7 Aesthetic Retro Nail Ideas That Will Make You Look Stylish but Put Together
On 06/27/23 // Beauty
For those seeking retro-inspired nail designs that are minimalist in nature, the search can be a challenging one.
It’s true that vintage styles are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, but many of these designs are heavy on wildly colorful patterns that are anything but subtle. Finding nail designs that harken back to decades past while still maintaining a minimalist flair takes a lot of sorting through. Good news is that they exist, though!
If you’re looking to switch up your nail game but don’t want something too complicated or over the top, then why not try out these minimalist retro nail ideas?
These seven aesthetic designs are perfect for the modern woman who is looking for a subtle yet stylish way to express her personality.
Read on for some fun and creative retro nail ideas that will make you look put together and fashionable.
1. Matte Nails with a Pop of Color:
This vintage-inspired design is simple and chic. Choose one color—like a light pink or peachy tone—for all of your nails except your ring finger, which should feature a bold color like deep red or navy blue.
Some nail artists add a touch of glossy topcoat in small areas to give it an extra touch of sophistication.
@tessa.lyn.nails
2. French Tip Nails:
The classic French tip is always in style! Paint all of your nails white, then add a thin black line at the tips while they’re still wet to create the iconic half-moon shape. Finish off with clear topcoat so that it doesn’t chip away easily.
@glamorous_nailcare
3. Geometric Designs:
Bring in some 1970s vibes by using scotch tape to create geometric designs on your nails! Start off by picking two colors that complement each other, like light pink and dark purple or navy blue and light blue.
@dollybirdbeauty_
Cut small shapes out of Scotch tape and use them as stencils for your design before painting over them with the second color. Remove the tape once you’ve finished painting to reveal beautiful geometric patterns on each nail!
@yoko_nails_nyc
4. Subtle Glitter Accents:
Give yourself some subtle sparkle without going overboard by adding glitter accents to just one or two of your nails! Start off with a base coat in any color, then paint over it with glitter polish using either a brush or sponge applicator (the latter will give more coverage). To finish off, apply two layers of clear topcoat so that the glitter won’t chip away easily!
@stunnersnaildesign
Another minimalist way to add glitter is to use it for the halfmoon space. That is the lesser known way to to subtle glitter. I think it looks great.
@polished_yogi
5. Negative Space Nails:
Negative space nails are perfect for anyone who wants to make a statement without being too ostentatious about it! Start by painting all of your nails in one color—like pastel pink—then use small pieces of Scotch tape as stencils to create shapes like triangles and rectangles on each nail before painting over them with another shade, like gold or silver glitter polish! Once you remove the tape, you should have gorgeous negative space designs on each nail that won’t be missed!
@nails.by.knowles
6. Ombre Nails:
Ombre is all the rage right now, so why not bring it into your manicure? Paint each nail in two different shades—one lighter than the other—using either an ombre brush/sponge applicator or regular brush (the former will give more coverage). Then finish off with clear topcoat so that it doesn’t chip away easily!
@nail_merjen.d
7. Half Moon Manicure:
Last but not least, try out this timeless half moon manicure look if you want something classic yet modern at the same time! Paint all of your nails in one shade (like nude) before adding a thin line towards the cuticle area with another shade (like black). Finish off with clear topcoat so that it doesn’t chip away easily!
@heluviee
With these 7 minimalist but aesthetically pleasing retro nail ideas, you can look stylish and put together without having to go overboard on flashy designs or complex patterns! Whether you opt for matte colors with pops of bright tones, French tips, geometric shapes, subtle glitters accents, negative space artworks, ombres hues or even half moons - there’s something here for everyone who wants to look stylish in an effortless manner. So go ahead and pick one today - step out feeling confident knowing that these timeless looks never go out of style!
