What Color Nail Polish Goes With Everything?

Choosing the perfect nail polish color can be a hassle when you want something versatile for any outfit or occasion. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: nude and neutral pink nail polishes pair well with everything.

In this article, we’ll explore the best nail polish colors that complement all skin tones and pair nicely with any wardrobe. We’ll cover popular versatile shades like nudes, pinks, reds, metallics, and French tips.

We’ll also discuss factors to consider when selecting universally flattering nail polish colors, like your skin’s undertone and choosing shades that enhance your style.

Nude Nail Polish Shades

Beige and Taupe Nudes

Nude nail polishes in beige and taupe shades are versatile neutrals that can complement any skin tone. These earthy nudes are perfect for an effortlessly chic manicure. Popular shades include OPI’s funny bunny, a light beige cream, and Essie’s tea and crumpets, a muted taupe hue.

These nudes work well on short nails or long nails, making them a staple in many women’s nail polish collections.

Beige and taupe nudes are ideal for work and can be dressed up or down. Pair with gold or silver jewelry or rhinestone embellishments for a glamorous look. They also make an excellent base color for nail art and funky nail designs.

So if you’re looking for a neutral that goes with everything, you can’t go wrong with a soft beige or taupe nude polish.

Muted Mauve and Pinky Nudes

For those seeking nude polish shades with a subtle pop of color, muted mauve and pinky nudes are very on-trend. These soft, feminine tones offer a twist on your average nude manicure.

Popular options include Essie’s ladylike, a muted petal pink, and OPI’s funny bunny, a light mauve cream. These polishes pair nicely with blush outfits and flatter most skin tones. The muted pink and purple undertones give a modern, youthful look.

Much like beige and taupe nudes, muted mauves and pinks transition smoothly from day to night. Dress them up with lace prints, pearl embellishments, or metallic accents for evening affairs. Their versatility and wearability make them a wise addition to your nail color arsenal.

Neutrals and Pale Pink

When it comes to a nail polish shade that goes with everything, neutrals and pale pinks top the list. These soft, subtle tones complement any outfit or accessory without overpowering your look.

Neutrals

Neutrals like beige, taupe and greige are versatile basics that act as a blank canvas for your nails. They seamlessly blend with any skin tone and provide a clean, polished look. Popular neutral nail polish shades include:

• Essie – Topless & Barefoot
• OPI – Funny Bunny
• Zoya -Kimber

These muted nudes walk the line between brown and grey beautifully. They go with both warm and cool-toned outfits effortlessly. Neutral manicures also allow you to get more wear between polish changes because chips are less noticeable.

Pale Pink

For a hint of femininity, soft pink nail lacquers are a foolproof choice. They are especially flattering on those with fair skin and can brighten the hands. Perfect for spring and summer, pale pinks like:

• Essie – Mademoiselle
• China Glaze – Barefoot in Barcelona
• OPI – Tickle My France-y

Add a touch of whimsy and playfulness to any ensemble. Light pinks bridge the gap between white and baby pink beautifully. They walk that fine line between sweet and chic effortlessly.

While neutral nails artfully blend in, pale pinks subtly stand out while still remaining universally flattering. According to polling done by InStyle magazine, 29% of women feel most confident rocking neutral nail polish while 23% prefer pale pink lacquer.

When building an effortless polish collection that works for day-to-night looks, a warm beige neutral and soft ballet pink are must-have staples. They always complement without overpowering your look. Keep these two nail lacquer shades on hand for instant elegance that works for any outfit, accessory, season or event.

Blue-Red Shades

True Red

A true red nail polish is a classic, timeless shade that complements most skin tones. This bold and vibrant color never goes out of style and works for any occasion, whether you’re headed to the office or out on the town.

When searching for the perfect true red, look for shades with a blue undertone, which gives a richer and more sophisticated look compared to orange-reds. A couple great options are OPI’s Big Apple Red, Essie’s Forever Yummy, and Revlon’s Certainly Red.

True reds pair beautifully with neutrals like nudes, blacks, whites, and metallics. Add some edge by layering on a shimmery red top coat or opt for nail art like polka dots, stripes, or floral designs. Red is stunning on short nails but equally striking on long, almond-shaped tips.

No matter your nail length or shape, a true red mani with a glossy top coat is classic elegance.

Deep Burgundy Red

A deep burgundy red nail polish is a vampy, sophisticated take on traditional red. While still bold, burgundy red is slightly softer and more wearable for daytime. The brownish undertones give it a richer, warmer vibe compared to blue-based true reds.

Some popular deep burgundy polishes are Essie’s Bordeaux, OPI’s Malaga Wine, and Sally Hansen’s Wine Stock.

Burgundy reds pair beautifully with similar darker tones like deep purples, forest greens, and navies. Metallic accents in rose gold, copper, and bronze also complement nicely. For nail art, consider subtle touches like ombre tips, negative space, or mini polka dots.

This shade looks stunning on short, almond, square, round, and coffin-shaped nails.

Deep burgundy reds are ideal for fall and winter when darker, moodier colors are trending. However, they can work year-round for a bold yet sophisticated look. Apply two coats of lacquer for maximum coverage and finish with a fast-drying top coat for a smooth, glossy manicure with serious staying power.

Metallic Nail Polish

Rose Gold

Rose gold metallic nail polish has become a staple in many women’s makeup bags. This soft, romantic shade flatters a variety of skin tones. When choosing a rose gold polish, opt for one with a warm, coppery base rather than a straight pink tone. This helps the color appear more dimensional on nails.

A shimmery finish also adds depth and luminosity.

Metallic rose gold polish effortlessly dresses up a casual look. It’s perfect for everything from brunches to date nights. For maximum impact, paint it on short square or round nail shapes. Stay away from dark or black tips, since these diminish the effect of the rose gold shimmer.

Instead, accent with neutral nudes or soft pinks.

Some great rose gold metallic polish options include OPI’s Candlelight and Roses, Essie’s Penny Talk, and China Glaze’s Raise the Barre. Apply two to three thin coats for an opaque, gleaming manicure. Top with a fast-drying top coat to ensure the metallic finish stays smooth and chip-free.

Silver

A silver metallic manicure is a classic, elegant choice that complements any style. Today’s silver polishes come in various finishes like shimmer, foil, chrome and more to create different looks.

The soft shimmer of OPI’s Liquid Silver polish is subtle yet eye-catching. Its blue undertones make nails appear brighter and whiter, perfect for warmer skin tones. Essie’s Mirror Metallic has an intense chrome effect, resembling liquid chrome car paint.

Its highly reflective finish makes nails look longer.

For an edgy spin, Deborah Lippmann’s Across the Universe features a gunmetal silver base with holographic blue glitter. Its multidimensional effect takes silver polish beyond basic. Just make sure to apply a thick top coat over the textured glitter particles to smooth them out.

To let the silver shade truly shine, avoid pairing it with darker nail tips or art. Maintain short to medium nail lengths as well. Longer coffin or almond shapes can diminish and distort the polished effect. Then showcase your glam silver manicure with some stacking rings and a killer outfit.

The French Manicure

The French manicure is a timeless and versatile nail style that has remained popular for decades. Known for its clean, neutral look, a French manicure is often described as a “nude” manicure that goes with everything.

History

The French manicure is believed to have originated in Paris in the mid-1970s. Legend has it that American makeup artist Jeff Pink was inspired by the natural, pink-tipped look of French women’s nails. Upon returning home, he worked with nail care company Orly to create an affordable “do-it-yourself” stick-on manicure set so women in the U.S. could recreate the polished Parisian look.

Classic Technique

The classic French manicure features a sheer, light “nude” base color on the nail bed, framed by the natural, white edge of the nail tip. Traditionally, a skilled nail technician uses a steady hand to paint on the white polish freehand, though nail guides and stickers can also be used to assist at home.

The finished look is clean, elegant, and works with any style from casual daywear to formal events. The neutral palette complements any skin tone or outfit choice.

Modern Twists

Today, many fun twists on the classic French style have emerged. Some popular options include:

• Colored tips: Using a shade like black, blue, gray, marsala, or even neon at the tip instead of white.
• Reverse French: White base with nude tips.
• Glitter or metallic tips: A hint of sparkle or shine.
• Ombré French: Tips that start opaque and fade softly down the nail.

No matter which colors you choose, the essential elements of contrast between the tip and base remain hallmarks of a French manicure design.

Why It Goes With Everything

So why does the French manicure complement any outfit or occasion so seamlessly? A few reasons why it’s a versatile style include:

• The neutral palette doesn’t clash with other colors.
• It’s understated yet polished.
• The clean lines look tidy and professional.
• It’s a “blank canvas” for accessorizing.

Simply put, a French manicure is an easy way to pull any look together and make it look complete. Much like a little black dress, the French manicure nail style works for events ranging from weddings to job interviews to casual weekends.

It’s the perfect versatile choice when you want an effortlessly pretty manicure.

Conclusion

Finding a nail polish shade that complements your style no matter the occasion can seem daunting. However, neutral and muted tones like nudes, pale pinks, classic reds, metallics, and French tips are elegant options that pair beautifully with everything.

Consider your skin’s undertones and enhance your personal flair by selecting versatile shades that make you feel confident and pulled together.