7 Elegant Nail Colours That Will Never Go Out of Style
Sophisticated and timeless, these elegant nail colours work for all skin tones, all nail shapes, and all year round.

You might think you're a good decision-maker, but when faced with a salon nail wheel, even the most of decisive of us can be thrown into a state of panic and hesitation. Bright pink or baby pink? Milk nails or chocolate nails? When faced with such an abundance of shades you realise that there really is such thing as too much choice—and we all know that post manicure regret is real.
Choosing a nail colour might not be the hardest decision we ever have to make, but there certainly is a lot to consider. Which shade of pink will suit your skin tone? Do darker nail colours look better on long or short nails? What occasions and outfits do you have planned and do you want your nails to match or clash?
While bold and bright nail art designs are always trending, if you're feeling indecisive, then it's always advisable to play it safe. Soft, muted, elegant nail colours are far less likely to trigger regret and much more likely to complement your skin tone, nail length and outfit choices.
If you're feeling indecisive ahead of your next manicure appointment, here are seven elegant nail colours that always look good.
Elegant Nail Colours
1. Pistachio Green
Green nails might not seem like an obvious choice, but if you do want to try something a little different—without opting for a bright or neon shade—this soft and muted hue suits and flatters all skin tones.
Shop the Look:
2. Blush Pink
Bright, bold pink shades are certainly not for everyone. Try a sheer baby pink nail colour instead—it brings the same playful energy, without the intensity.
Shop the Look:
3. Sheer Pink
Elegant and understated barely-there nail colours are having a major moment right now—think milky nails and watery nails. Think, my nails but better—a clean and shiny sheer pink is the ultimate classic nail shade, and it looks good on everyone.
Shop the Look:
4. Deep Red
If you do gravitate towards darker, bolder shades, a rich, deep red always looks elegant. Sitting somewhere between a classic red and a true black, this is another suits-all shade that works all year round.
Shop the Look:
5. Chocolate Brown
Brown is a truly versatile neutral, and while you can experiment with shades ranging from sand and taupe to deep mahogany, chocolate brown nails are majorly on trend right now. The key is in finding the perfect molten, milky hue.
Shop the Look:
6. Off White
True white nails can look harsh and garish, and don't really work with either cool or warm undertones, but with a soft off-white—think almond milk nails—you really can't go wrong.
Shop the Look:
7. Glossy Black
Although it may not be subtle or understated, there's still something so elegant about black nails—especially when they have a high-shine, ultra-glossy finish.
Shop the Look:
Grace Day is a beauty editor and content creator. She has over 10 years of beauty-industry experience, spanning editorial, retail, and e-commerce, which gives her a unique understanding into how people shop for their beauty routines.While studying for a history degree (specialising in the history of beauty) and working as a beauty adviser in department stores, Grace started writing her own beauty blog in order to share the products she discovered while dealing with acne. After graduating, she moved to Beauty Bay as beauty editor and content manager. Grace is currently a beauty contributor toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . She has also written for Hypebae and PopSugar and works as a brand consultant and copywriter.
-
Charli XCX Wore This $13 Anti-Brat Nail Polish on the Cannes Red Carpet
It's a classic choice.
-
According to Celebrity Manicurists (and Hailey Bieber), "Soft Serve" Nails Are Taking Over Summer 2025
So yummy.
-
This Is Going to Be *the* Biggest (and Most Elegant) Pedicure Trend of the Summer, According to My Nail Artist
Got milk?
-
Dua Lipa's Grand Prix Manicure Combines Two of the Chicest Nail Trends of the Summer
Swooning!
-
Remember Jelly Shoes? This Juicy Manicure Is the '90s-Inspired Nail Equivalent
Ooey-gooey and oh so fabulous.
-
Lisa's and Jisoo's Manicurists Just Told Me These 9 K-Pop-Coded Nail Trends Will Define 2025
Invisible art, omakase nails, and more that are years ahead of the trend cycle.
-
I'm a Warm Autumn, so These Makeup and Nail Looks Are Basically My Neutrals
Are you color analysis curious?
-
I Thought I Was Over This "Juvenile" Nail Color, But Rihanna Just Convinced Me Otherwise
Perfect for summer.