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When it comes to an elegant manicure, classic nail polish colors never go out of style. They’re the kinds of hues that can’t help but look polished, immediately lending an element of class to your entire beauty look. Best of all, a classic nail polish shade looks gorgeous with almost every outfit—any time of year. Need proof? Here are nine classic nail polish shades that are as chic as they are refined, to be worn wherever, whenever, and with whatever.
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. 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.
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3. 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.
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4. 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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5. 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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6. 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.
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7. Navy blue
Far from being a flash-in-the-pan trend, navy blue is well known for its elegance, as evidenced by Hailey Bieber.
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8. 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.
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9. 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.
