balance between luxurious red satin and glimpses of bare skin. Flaunt your own pairing of red with neutrals — plus give off the same mix of fun and elegance — with a chic yet sassy red French manicure.

Sparkly manicures are spot-on for Tay-Tay’s Red era

Taylor Swift stuck to her “Red”-era theme at the 2012 Principales Awards in Madrid, Spain, where she rocked a cute but understated ensemble of black high-waisted shorts and a glittery red top. You can easily bring the look to your nails with sparkly red polish, but long manicures also offer the opportunity to remix the style a little. Invert Swift’s outfit by opting for a sparkly black color on top and tucking that must-have pop of red underneath the nail. It’s fun and on-theme, and it serves Christian Louboutin levels of luxury.

Red and white florals serve feminine Red-era vibes

For sweeter “Red”-era inspo, check out Taylor Swift’s beaded floral gown from the 2012 Country Music Awards. The soft, beige dress was embellished with red flowers that translate perfectly into a patterned manicure. Play with red blooms on a white or neutral background, or flip the script by applying pale flowers on a rich red base. For a trendy, cottagecore take on Swift’s red florals, you can even use dried flowers in your manicure. It’s like repping “Red” and “Folklore” all at once.

Choose red, black, and gold for Red-era glamor

Without a doubt, one of Taylor Swift’s most iconic “Red”-era outfits is the glitzy ringleader costume she donned while performing “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” at the 2012 MTV Europe Music Awards. You can evoke this vivid, over-the-top look with your own light-catching manicure, especially one built on the same color palette of red, black, and gold. Whether you adopt chunky sparkles, gem embellishments, or a hypnotic, mirror-like finish, just be sure to choose rich jewel tones for this nail art.

Bring back classic Taylor vibes with cute heart designs

Taylor Swift is a relatable style queen. Case in point, the wonderfully girl-next-door vibe of the “I Heart LA” T-shirt she wore while performing in Los Angeles on the “Red” tour. Its design was simple but effective — qualities you can embrace in your own “Red”-era nail art. Consider a clean white manicure accented with dainty red hearts. French tips are a reliable starting point, but you can also add a touch of whimsy with white swoops, stripes, or even polka dots.

High-contrast coquette nails are peak Red

Coquette manicure beside Taylor Swift on

Larry Busacca & Larry Busacca/tas/Getty

Taylor Swift’s “Red” era paired bold colors with adorably twee details, from Peter Pan collars to sparkly loafers. So, why not try a high-contrast coquette manicure to embody her looks from the “Red” tour, such as Swift’s pairing of a lacy white top with black leather shorts and a fedora? There are so many precious coquette nail designs to choose from. Nail the look with French tips, 3-D bow embellishments, pearl accents, or charming heart details. Stick to a versatile black-and-white palette, or add a hint of cherry to strengthen the “Red” connection.

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