Why you need it: Sometimes, you want the attention off your nails -- but you don't want to go totally naked. Nude nail polish is the best color for an understated mani, and it makes raggedy nails look about a million times better. The right nude nail polish doesn't look like polish at all -- just beautiful, clean, shiny nails.

When to wear it: For conservative occasions, or to contrast a bold outfit or statement makeup.

Try...

Oribe The Lacquer High Shine Nail Polish, The Nude, $32. Oribe recently launched an edited selection of eight-free nail polishes -- one red, one plum, and this lovely, warm beige.

Yves Saint Laurent La Lacque Couture, No. 22 Beige Leger, $28. This classic, pinkish nude looks pretty against pale, cool complexions.

Zoya Naked Manicure, Nude Perfector, $10. A genuinely nude nail color is different for everyone, but this beige polish is sheer, so it works with a variety of skin tones. It's also formulated with a variety of vitamins and minerals to restore nail health.

Why you need it: Greige polishes seemed like a passing fad in the late 2000s, but we're glad they stuck around. Neutral polishes like gray, beige, white and cream are more noticeable than pale pink or nude, but versatile enough to work with almost any outfit.

When to wear it: It's great for every day, as your go-to work-week polish, with bright clothing (to avoid clashing) or a neutral ensemble (for a chic monochrome look).

Try...

OPI Nail Lacquer, You Don't Know Jacques!, $8. This cult favorite shade has been credited with kicking off the greige fad.

RMS Beauty Nail Polish, Luminizer, $15. RMS Beauty's cult highlighter has been released in polish form and gives nails a semi-sheer, pearlescent finish.

Smith & Cult Nailed Lacquer, Stockholm Syndrome, $18. Smith & Cult, the nail polish choice of cool girls everywhere, just came out with this cool (natch) gray.

Why you need it: Chanel made deep, dark nail polish a thing when it released one of its signature shades, Black Satin. Once the domain of misunderstood teenagers and rock stars, dark nail polish has transformed into a perennially cool accessory of the chic and trendy. The ideal dark polish, if not black, is just a few shades shy of it.

When to wear it: Pretty much anytime between Halloween and Easter; when you're in the mood for drama; when you're in a bad mood and want to stay there.

Try...