9 Nail Polish Colors That Make My Outfit Look Expensive

There are boatloads of fun nail trends happening in the beauty world right now: mismatched shades on every finger, primary colors, neons. But what if your goal isn't necessarily to look trendy or "fun," but to look, dare we say, expensive? Playful nails aren't always the move, especially if you're going to a job interview or black-tie affair or if you're simply trying to dress more sophisticated. What's cool about nail polish is that it's a really simple, affordable way to elevate your outfit—and just as effective at making you look more polished as a new top-handle bag, velvet hair band, or any other elegant accessory.

Whenever I want to look more adult ("richer," if you will), I've come to rely on the following nine shades. Just because they look expensive doesn't mean they're boring. These nail polish colors are just as cool as your funky brights. They just happen to make your outfit look like it cost twice as much. Keep scrolling for the unique blues, greens, neutrals, and more that will instantly upgrade any outfit.

Turmeric

Ah, the unexpected sophistication of a muted orange shade. Somehow this quasi-neutral hue winds up working with any outfit—and elevating it.

Crocodile

Slime green is the trendier version of this subtler, more elegant shade, which is sort of a cross between a muted, gray-toned sage and a fresh, nature-inspired moss. 

Raspberry

Not quite pink, not quite red: Just like raspberry is more sophisticated a flavor than strawberry or cherry, it's also more sophisticated a nail color. Pair this with an all-beige outfit to look extra chic.

Almost-Black

Where nail polish is concerned, true jet-black leans gothic, but navies, purples, and greens so dark they're almost black suddenly look terribly expensive. 

Almost-White

Similarly, bright, printer-paper white reads a little basic, but linen, coconut, and lace shades are classic in a much better way. They also work on literally every skin tone year-round. (For a trendier take on off-white, try one in a pearlescent finish, like Sugarette by Smith & Cult.)

Mixed Nudes

Here's something a little more playful: The gradient nail trend is happening right now, but if you want to keep it chic rather than trendy, go for a palette of neutrals in lieu of neons and brights. Painting a different taupe, brown, or light pink on each nail is a way to have a bit of fun while still giving off undeniable rich-girl vibes. 

Bordeaux

Wine-colored nails will never, ever get old. There's something about the rich, deep red tone that instantly hoists your ensemble up the elegance scale. The outfit above would no doubt look a little younger and trendier with bright-yellow or turquoise nails, but Bordeaux makes it look expensive. 

Denim

Baby blue looks Easter egg–esque, and vibrant teal can get garish. These are vibes we love every now and again, for sure, but if you're going for an expensive aesthetic, a muted stone blue with lots of gray undertones is the move. Even jeans and a T-shirt look classier accented by this dignified shade. 

Crystalline

Wearing just a glittery topcoat, with no foundational color underneath, creates the impression of high-end crystal nail art. You can also apply nail glitter on top of a clear base coat for an even sparklier result.