You Can Never Go Wrong With These Classic Nail Polish Colors
There's always an abundance of cute nail polish trends to try, like eclectic and bright skittle manis or sheer, glossy jelly nails. However, there are times when no matter how cute a fad may be, trends in general just come and go — and you want to wear something reliable and timeless instead. On the other hand, maybe you're hopping on the quiet luxury train, and classic colors are the newest trend you want to try.
Whether simple, minimalist manicures are new for you or you already love more traditional nail polish hues, there can be a lot of reasons to return to the classics or find new favorite shades to wear. And for anyone who thinks that these colors are boring, that's simply not true! From understated nudes to bold blacks and show-stopping reds, some of the most timeless nail polish colors are the most captivating, too.
So, whether you're looking to elevate your manis in a minimalist way that makes you feel like a princess (like Kate Middleton's wedding day manicure) or you need to find shades that will look great in any setting or situation, check out these classic nail polish colors. They're inspiring for the days you just want a simple, beautiful shade that boasts some serious class, too.
Elegant nude
Nothing is more elegant or effortless than a simple nude. With nude nail polish, you've got a mani that goes with everything and instantly makes you look put together (even on the days you feel like a hot mess). Whether you opt for a glossy, matte, or shimmery nude, you can easily achieve some of the best quiet luxury nails. Another plus — even if your mani starts to chip, it won't be noticeable immediately, which means that low-maintenance babes can get a little more mileage out of this manicure.
Basic burgundy
Burgundy is both bold and reliable. It has an interesting way of feeling modern and classic all at the same time. Not only does it have some of the drama of a red nail, but it's also deeper, darker, and a little more toned-down. This is great for those who want a color with a lot of impact without being too in-your-face. If you're seeking a rich and sumptuous color that can coordinate with almost anything, burgundy should be next on your list.
Ballet slipper pink
What's more elegant than the color of a ballet slipper? This shade of pink is almost nude on lighter skin tones but with a delightfully subtle hint of pink that makes it both feminine and sophisticated. When you reach for this shade, you know that your manicure will be charming, girly, and of course, classy. Not to mention, it looks great any season of the year.
Hot pink
While some might not think of hot pink as a classic, the advent of the super-popular "Barbie" movie and, of course, Barbiecore proves otherwise. Not only is hot pink a modern, fresh classic, but it's bright, exciting, and flirty, too. If you're already into minimalist fashion or wear lots of neutrals and simple colors, a pop of hot pink can bring some fun but still chic contrast to your look.
Charming coral
Just like hot pink, coral is another feminine and flirty color with old-school appeal, except with a little more orange in its tone. Whether you opt for a bold and eye-catching shade of coral (which is great for summer) or a lighter or more subdued hue (which can be more appealing year-round), this color isn't just classy — it's also soft, delicate, and incredibly appealing, too.
Pure white
A pure white mani isn't just refreshing; it's also the height of chic elegance. White can really pop on darker skin tones and look lovely and understated on lighter ones. It can also have just as much appeal in the winter as it does in summer or spring. If you want to elevate your white mani while still keeping it refined, trying a shimmery or glittery white can be cute and trendy. Or, if you want to be ultra trendy, you can always try the new, creamy take on a white mani — the coconut milk nails trend.
Basic black
Some may think of black as being an emo, goth, or alternative color, but the reality is that it's a bold and timeless standby that pairs well with a multitude of looks and styles. In fact, it's become pretty mainstream lately (thanks to Wednesdaycore). While you can always pair it with alternative looks, it is also super impactful when mixed with corporate or conservative outfits. It's a hue with a lot of versatility, which is why it makes a great go-to color if you aren't sure what shade you should try next.
Soft gray
In between white and black, soft gray is calm, serene, and the epitome of subtle class. Besides being a sleek neutral, gray can introduce a lot of understated sophistication into your looks, especially for those with cooler skin tones. Not only does gray look good on its own, but it is also a great color for pairing. It looks gorgeous next to soft pinks or mauves, and adding a couple of gray accent nails to either a black or white manicure can make it so much more interesting while still being posh.
Muted mauve
Mauve is an obvious color choice for those who want to wear something feminine but also muted and low-key. While this shade is girly, it's also laid-back and subtle, too. It can be a great choice for those who are obsessed with Barbiecore and find themselves drawn to bright pinks but who might feel that hot pink is too flashy or over-the-top. Beyond that, it can be a great transitional color to wear when the warmer months wind down and shift into fall. This hue has all the fun of pink while being toned down and versatile.
Timeless taupe
If you're into simple looks, then taupe is the nail color for your on-trend minimalist manicure. Not only is it trendy, but it also can pair easily with a multitude of other colors, looks, and styles. One thing that's cool about taupe -– although it seems like a simple color, there are tons of shades to pick from, from pale, creamy taupes to darker, moody ones and everything in between. There are many shades of taupe with so many undertones, so finding one that looks great with your skin tone specifically is key for a great mani.
Soft peach
Just like a pale ballet slipper pink, a soft shade of peach makes a truly beautiful manicure that you can wear all throughout the year, even though it may feel especially fitting to wear during warmer seasons like spring and summer. While this delicate color may work better for those with warmer skin tones than cooler ones, the right shade of peach can be subtly alluring on absolutely anyone.
Classic red
Who doesn't love a classic red? It's sexy, fun, and always flattering, too. It can look amazing no matter what your style is and can spice up your look in the summer, spring, fall, or winter. There's no way to go wrong with a classic red nail. And, despite its boldness, it looks great in so many different situations, whether you wear it to the office or for date night.
Warm red
While classic red is always a great way to go, some might want to opt for a different, warmer shade of red. Depending on your skin tone, some shades of red might pop more for you than others. For example, if you have warmer-toned skin, then a warmer — or more orange-based — shade of red will likely pop more and be more complementary to you.
Cool red
Just as a warmer shade of red may be best for those with warmer skin tones, a cooler red hue is the way to go if you have a cooler skin tone. A cool red usually has some undertones of blue or purple and will look much more vibrant on you than a warmer, orange-based red (even though these shades can still look nice and be fun to play around with, too!).
Classy caramel
Whether you want to call it tan, camel, or caramel, this shade looks totally gorgeous on anyone, and it can make a great nude for medium skin tones. As a truly timeless and chic hue, a rich caramel shade will go with basically any outfit and elevate your look overall, which can be a nice option for those tapping into the quiet luxury aesthetic.
Dark brown
A deep, dark shade of brown is a great moody color, especially for those who love black but might want to try something a little more soft or earthy. For darker skin tones, it can make for a truly elegant nude, and for lighter skin tones, it can create intriguing contrast without being too harsh.