I requested beauty editors to reveal the "almost neutral" nail polishes they would never part with.

      While I love a bold and artistic manicure, I often opt for chic neutral shades. Creamy ivory, cool gray, and chocolate brown are deliciously understated and always look elegant, so why waste 10 valuable minutes pondering your entire aesthetic at the polish display? However, I've recently been yearning for a touch of something extra. I don't necessarily want to leap to extravagant 3D nail art (as stunning as it is), but I desire more than just a layer of milky polish. For that, I turn to the "almost neutral" category.

      An "almost neutral" polish is exactly what it sounds like—it's not black, brown, white, or sheer pink but is universally flattering enough to nearly pass as a classic shade. It adds a playful hint of color to your nails while maintaining sophistication, making it ideal for refreshing your go-to manicure without a complete overhaul. Interested in which shades to consider? I consulted my fellow WWW beauty editors for their most stylish recommendations—below are seven "almost neutrals" that we'll never tire of.

      1. **Apricot**

      Peach is the quintessential "almost neutral" nail color. It effortlessly introduces a splash of color without overwhelming your entire look, keeping things chic and subtle. Tone down the intensity just a tad, and you get apricot—an equally gorgeous shade that leans a bit more orange than pink. Beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock loves J.Hannah's Himalayan Salt as one of her favorites; this warm pinky-orange hue, inspired by natural elements like rose quartz, is universally flattering. For a more playful option, try assistant editor Sabrina Talbert’s favorite apricot press-ons from Chillhouse—stunningly mesmerizing.

      2. **Olive Green**

      In my opinion, earth tones are always a great choice, but that doesn't mean you have to stick with neutral shades like brown, gray, and white. For a fun pop of color that still feels relaxed, olive green is an excellent choice. One of my personal favorites, this muted green instantly elevates any outfit. While I’ve been drawn to brighter greens lately, I’m excited to switch to a luxe, dirty-martini polish like Gitti Pine Leaf this fall. Talbert agrees and suggests a Chillhouse set featuring olive, gray, and white retro swirls. "Sometimes I want a manicure that feels earthier but isn’t my usual plain beige or brown," she explains. "These Chillhouse press-ons have a fun pattern that I love to wear as summer shifts to fall, and they last up to three weeks!"

      3. **Less-Basic Reds**

      Vibrant reds are everywhere these days, but it takes a special polish to truly stand out in a sea of crimson. Leave it to Beauty Director Erin Jahns to discover the standout shade. "The Gel Bottle in Orange Flambé has garnered me so many compliments," she shares. "It can appear different depending on the light and skin tone, but it’s this really flattering blend of orange and pink—classic yet unlike any other red or orange around." While that specific polish is only available to professionals, OPI's Totally Red-ical closely matches it. Jahns also praises DND's Ferrari Red, another gorgeous gel option to consider for your next salon visit. "When I wear it to the office, people often ask for the shade and specifically request it for their next manicure," she adds. If you prefer regular polish, associate beauty editor Alyssa Brascia recommends OPI's I'm Not Really a Waitress. "It's chic in summer, festive in winter, and always classy!"

      4. **Graphite**

      Technically, gray is seen as a neutral. But a rich graphite gray that almost appears black? That’s something special. Brascia agrees, calling Gitti's Midnight Grey "a classic fall and winter staple." If you look closely, you can even see hints of blue swirling in its moody depths. I'd also include JinSoon's Mica in the "interesting graphite" category, as it features chrome pigment flecks—a little extra that catches the eye.

      5. **Desert Rose**

      Regarding earthy tones, desert rose is the cool and stylish relative of that palette. Warm and rich yet not overly vibrant, this romantic hue is all I want to wear in the fall. Pinks can be challenging for me (Jahns concurs, noting she prefers something that doesn't feel "too Barbie"), but the brown undertones in this mauve-toned shade prevent it from appearing too "sweet."

      6. **Sage**

      For those seeking a softer green than olive, sage offers a perfect, milky base. Who says pastels are strictly for spring? I would argue that a creamy pistachio green looks exceptionally chic in fall and winter. McLintock supports this, favoring Essie's Turquoise and Caicos—which, despite its beachy name, doesn’t feel overly tropical. It