Trust Me—These 10 "Boring" Nail Colors Transcend Trends and Always Look Chic

Don't get me wrong. I adore experimenting with bold nail designs and polishes, and I'm always game for a playful, kitschy manicure. I can wax poetic about the high-fashion, editorial nail looks that will have passersby gasping at how gorgeous your claws look, yet the power of a chic, neutral nail color will never wane. Whether it's Chanel's Ballerina, OPI's Funny Bunny, or Essie's Chinchilly, these versatile lacquers flatter every skin tone, nail shape, and outfit, so they'll forever be mani kit staples. You may call them boring, but I say they're universally elegant.

Here, explore the best neutral shades ahead of your next salon appointment, plus some best-selling lacquers to add to your at-home collection. Nail trends come and go (and then come back again and again), but these 10 hues always exude taste.

1. Milky White

Translucent, creamy, and clean milky-white nails are always on-trend. A crisp white makes natural nails appear instantly brighter, but the hazy finish here keeps the overall aesthetic looking delicate and understated. That said, if you find yourself at a loss at the polish wall, opt for milky white—the versatile shade never misses.

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2. Sheer Pink

If you want a true "my nails but better" look, a sheer pink does just the trick. The subtle wash of color adds just enough oomph while letting your natural nails shine through. Just make sure you find the right pink (be it warmer or cooler) to match your skin's undertones. Another pro tip? Apply two thin coats of your polish du jour for a "strawberry milk" effect.

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3. Iced Coffee

Espresso-brown nails will always look expensive, but for those who prefer clouds in their coffee, feel free to indulge in a creamier, lighter shade. The timeless hue truly works year-round, making autumnal manicures appear cozy while offering a cool touch to summer tips. Top the polish with a chrome finish, and you'll have the perfect "coffee with a glazed donut" combo.

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4. Creamy Ivory

Not quite white yet far from butter yellow, ivory is a top-notch choice for neutral-nail lovers. See, stark-white manis certainly look striking, but choosing ivory softens the brightness a bit, so it's perfect for those wanting a more understated look. It suits everyone, but ivory looks especially flattering on those with warmer complexions given the hue's yellow and beige undertones.

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5. Glossy Black

Say what you will about jet-black lacquer (it's arguably the most polarizing polish choice, if there ever was one), but I think we can all agree that the moody hue is pretty timeless. I find an onyx mani so cool, especially when it features a glossy patent-leather finish. There's just something about the bold, glassy polish that feels elegant yet edgy.

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6. Natural Peach

For those craving a bit more warmth, a peach mani adds a nice pop of color while keeping the look soft and elegant. Yes, a peachy hue may seem most fitting for the summer months, but it can really be worn year-round, especially if the shade leans a tad more muted. Bonus: Add a kiss of pink shimmer for a "peach champagne" finish à la Selena Gomez.

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7. Cool Gray

Fancy cool-toned neutrals? Look no further than a slate-gray polish, which instantly adds a sophisticated touch to any ensemble. Many consider gray a fall or winter color since it exudes chic, cozy energy (imagine a butter-soft cashmere sweater), but gray polish is subtle enough to work in the spring and summer months too. You can also make it as milky or opaque as you please, the former providing a smokier effect.

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8. Chocolate Brown

I repeat: Brown nail polish will always look expensive. A rich chocolate brown is a great option for those wanting a moody mani without resorting to jet black, providing slightly less contrast. I like to compare it to those who prefer brown mascara and liner over black; both products enhance the complexion, but brown does so in a softer, more natural-looking fashion.

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9. Soft Beige

Beige is far from boring! The classic neutral looks deliciously creamy on everyone, especially if you opt for a rich, opaque finish. Manicurists typically recommend choosing a taupe-y shade slightly lighter or darker than your skin tone to create some contrast, but the overall look will remain stunningly natural.

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10. Smooth Pearl

At this point, we can consider a glazed, pearlescent finish a timeless neutral. (Call it the Hailey Bieber effect!) Milky-white pearl is perhaps the most traditional take, but you can add a chrome topper to any of these polishes and maintain an elegant, natural-looking finish. A few personal favorites? Pearly pink, frosted iced coffee (or coffee chrome), and peach champagne.

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