I requested beauty editors to reveal the "almost neutral" nail polishes they will always keep.

      While I have a deep appreciation for bold, artistic manicures, I often opt for chic, neutral shades. Creamy ivory, cool grey, and rich chocolate brown—these delightfully understated colors always exude elegance, so why waste ten valuable minutes considering your entire aesthetic at the nail polish rack? That said, I've been yearning for a touch of something a bit different lately. I’m not looking to dive headfirst into extravagant 3D nail art (as beautiful as it is), but I want more than just a simple coat of milky polish. This is where "almost neutral" shades come into play.

      An "almost neutral" polish is precisely what it sounds like—it’s not black, brown, white, or sheer pink but is universally flattering enough to almost be considered a classic shade. It introduces a playful splash of color to your nails while remaining sophisticated, making it ideal for freshening up your usual manicure without a total overhaul. Wondering which shades to choose? I consulted my fellow beauty editors at WWW to highlight their most stylish selections—below, discover the seven "almost neutrals" we adore.

      1. Apricot

      Peach is the epitome of an "almost neutral" nail color. It effortlessly injects a dash of pigment without overwhelming your look, keeping it chic and subdued. Slightly reduce the intensity, and you’ll land on apricot—an equally beautiful hue that's a bit more orange than pink. Beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock is a big fan, recommending J.Hannah's Himalayan Salt as one of her favorite shades; this warm pinky-orange is inspired by natural elements (think rose quartz) and suits everyone.

      2. Olive Green

      In my opinion, earth tones are always a wise choice—but you don’t need to stick to standard neutrals like brown, grey, and white. For a fun touch of color that remains understated, olive green is ideal. One of my personal favorites, this muted green instantly enhances any outfit. While I’ve favored brighter greens lately, I’m excited to adorn my nails with a luxurious, dirty-martini green this autumn.

      3. Less-Basic Reds

      Vibrant reds are abundant these days, but it takes a unique polish to truly stand out in a sea of crimson shades. Leave it to US beauty director Erin Jahns to find the standout star. "The Gel Bottle in Orange Flambé—I've received so many compliments on this color," she shares. "It looks different depending on the light and your skin tone, but it’s this really flattering orange-pink blend—classic yet distinct from other reds or oranges you see." That specific polish is only sold to professionals, but OPI's Totally Red-ical is a fantastic alternative. Jahns also recommends DND's Ferrari Red, another gorgeous gel choice you won’t want to miss at your next salon visit. "Whenever I wear it to work, numerous people ask for the color name to request it during their next manicure," she says. For those who prefer regular polish, associate beauty editor Alyssa Brascia has the perfect red: OPI's I'm Not Really a Waitress. "It's chic in summer, festive in winter, and always classy!"

      4. Graphite

      Technically, grey is considered a neutral. However, a rich graphite grey that almost appears black has its own allure. It’s understated and stylish, complements any outfit, and is less harsh than black. This shade is perfect for transitioning into the autumn and winter seasons.

      5. Desert Rose

      As I mentioned about earth tones, desert rose is like the chic cousin of this family. It’s warm and rich without being overly vibrant, and this romantic hue is what I want to wear in autumn. Pinks can be tricky for me (Jahns agrees, stating she doesn’t want anything that feels "too Barbie-like"), but the brown undertones in this mauve, muted shade prevent it from being overly sweet.

      6. Sage

      For those desiring a green softer than olive, sage offers an ideal milky backdrop. Who says pastels can only be spring colors? I’d argue that a creamy pistachio green looks exceptionally stylish during autumn and winter. Instead of conveying a tropical or beachy vibe, it gives off a limewash effect on the nails, especially if you stick to just one glossy coat.

      7. Navy

      I’m officially naming navy the coolest nail color for any time of year. Yes, it's even more stylish than brown or jet black. It delivers a fresh, modern appearance for the warmer months (a literal splash amid the corals, yellows, and hot pinks of the season) and instantly elevates your look in fall and winter. Brascia highly recommends it, praising Essie's Caviar Bar as one of the best at-home polishes available. "It’s the perfect shade of Titanic water blue, and I can’t get enough of navy as we approach autumn!"