Are you looking to bring back the vintage vibes? Here's the scoop on 35 vintage nail designs.
From early 20th-century styles to 1990s throwbacks, we’ll be exploring some of history’s most iconic nails that might just give you some inspiration.
So, are you ready to step back in time? Here's the scoop on everything you need to know!
1920s Classic Art Deco Nails
Our first style is classic Art Deco nails.
These nails bring a luscious and luxurious aesthetic to your look with metallic embellishments and geometric patterns you'll love.
Think bright Art Deco colors – cobalt blue, blood reds, sable blacks – blurring into bold, stylized patterns on your nails.
This popular design is as much about looking edgy and new as it is about looking pretty.
Chic 1930s Half Moon Manicure
The refined Half Moon Manicure of the 1930s is another manicure trend that deserves a spotlight.
The base of the nail is left bare (or painted in a contrasting color) – hence the name. It has a distinct look without being ‘in your face’.
By incorporating parts of the classic styling of this era back into your nails, you’ll not only tap into the past but you’ll add an elegant sophistication to your modern style, too.
Modern updates today offer a wide variety of color schemes and finishes, making them versatile for all occasions.
Whether you’re channeling the '30s or just feeling adventurous, the Half Moon Manicure is a trendy way to honor the past and its enduring appeal.
The 1940s Inspired Victory Roll Nails
Shifting into the 1940s and the next big period nail trend, the Victory Roll Nail is a trend that is as iconic as the hairstyle it takes its name from.
- Victory-roll variant: Play around with composition or color to adjust the design: pinstripe, or polka dot a red and white roll for a standard style.
- Look like you took a roll: Wear your Victory Roll Nails with a vintage dress or high-waisted trousers or a white shirt.
- Nail sculpture and nail care: Make sure you prime your nails before you paint any masterpiece. That way your vintage work of art will last for long.
Victory Roll Nails are a fashion statement, not a design. Channel your inner vixen and Victory Roll away, ladies.
Vibrant 1950s Polka Dot Nails
Hopscotching into the 1950s, polka dot nails are just as playful and chic as the decade they come from.
Painted in primary, high-contrast colors, the dots give a playful merriment that brightens your daily look.
Time to create some variations in your polka dots.
There are no rules about perfect circles and standard colors, of course, but try other dot sizes, mix up the colors, or have a dot inside a dot.
Get creative, and get modern for a vintage design that would stand the test of time on Instagram today!
1960s Swinging Sixties Nails
Don't forget to think of the ’60s as a time of energetic inventiveness that birthed an entirely new kind of nails, the nails of the swinging sixties.
This era was all about breaking norms, expressing individuality, and embracing bold, vibrant styles.
Follow these suggestions for easy nail designs straight out of a '60s magazine:
- Mod Inspired Patterns: Think squares, checks, and chevrons. Nothing is more evocative than the 1960s geometric patterns.
- Psychedelic Color Schemes: You can play around with neon hues, high contrast, and crazy swirls. The crazier the better!
- Accent nails: The ‘60s started this trend of lifting one nail to spotlight a particular pattern or color. Use it to highlight one of the other two styles above.
1970s Disco Fever Nail Art
You'll pick up Disco Fever once you get into the ’70s These mirrored nails are on par with glossy disco balls.
Disco ball inspiration goes beyond literally mimicking the mirrored ball; it is about capturing the shine, the glitter, the dynamism.
Your base color should be black or dark blue for night sky effect.
Then layer jet-black glitter on top of it, giving it a thick, gradual load at the tips of the nails, and let it taper off towards the cuticle.
Silver is the traditional nail polish color, but you can also let your imagination (and glitter) run free.
Take this as your sign to try disco nails!
Bold 1980s Neon Nails
Go straight from the gaudy '70s disco to the garish 1980s neon look, where nails were in your face, and reflective of the pop cultural influences.
Neon gradients were a big cosmetic trend.
All the colors were created using big, overlapping strokes and swipes.
- Neon Fades: One neon hue melting to another was the hallmark of '80s nail art.
- Pop Culture Invasion: Picture Madonna’s Like a Virgin era, or Cyndi Lauper’s Girls Just Wanna Have Fun for inspiration.
Innovative yet vintage, these neon designs continue to inspire even today. Anyone can recreate them!
Retro French Manicure Designs
Let’s go back to the '80s of neon hues and tone it down slightly. Take a look at some vintage retro French manicure designs with twists.
Make it a soft pink base and a stark white tip, but run a thin gold line at the edge for a great way to give the look a little modern redefinition.
Consider the inverted French Tip. It’s the trendy, endlessly surprising take on the classic look that flips it upside down.
White hides the nail bed and color sits at the tip.
Use these ideas to simultaneously remember the past, and welcome in a new era of nail design.
Vintage-Inspired Floral Nail Art
Plunge into vintage floral nail art, and you’ll find a landscape of intricate florals that blend vintage appeal with the trends of today.
There is a rich floral nail history ripe for re-interpretation, and a vintage color palette can help you really achieve the look.
Here are four ways to incorporate this style into your next manicure:
- Make use of the pastel palette. Start with soft pink, dusty blue, or cream white as a fingernail base, and add floral shapes on top.
- Mine floral nail history for inspiration. Gilded Victorian roses or Art Nouveau lilies will keep your nails looking classily old-school.
- Morph old and new décor ideas together for a fresh take or mix flowers with geometry or color blocking.
- Use high-quality products to ensure your design's longevity.
Rockabilly Style Nail Designs
Step into the world of Rockabilly nail art and get ready for an understated expression of the '50s rock aesthetic.
An example is this style, which takes inspiration from legendary figures like Elvis Presley and Bettie Page, who expressed a rockabilly rebellious attitude.
Think crimson, jet black, and snowy white as your base colors; then go wild with polka dots, cherries, leopard prints, or, brush on small vintage tattoos.
You’re not just sporting a nail design; you’re expressing an entire alternative subculture.
Use nail designs to try on new attitudes and personal style.
This is your chance to let your nails rock the Rockabilly vibe!
Timeless Pin-Up Girl Nails
Yes, I’m talking about the sexy old-timey pin-up nail we all once wished we could paint on our own nails.
You don't have to create a design that makes us think of your grandma. Let your youthful spirit take over as you apply your colors.
- Polka dots: A classic pin-up pattern. Go full-nail, or do an accent nail. Either way, it’s a definite win.
- Sailor Tattoos: Anchors, hearts, or swallows – iconic sailor tattoos work perfectly on nails. Small touches like these can really elevate a look.
- Classic Red: A red manicure is the original pin-up. Go high-gloss for an authentic throwback hue.
Vintage Lace Nail Art
For those who prefer a more classy and refined look, vintage lace nail art comes in many intricate designs.
Interpretation of the lace application technique results in delicate patterns that are surprisingly eye-catching.
Whether it’s coverage from tip to cushion or a sheer lace effect, this look is especially gorgeous.
The real secret is in the vintage color palette. Go for soft, pastel hues like dusty rose, cream, or taupe.
Excessive color can be a major faux pas, so it’s your best bet to use subtle, muted tones to avoid competing with the details of the lace.
You can even use lace stickers to get the design perfectly right.
What’s great about the return of the retro theme is that it embraces a diversity of forms of beauty.
One thing that can take your art the extra mile is metallic accents.
Play around with vintage lace nail art as there are so many possibilities to try! This look is a perfect 10!
Old Hollywood Glamour Nails
Dip your nails into the retro look of Old Hollywood glamour nails which plays on bold reds, gloss finishes, and glitter for a starlet finishing touch.
This one gives old Hollywood vibes with sophistication and glam.
- Bold Reds: One of the most recognizable Hollywood essences was the bold red manicure. Add a glossy top coat for an extra dash of luxury.
- Elaborate Nail Jewelry: Small crystals or silver studs placed in a pattern for the starry effect.
- A Sparkle of Glitter: A file-revealed sparkle across one accent nail or a slim silver band about the cuticle gives a serious sparkle.
Retro Geometric Nail Designs
Swapping Old Hollywood glamour and subtle elegance, we move on to the colorful world of geometric nail designs.
Your fingertip turns into a canvas with the bravest juxtapositions of colors and shapes.
Think sharp angles and forget curves. Go for bright colors and skip the pastels and nudes.
Take your favorite '60s and '70s designs and make them totally modern and totally news worthy.
Victorian Era Inspired Nails
Going back to the glory days of the 19th century, let’s see how nail art can be done with a grand style.
Victorian nails combine styles of the 19th century with Gothic fad trends.
Check out this list of 3 suggestions for clean and sophisticated nails.
- Lace Patterns: Replicate the finely detailed lace patterns of the Victorian era on your nails. Nothing speaks more of elegance than this dainty design.
- Gothic Indeed: Go for a dark, luxurious paint. A pointed nail finishes the picture.
- Victorian Jewelry Incorporation: Place micro gems or pearls in your manicure to emulate big jewelry of this era.
Vintage Inspiration
You’ve now gone through the evolution of nail polishes from the Art Deco of the 1920s to the polka dots of the 1950s.
Retro vibes take over your nails – from laces to old Hollywood-inspired manicures.
You’re not just going for retro chic; you are honoring past nail colors and broader style trends by wearing them today.
Whether it's for your next costume party or just because you like the style, make yourself at home with vintage nail designs.
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