Red is burgundy's brighter sister, and a good red manicure never goes out of style. This row also has press-ons for anyone who wants a perfect manicure in ten minutes.

Gelcare Nail Polish in Morello is a cherry red. Nailberry L'Oxygéné in Rouge is a classic red that is breathable. CHANEL Le Vernis in Pirate is a deep red that has been a Chanel favorite for years. Gucci Vernis à Ongles is a glossy polish in a pretty glass bottle. Christian Louboutin Rouge Louboutin is the exact red of the famous soles. Londontown Lakur is a coral, bright and warm. Glamnetic makes Fiery Red press-ons and Merlot in a short almond shape, both easy to apply at home. Press-ons are also a good trial run if you are not sure a dark red suits you, since they come off without remover.

Pairing tip: with a bright red, keep nails short and rounded. It looks modern and chips less.

What I would skip: a bright red polish with a very pale skin tone in harsh office light, unless it is a blue red. Warm reds can look orange under fluorescent light.

A top coat is what makes a manicure last, especially a dark one where every chip shows. These are the top coats and care products I would use with every color above.

CHANEL LE GEL COAT is a longwear top coat with a gel-like shine. HERMÈS Les Mains Top Coat is glossy and elegant. Manucurist Xtrem Flash is a gel top coat that gives up to 21 days of wear with an LED lamp. Gelcare Top Coat pairs with the gel polishes above. Nailberry Bare Essentials is a two-in-one base and top coat. Londontown High Gloss Top Coat adds a glassy shine. Kure Bazaar Dry Finish Top Coat speeds up drying, and ISDIN Si-Nails is a treatment for weak, brittle nails. Use it between manicures to give nails a rest.

How to use them: apply a thin top coat over the whole nail, including the tip, which seals the edge and helps prevent chips. Add a fresh layer every three days.

What I would skip: a thick top coat all at once. It takes forever to dry and smudges. Two thin layers are faster and last longer.

Start with one burgundy from the first row and a good top coat. Paint thin layers, cap the tips and reapply the top coat every few days. If you want a change later in the season, move to a classic red. Keep cuticle oil by your bed so the skin around dark polish looks healthy, since it shows more against a deep color. Burgundy nail polish is the simplest way to feel ready for fall, and it takes about twenty minutes on a Sunday evening with a cup of tea. If you want to keep browsing, I also put together Manucurist Paris and Clear Nail Polish Is the Most Grown-Up Manicure.