7 Nail Color Trends That'll Level Up Your Manicure Game This Year — Guaranteed

You don't always have to go-go-go at the start of every new year. In fact, sometimes the best things come when you shift things into neutral — especially with nail polish. "Whereas in 2019 we embraced sheer nudes, I anticipate opaque creamy neutrals will be among the top nail trends in 2020 because of their elegantly stylish yet cool, modern vibe," Choi said. "You can also add a fun spin on neutral looks such as nude in matte finish, ombré, or on its own to complement your skin tone."

Some of our favorites on our radar right now? Shades of beige, off-white, and gray.

Smith & Cult Nail Polish in Mannequin Moves ($18)

OPI Nail Lacquer Dancing Keeps Me on My Toes ($11)

Jin Soon Nail Lacquer in Moxie ($18)

Dear Sundays Nail Polish No. 32 ($18)

Essie Nail Color Polish in The Wilde Nude ($8)

Gucci Vernis à Ongles Nail Polish in 212 Annabel Rose ($28)

A perennial favorite year after year — and along the theme of jewel-toned colors taking center stage in recent months — is a deep red polish hue that falls on the far end on the "seductive" spectrum. Think: vampy blood reds that "help add a bit of drama and seduction to your look," said Sarah Bland, celebrity manicurist and brand ambassador for Smith & Cult.

Fast Gel Fast Drying Gel Nail Lacquer by Maybelline ($2.50)

Onekin Polish in K St ($10)

OPI Muse of Milan Infinite Shine Nail Lacquer in Complimentary Wine ($13)

Smith & Cult Nail Polish in Lover's Creep ($18)

According to Choi — and the 2020 runways, Instagram, and the Pinterest board of everyone who still has one — the future of nail polish is looking bright. "Apply '80s-hip, bright shades on all of your fingers or use various bold colors on different fingers. The ideal retro brights this year are hot orange, yellow, purple, pink, blue, and turquoise."

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Fuchsia Fever ($10)

JINsoon Color Field Collection Nail Lacquer in Pop Orange ($18)

Zoya Nail Lacquer in Saint ($9)

Essie Nail Polish in Sweet Supply ($9)

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Va Va Violet ($5)

It's the same reason Taylor Swift always goes back to her signature red lip and cat eye: some polish hues have that classic thing that you (aka we) like. "Much like Pantone's color of the year — Classic Blue — fashion cult-classic nail polish shades like blues, reds, and blacks are in for 2020," Choi said.

JINsoon Nail Polish ($18)

H&M Nail Polish in Neo Noir ($6)

Olive & June Nail Polish in SC ($8)

Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Bleu Trompeur ($28)

Pastels year-round? Might as well get used to it, people. The biggest difference for 2020 is in the base, which veers a little more powdery and less in-your-face. "These muted pastels are gaining popularity for their ability to work well on people of all ages and skin tones," Choi said. "It's a more unique take on traditional pastels."

Look for blues, peach tones, and — if you're feeling bold — yellows.

Deborah Lippmann Nail Color in Blue Orchid ($18)

China Glaze Nail Polish in Lemon Fizz ($7)

Essie Nail Polish in Go Ginza ($7, originally $9)

Morgan Taylor The Color of Petals Professional Nail Lacquer in Young, Wild, & Freesia ($10)

Smith & Cult Nail Polish in Exit the Void ($18)

Deep jewel tones "with subtle, earthy undertones, such as dark hunter greens" will be huge in the coming months, Bland said. This will also go along well with a matte-meets-shiny top coat combo (you know, in case you want to be really on trend).

Essie Nail Polish in Sweater Weather ($11)

NCLA Beauty Camo is the New Black ($16)

Zoya Nail Polish in Mel ($10)

Another nail polish trend you can expect to see everywhere in the coming weeks: dark and light metallics — in a range of colors. "Hopefully the shiny metal looks will add a little pizazz, even in quarantine," said Bland.

Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure. Nail Color in Lava Rocks ($9)

Nails.Inc 45 Second Speedy Gloss in Keeping It Real In Kensington ($9)

Sephora Collection Color Hit Mini Nail Polish in Girls Night Out ($5)

Sinful Colors Quick Bliss in Ice Ice Cherry ($3)

Olive & June Nail Polish in OJSM ($8)