15 Versatile Nail Designs That Go With Anything

The last thing you want to do is plan several weeks worth of outfits around a manicure. What to do? Well, the key is to choose versatile nail designs that go with anything you wear—and no, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on cool factor or always settled on something boring like clear or taupe. There are plenty of sophisticated, bold—and even trendy—manis that easily match everything in your closet. 

1. Pearly Nails 

Keep things girlish and minimal with a pearl-inspired manicure. This one pictured leans a little bit pink, but consider hues with golden, warm undertones or hints of blue, too. 

2. Modern Mocha Mousse

Mocha mousse is Pantone’s color of the year, so expect to see all sorts of iterations on this brown hue across fashion, beauty, and design. This simple manicure uses cream as the primary color, then incorporates mocha with a modern swirl and pinky nail accent. 

3. Chrome Tips 

This bold, futuristic spin on the French manicure matches literally everything in your closet. This is true no matter what metallic shade you choose—gold, silver, bronze, copper, or beyond. 

4. Rainbow Glitter Dipped

Want a blingy manicure that catches eyes but still coordinates with every garment in your closet? Go for some glitter. Rainbow glitter keeps this design especially fun and the range of hues means it easily ties into whatever you’re wearing.

5. Neutral Brown

Sometimes basic is exactly what you want, and in that case you can’t go wrong with a neutral brown. When choosing a brown hue, consider your complexion undertones to make sure the color is flattering. 

6. Moscow Mule Nails 

Moscow Mule nails are named after the shiny copper mug the drink sits in. To create this look, you can either apply a copper gel polish, or ask your manicurist for a dark brown or black base with a copper chrome topcoat. 

7. Smokescreen Mani

How cool is this gray-toned manicure with a purple twist? Even though it’s vibrant and colorful, it still has a neutral look that pairs easily with your outfits. The look is created with magnetized nail polish that brings the colorful metal to the surface via an actual magnet (hence the name).

8. Starbursts

We love a subtle celestial moment, and what better way to capture the effect than with some art on your fingertips? Here, a creamy pink base sets the stage for chrome starbursts. Add a rhinestone in the center for some sparkle or keep in simple, as pictured.

9. Bubble Bath Nails

Bubble bath nails are a minimalist mani mainstay for a reason—they’re one of the most versatile nail designs out there. All you need is a sheer wash of pink polish and well-manicured fingers.  

10. Metallic Moons

You can put a little twist on a clear or neutral manicure by adding a curved stripe at the base of your nails that traces your natural nail moon. This design uses silver, but any color remains subtle enough to match with all your outfits. 

11. Marbled Mani 

One of nature’s prettiest inventions has to be marble, so go ahead and let it inspire your next versatile manicure. This design is created with a blooming gel polish for that gorgeous swirl effect. 

12. Classic French

You truly cannot go wrong with a classic French manicure. Keep it chic and honest with a pink-leaning base coat and crisp white tips. This design easily adapts to all nail shapes and lengths. 

13. Cool Lilac

Lilac is a soft and pretty neutral color that pairs well with a rainbow of colors. Opt for a cool, pink-purple color like this one versus one that’s too purple. 

14. Glass Nails 

Another way to use magnetic nail polishes is to create either a velvet or glass effect. This design sits right on the border for a gorgeous manicure that matches with whatever you decide to put on. 

15. Stone Nails

What’s more neutral than a manicure inspired by earthy stones? Ask your manicurist for medium-toned gray color and then either seal it with a glossy top coat or go for a matte finish.