11 Nail Colors That Go With Everything

What is it about picking out a new nail color that feels like such a high stakes game? Maybe it’s the fact that you have to live with the color for a couple weeks (or longer if you’re an acrylic or gel person), or perhaps it’s the fact that you have to plan your upcoming outfits around this tiny detail. Opting for nail colors that go with everything can help ease some of the decision fatigue, and that doesn’t mean you have to choose a clear top coat or beige. These versatile nail colors go beyond the basics and still match with anything in your closet.
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Cobalt Blue
OK, hear us out before giving any side eye. “Cobalt blue has this clean, confident energy that always makes me feel put together,” says Juli Russell, celebrity nail artist for Sally Beauty. “It’s bold without being loud and somehow manages to feel both classic and modern at the same time. It plays so well with basics like denim, black, and white, but also surprises me by looking amazing next to warm tones like camel or even soft lilac.” It’s a great way to add color without worrying about a clash.

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Mink-y Mauve
If you’re aiming for a true neutral with just a hint of oomphy, opt for a milky, mink-y nude-mauve shade (e.g. OPI’s Do You Take Lei Away). “This is a neutral shade that complements any skin tone, but offers more coverage,” says Galdina Jimenez, nail artist and global education manager for OPI. “This shade can complement your tan, jean shorts, and bright bikini during the summer and also go with that little black dress at your holiday party.”

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Iridescent Chrome
Let’s give it up for a shimmering, iridescent chrome moment, which is definitely bound to earn you compliments and pairs with literally everything hanging in your closet. “Iridescent chrome reflects surrounding colors,” says Jacqueline Pham, celebrity manicurist from Color Street. Its metallic sheen acts like a neutral accessory, complementing both casual and formal styles. It’s a statement yet subtle enough to match your entire wardrobe.

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Olive Green
Green girlies looking for a shade that feels neutral will find it in olive green. This earthy hue doesn’t get enough credit for being so wearable. It’s especially pretty in the autumn months and complements denim, creams, rusty oranges, and black like a champ. It’s basically a warmer, more inviting alternative to gray.

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Pink Milkshake
Pink milkshake is a milky strawberry hue—like ice cream that’s just starting to melt a little bit. “It has that glazed finish that catches the light in a subtle way, sort of like lip gloss,” Russel says. “Pink milkshake is the older sister to the ‘your-nails-but-better’ trend, making it pair perfectly with any and all outfits. It’s soft, creamy, and feminine, perfect for date nights and the office.”

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Crisp Linen White
White nail polish is one of our favorites for all seasons, largely because it feels so clean and simple while still turning heads. “It’s the ultimate go-to for a fresh, minimalist look that works year-round, whether you're dressing up or keeping it casual,” notes Olivia Aguirre, Côte Beauty's lead nail artist. Make sure to use a white polish that delivers full, opaque coverage without looking chalky or streaky, like Côte’s Crisp Linen.

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Salmon
There’s talk of a sardine girl summer, but don’t write off another fish-inspired hue that pairs brilliantly with everything: salmon. “It's not quite pink, it's not quite orange, and it has both warmth and coolness,” says nail tech Jennifer Saxon. She explains that this combination of cool and warm undertones makes the hue more of a neutral hue, allowing it to play nicely with pretty much every other color.

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Black-Blue
Another blue that matches with everything is a deep, midnight-inspired blue that’s nearly black. It sidesteps any goth vibes with the blue tones, but still feels a little moody and edgy. “This deep blue shade is like your favorite pair of jeans that goes with everything,” Jimenez says. “It can complement a red dress, your favorite hot pink top, and looks professional with your favorite khaki suit.”

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Butter Yellow
There’s a huge surge in butter yellow happening right now. It’s almost as if people have finally discovered how gorgeous the hue is, how nicely it complements all skin tones, and how well it pairs with everything. If you’ve been putting off trying this trend, this is your sign to just go for it.

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Cherry Red
Red nail polish may feel like one of the most brazen hues you could pluck from the salon shelf, but it’s surprisingly versatile. “People act like red’s hard to wear, but cherry red makes everything look so much more luxurious and chic,” Russel tells us. “It pops against denim, turns heads with black, and somehow still plays nice with pinks, tans, and even leopard print.”

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Turquoise
Turquoise is another one of those hues that might seem like it won’t match with much, but if you look to color theory and seasonal color analysis you’ll see the opposite is true. Saxon says, “In seasonal color analysis, turquoise is a universal color because it looks good on everyone.”