For the indecisive among us, a trip to the nail salon can be mildly panic-inducing. With hundreds of hues lining the walls, the mental zigzag between pink, red—or should I go a little wild with orange?—gets exhausting fast. To save yourself from decision fatigue, choose a classic nail polish shade, which is, by definition, always in style.
“Classic nail colors earn their status because they transcend trends,” says nail artist and educator Sofia Mazur. “Each tone holds emotional weight, cultural symbolism, and versatility that make it wearable across seasons and occasions.”
Take a bold red nail, for example. Whether the exact hue is Cardinal or True, a scarlet manicure is “the ultimate statement of power and femininity,” Mazur notes. “From vintage Hollywood to modern runways, red nail polish has been with us for so long and feels so symbolic.” It’s no wonder, then, that Gucci’s Goldie Red and OPI’s Big Apple Red are classics in the color world.
Looking for something lighter? “Baby pink and milky white complement every look and achieve a ‘clean girl’ minimalism that’s timeless,” Mazur says. On the flip (a.k.a., dark) side, “Shades like black and navy embody quiet luxury and confidence, especially in cooler months.” From white to black and all the iconic shades in between, find the 12 most classic nail polish colors below.
1. Cardinal Red
A quintessential manicure color that even Marilyn Monroe couldn’t live without, the elegance of this shade lies in its very specific hue. Cardinal red is glamorous, bold, and eternally chic—just like Monroe herself.
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2. True Red
While Cardinal red has purple or blue undertones that deepen its hue, true red is just that: Pure and neutral. This bold representation of red has no strong undertones, giving it a straightforward, enduring appeal. “Always powerful, always right,” Mazur says of the hue. “Perfect for year-round wear, this shade commands attention at business meetings, on red carpets, or on date nights.” Styling note: “While true red pairs perfectly with pretty much anything, golden jewelry will add some extra charm to it,” Mazur says.
3. Chocolate
Of all the brown tones, chocolate is a sure bet for a refined manicure. Soft and lush, chocolate reveals its potential on every complexion. As shown here, Kendall Jenner recently wore a chocolate manicure in the streets of New York. “Chocolate is a winter-fall staple, adding depth and warmth to every look and skin tone,” Mazur notes.
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4. Nude
For a discreet manicure, there’s nothing better than a neutral shade that matches your own skin tone—the closer the hue, the more it elongates the fingers. See: Jennifer Lopez at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival for proof. “Nude is the ultimate classic because it highlights grooming rather than color,” says nail artist and educator Valeriia Telemaniuk. “Nude nails are associated with cleanliness, balance, and impeccable taste, much like a perfectly tailored white shirt.”
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5. Black
A favorite of Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, Cara Delevingne, and more, black is an undeniably timeless choice for a show-stopping manicure. Though it’s certainly bold, it’s neutral enough to match almost any look—as seen here on Janelle Monae at the Thom Browne show in 2020.
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6. Bordeaux
Deep and velvety, burgundy brings a real magnetism to the hands while infusing them with eternal glamour, as illustrated by Elizabeth Olsen.
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7. Klein blue
For the most creative souls, Klein blue is a brilliant option. Energetic and refined, it’s a classic in the nail repertoire—especially for Selena Gomez, whose nails are regularly painted with Klein. “Klein Blue achieved classic status through culture and art, rather than everyday wearability,” says Telemaniuk. “This intellectual shade shines in spring and summer, especially when paired with crisp white, black, or denim,” she says. She adds that the hue, named after French artist Yves Klein, evokes modern art, gallery spaces, and “women who treat style as a form of self-expression.”
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8. Navy blue
Far from being a flash-in-the-pan trend, navy blue is well known for its elegance, as evidenced by Hailey Bieber. According to nail artist Karlene Dunkley, you can think of this hue as an alternative neutral. “It’s more forgiving than black, but equally sophisticated,” she says.
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9. Forest Green
A shoo-in for fall, this deep shade mimics the hues of pine trees and conifers. Manicurist Madeline Poole previously told Vogue that darker green nail shades feel “classic and preppy,” while Taylor Swift has been known to rock an evergreen man both onstage and off.
10. Milky white
Milky white gives nails a natural, minimalist glow as Issa Rae’s high-contrast French manicure shows at the Pandora Fashion Awards in 2024. “Also known as Marshmallow, this is another classic all year round for hands and toes,” says celebrity manicurist Jacqueline Pham. “It also makes a great base for a white-on-white French.”
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11. Lilac
Known to grace the nails of celebrities like Gomez, “Lilac has emerged as a modern classic because of its freshness and delicacy,” Telemaniuk says. “Especially relevant in spring and summer, it pairs seamlessly with white, gray, and soft pastels.” She adds that the hue creates an overall impression of “clean-girl aesthetics,” lightness, and contemporary femininity.
12. Baby pink
A coquettish shade by definition, baby pink closes out this selection with good reason: Its inimitable blush provides a touch of sweetness to the hands. Just peep Margot Robbie during her 2023 Barbie press tour.
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Meet The Experts
- Sofia Mazur is a nail artist and educator.
- Valeriia Telemaniuk is a world-champion nail artist, beauty judge, and educator.
- Karlene Dunkley is a nail artist and the founder of Tips of Elegance.
- Jacqueline Pham is a celebrity manicurist for Color Street.
