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

      While I love a striking, artistic manicure, I usually find myself drawn to chic neutrals. Shades like creamy ivory, cool grey, and chocolate brown offer a deliciously understated elegance, so why waste 10 valuable minutes pondering your entire aesthetic at the polish wall? However, lately, I’ve been yearning for a touch of something more. I don’t want to leap to the opposite end of the spectrum with 3D nail art (as stunning as it can be), but I seek more than just a layer of milky polish. That's where the "almost neutral" category comes in.

      An "almost neutral" polish is just as it sounds—it's not black, brown, white, or sheer pink, but it's so universally flattering that it could nearly pass as a classic shade. It brings a fun pop of color to your nails while still being sophisticated, making it ideal for refreshing your go-to manicure without completely changing things up. Interested in which shades to consider? I asked my fellow WWW beauty editors for their top stylish selections—below are the seven "almost neutrals" that will always remain favorites for us.

      1. **Apricot**

      Peach is the quintessential "almost neutral" nail color. It adds a burst of pigment without overwhelming your overall look, keeping it chic and subtle. If you tone it down a bit, you arrive at apricot—an equally gorgeous shade that leans slightly more orange than pink. Beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock loves J.Hannah's Himalayan Salt, a warm pinky-orange inspired by natural elements (think rose quartz) and universally flattering.

      2. **Olive Green**

      In my opinion, earth tones are always a great choice, but that doesn't mean you have to stick to neutrals like brown, grey, and white. For a splash of color that remains low-key, olive green is an excellent option. This muted green instantly elevates any outfit. While I’ve been leaning towards brighter greens recently, I’m excited to polish my nails with a luxurious, dirty-martini hue this autumn.

      3. **Less-Basic Reds**

      Bright reds are everywhere these days, but it takes a unique polish to genuinely stand out among so many crimson shades. US beauty director Erin Jahns has discovered the standout. "The Gel Bottle in Orange Flambé—the compliments I've received on this color are incredible," she shares. "It changes slightly depending on the light and your skin tone, but it’s an incredibly flattering orange-and-pink blend—classic yet distinct from other reds or oranges." Unfortunately, that exact polish is only available to professionals, but OPI's Totally Red-ical is a solid alternative. Additionally, Jahns recommends DND's Ferrari Red, a beautiful gel option worth trying at your next salon visit. For those who prefer traditional polish, associate beauty editor Alyssa Brascia suggests OPI's I'm Not Really a Waitress. "It's chic in summer, festive in winter, and always classy!"

      4. **Graphite**

      Technically, grey is a neutral, but a rich graphite grey that nearly appears black? That just feels different. It’s understated and chic, suits any outfit, and isn’t as harsh as black. This color is perfect as we move into autumn and winter.

      5. **Desert Rose**

      Speaking of earth tones, desert rose is the stylish, cool cousin in that family. Warm and rich yet not overly bright, this romantic hue is what I want to wear in autumn. I find pinks challenging (and Jahns agrees, mentioning she avoids anything that feels "too Barbie"), but the brown undertones in this mauve, muted shade prevent it from being too "sweet."

      6. **Sage**

      If you’re looking for a softer green than olive, sage offers a lovely, milky base. Who says pastels are only for spring? I’d argue that a creamy pistachio green looks particularly chic in autumn and winter. Rather than appearing too tropical or beachy, it provides a limewash effect to the nails, especially if you limit it to one glossy coat.

      7. **Navy**

      I’m officially declaring navy the ultimate cool year-round nail color. Yes, it’s even more stylish than brown and jet black. It provides a refreshing, modern aesthetic for warmer months (a welcome splash amid the corals, yellows, and hot pinks of the season), and it instantly enhances your elegance in fall and winter. Brascia highly recommends 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 seem to get enough of navy leading into autumn!"