As much as we love over-the-top statement-making moments, sometimes simple is best. And the best thing about going with something a little bit more subtle and subdued? It goes with just about anything—from outfits to occasions. One way we love to go the simple route is with our nail polishes.
Sure, it's fun to try some unique colors and eye-catching nail art, but for everyday moments or when you have an amazing outfit that you don't want to distract from, a simple, uncomplicated nail polish works best. It can be classic, elegant, chic, and effortless all at once. And the cool thing about going with a simple look is, most of these colors will never go out of style. So, you can potentially find your signature, to-to polish when you try out these hues.
Need some inspiration? See some of our favorite colors below.
Nudes
1. Olive and June Nail Polish in CDJ
This creamy neutral works with all skin tones. It's bound to be a mainstay in your nail polish collection.
2. Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Origandi
This pinkish-nude can almost blend into certain skin tones. The formula is enriched with bioceramics and ceramides to strengthen and nourish the nails.
3. Essie Nail Polish in Wild Nude
Another creamy nude, this one has brown and taupe tones.
4. Revlon Nail Enamel in Romantique
Revlon's Romantique is like a mix between nude, brown, and pink. The formula is chip- and fade-resistant.
5. Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Color in Let Nature Sing
A light almond color, this polish is almost like getting a gel manicure at the salon. It delivers a high-shine finish and has ingredients to promote healthy nails.
Light Pinks
6. OPI Nail Polish in Mod About You
If you don't want to go the nude route, a light, sheer pink is a pretty and simple hue, too. This high-gloss polish provides up to 11 days of wear.
7. Essie Nail Polish in Ballet Slippers
It doesn't get more classic and elegant as Essie's Ballet Slippers. I mean, if the Queen of England is a fan, you know it's classy.
8. Jinsoon Nail Polish in Nostalgia
A peachy pink, Jinsoon's Nostalgia polish is almost like a step above a neutral.
9. NCLA Nail Lacquer in Rose Sheer
Both creamy and sheer, this polish is delicate, pretty, and works with any skin tone.
10. Àuda.B Vegan Nail Polish
Àuda.B's pretty pink nail polish is a vegan formula that's almost gel-like.
Grays
11. Nails Inc. Plant Power Nail Polish in What's Your Spirituality
Grays are also a great neutral option that is still very subtle. This medium-dark, taupe gray is so versatile and works for just about any season.
12. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Greyfitti
Almost like a dove gray, this polish is another gel-like formula that has staying power. It lasts up to eight days.
13. Olive and June Nail Polish in AW
Olive and June's AW is a cross between a gray and a brown, so it's a good option if you want a warmer-toned polish.
14. OPI Nail Lacquer in Dawn of a New Gray
A light, cloudy gray, this polish from OPI is both creamy and warm. The formula is naturally sourced and provides up to seven days of wear.
15. Essie Nail Polish in Chinchilly
Essie's Chinchilly is another classic and beloved polish. It's the perfect "greige."
Darker Hues
16. Olive and June Nail Polish in JJ
A "simple" nail polish doesn't mean it has to be a lighter shade. You can go for a sophisticated dark hue, too. This cinnamon brown polish from Olive and June has just the right amount of intrigue without being too flashy.
17. Jinsoon Nail Polish in Coquette
A deep and dark red is a classic, too. It's not as in-your-face as a vampy red, but it's still got that saturated color.
18. Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color in Rhythm
This inky, navy blue is a nice change if you are tired of black polishes.
19. OPI Nail Lacquer in Less is Norse
A dark gray-blue, OPI's nail polish is like an upgraded neutral.
20. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Onyx-pected
Black goes with just about everything right? Sally Hansen's polish delivers a gel-like, long-lasting finish.
Next: Celeb Manicurists Say These Are the Best Nude Nail Colors for Every Skin Tone
-
According to Celebrity Manicurists (and Hailey Bieber), "Soft Serve" Nails Are Taking Over Summer 2025So yummy.
-
This Is Going to Be *the* Biggest (and Most Elegant) Pedicure Trend of the Summer, According to My Nail ArtistGot milk?
-
Dua Lipa's Grand Prix Manicure Combines Two of the Chicest Nail Trends of the SummerSwooning!
-
Remember Jelly Shoes? This Juicy Manicure Is the '90s-Inspired Nail EquivalentOoey-gooey and oh so fabulous.
-
I Thought I Was Over This "Juvenile" Nail Color, But Rihanna Just Convinced Me OtherwisePerfect for summer.
-
Lisa Just Co-Signed Selena Gomez's Go-To Date-Night Nail Color—I'm Sprinting to My ManicuristThis shade stretches way past Valentine’s Day.
-
Confirmed: The Watery Nail Trend Is Set to Replace Milky Nails This SpringSheer nails just got an upgrade.
-
I'm an Expert in Nail Trends—These Are the 6 Nail Colors Everyone Will Be Wearing This SpringFresh mani inspo.
