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:
Expect an ultra-pigmented pistachio green with a high shine finish in just one coat.
If you do fancy experimenting with nail art, this cool-toned green pairs beautifully with pink or lilac.
When you want to embrace colour without anything too bright, this soft minty green is the perfect option.
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:
Ask any nail tech or manicurist and they'll tell you that this elegant pink gel polish is a staple in their kit.
While this shade is a little brighter, its sheer formula keeps it looking subtle and sophisticated.
A soft, muted pink, this shade is perfect when you're feeling indecisive.
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:
This sheer translucent pink looks elegant both when worn alone and as a base for nail art designs.
This always-sold-out nail polish is a favourite of celebrity manicurist, Harriet Westmoreland.
Not only does this builder gel make nails look like a healthier version of themselves, but it actually helps to strengthen them in the process.
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:
This deep red is a more elegant and low-key alternative to a true crimson.
There's a reason why this polish has cult classic status, it looks good on everyone.
When you want something dark but not quite black, reach for this.
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:
Everything you need to embrace the chocolate nails trend.
With a soft pink-brown hue, this shade is elegant and sophisticated.
This formula is pigmented and high shine, resulting in a molten chocolate effect.
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:
This warm-toned white is a staple, not just for all-over colour, but for French tips and nail art too.
This is exactly the kind of off-white shade we want on both our fingers and our toes.
This cool-toned shade looks flattering on all skin tones.
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:
For a true jet black with a patent finish, look no further.
This is one of the shiniest black nail polishes I've ever tried.
Essie's Licorice is one of the most iconic black nail polishes of all time. It's so chic and so elegant.
-
It’s Time for a New Mani—“Chiffon” Nails Is Officially the Chicest Take on Classic NeutralsPrepare to see it everywhere.
-
Fall Nail Colors Take Up 87% of My Brain Space—These Chic Pedi Shades Are on My Roster Until Further NoticePeak elegance, backed by experts.
-
TikTok Says 2025 Is the Year of Beverage-Inspired Beauty—Here's Your Coffee-Spiked Buying ManualI simply can't get enough.
-
Cinnamon, Caramel, and Cocoa: I Have a Fixation on Rich and Sophisticated Brown Manicures RNThe best inspo pics (and the best shades).
-
I Asked Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Cool-Girl Nail Inspo—Apparently, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the SecretThese trends will define fall and winter.
-
Charli XCX's Nail Artist Says These 7 Drugstore Items Are the Key to Achieving a Salon-Worthy ManicureA celebrity manicurist's shopping guide.
-
I Just Got a Manicure, But I’m Already Booking Another Appointment for Jennie’s C-French TipsA must-see.
-
Moody, Syrupy, and Expensive-Looking—Rum Raisin Nails Are About to Be Everywhere This FallManicurists cosign the trend.
