I Asked Beauty Editors to Share the "Almost Neutral" Nail Polishes They'll Never Give Up—Here's the Reveal

As much as I adore a bold, artistic mani moment, more often than not I resort to chic neutrals. Creamy ivory, cool grey, chocolate brown—deliciously understated shades will always look elegant, so why spend 10 precious minutes contemplating your entire aesthetic at the polish wall? That said, I've found myself craving a hint of something extra lately. I don't necessarily want to sprint to the other side of the spectrum with 3D nail art (stunning as it may be), but I want more than a coat of milky polish. And for that, I turn to the "almost neutral" category.

An "almost neutral" polish is exactly how it sounds—one that's not black, brown, white, or sheer pink but is so universally flattering that it could almost pass as a classic shade. It adds a playful pop of colour to your nails while remaining sophisticated, so it's perfect for switching up your go-to mani without completely reinventing the wheel. Curious which hues to choose? I asked my fellow WWW beauty editors to point out their most stylish picks—below, the seven "almost neutrals" we'll never stop wearing.

1. Apricot

Peach is the ultimate "almost neutral" nail colour. It easily adds a punch of pigment without overpowering your entire look, keeping things chic and understated. Dial down the intensity just a smidge, and you'll wind up with apricot—an equally stunning hue that leans slightly more orange than pink. Beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock is a major fan, touting J.Hannah's Himalayan Salt as one of her go-to shades; the warm pinky-orange is inspired by natural elements (think rose quartz) and is universally flattering.

2. Olive Green

IMO, earth tones are always a good idea—but that doesn't mean you must resort to neutral hues like brown, grey and white. For a fun pop of colour that still reads low-key, olive green is a perfect pick. One of my personal favourites, the muted green makes any outfit I own instantly more stylish. While I've committed to brighter greens for the past few months, I'm eager to gloss my tips in a luxe, dirty-martini polish come autumn.

3. Less-Basic Reds

Fiery reds are a dime a dozen these days, but it takes a very special polish to truly stand out among a sea of crimson hues. Leave it to US beauty director Erin Jahns to find the crown jewel. "The Gel Bottle in Orange Flambé—the number of compliments I've gotten on this colour is insane," she tells me. "It will look a little different depending on the light and your skin tone, but it's this really flattering orange-meets-pink situation—classic but also unlike any other red or orange you see out and about." That exact polish is only sold to professionals (sigh), but OPI's Totally Red-ical is about as clean of a swap as you can find. You're welcome!

Jahns also praises DND's Ferrari Red, another gorgeous gel option not to be missed at your next salon appointment. "When I've worn it to the office, multiple people ask for the shade name and proceed to request it at their next manicure," she adds. For those who prefer regular polish to gels, associate beauty editor Alyssa Brascia has just the red for you: OPI's I'm Not Really a Waitress. "She's chic in the summer, festive in the winter and perennially classy!"

4. Graphite

Okay, technically grey is considered a neutral. But a graphite grey so rich it almost reads black? Well, that just hits different. It's understated and chic, goes well with any outfit and isn't quite so harsh as black. It's a great nail polish colour to take you into the autumn and winter months, too.

5. Desert Rose

Remember what I said about earth tones? Consider desert rose the cool, stylish cousin of that family. Warm and rich yet not too vibrant, the romantic hue is all I want to wear come autumn. Pinks are tough for me (Jahns agrees, sharing that she doesn't want something that "feels too Barbie"), but those brown undertones in this mauve-y, muted shade keep the colour from feeling too "sweet."

6. Sage

For those craving a green softer than olive, sage provides a perfect, milky base. Who says pastels have to scream spring? I'd go so far as to say that sporting a creamy pistachio green looks extra chic in the autumn and winter months. Rather than reading too tropical or beachy, it adds more of a limewash effect to the nails, especially if you stick to just one, glossy coat.

7. Navy

I'm officially crowning navy the coolest year-round nail colour. Yes, even chicer than brown and jet black. It offers a refreshing, modern look for the warmer months (a literal splash among the corals, yellow and hot pinks of the season), and it makes you look instantly elegant during fall and winter. Brascia can't recommend it enough, touting Essie's Caviar Bar as one of the best at-home polishes you can buy. "It's the perfect shade of Titanic water blue and I can't seem to get enough of navy in general leading up to autumn!" she declares.