If you like RED

Try YELLOW

You're not afraid to sound the alarm, so drop classic crimson for traffic light yellow. Opaque and marigold-inspired Julep Nail Color in Catrina, is our pick since pastel yellows can veer into Easter egg territory and sparkle gets gaudy. If your skin has yellow undertones, though, proceed with caution as the hue could clash with your complexion. Try it out on your toes and move up to your hands when you're feeling bold.

If you like NUDE

Try WHITE

Before you start having nightmares about French manicures (or coloring your nails with Wite-Out in an ode to middle-school chic), hear us out: White lacquer is having a moment (see the Nanette Lepore, Tibi spring '14 shows). Trade your meh beige for a graphic, opaque white, such as Priti NYC 5 Free Nail Polish in White Ballet Dahlia.

If you like PINK

Try MAUVE

Mauve polish has acquired a granny-ish bad rap as of late— the heavily pink and purple-leaning original incarnations conjure up images of old curtains and bad floral prints. The new versions, however, have a bit more of a badass aesthetic: shimmer-free and tinged with gray. Use mauve as a neutral for fingers in place of basic Ballet Slippers pink for a downtown cool-girl look. Do not match with toes though (this will instantly reverse any cool factor). A fave: Essie Nail Polish in Lady Like.

If you like BLUE

Try GREEN

Hold up— we're not talking grass or neon green here. A more muted, deep hunter or teal lacquer, like RGB Nail Color in Tropic, is a chic update from your go-to navy blue. Paint on fingers and toes—or even both at once; deep green has enough edge to make the matchy-matchy look acceptable—yet it's demure enough for (most) offices. Layer two or three coats for maximum opacity.

If you like PURPLE

Try ORANGE

Bold-lovers, leave the lilac behind for an in-your-face tangerine — orange is the new, um, purple. A red-tinged bright, such as Le Metier de Beaute Clockwork Orange Nail Lacquer, won't clash with your skin tone and makes a stronger statement than a carrot-esque hue. To keep it on the sophisticated side, steer clear of any hint of shimmer or sparkle. And unless you're at a bachelorette party toes only, please.

If you like BLACK

Try BROWN

If Chanel Black Satin is still your Holy Grail nail color, consider indulging in chocolate (polish, people!) instead. Still dark and moody, just warmer and more skin-flattering. We like it on short, well-groomed nails and even toes. Have a very dark skin tone? A rich cocoa lacquer can also serve as your skin-matching "nude" shade. Try Givenchy Vernis Please! Nail Lacquer in Delicate Brown.