Every cosmetic trend, including nail trends, fluctuates. Don’t worry too much about selecting a design that appears too “dated.” In the end, what may seem “cringey” now will swing back into the zeitgeist (just wait!), and nail looks in particular have a trend cycle faster than the speed of light. It’s likely to be in the spotlight once more. In fact, with all the classic nail designs that have been gaining popularity lately, that comeback might occur sooner than you think. Polka dots! Ombré! Pinstripes! In 2025, nostalgic nails will be popular, but with some contemporary touches to keep them looking current. The polishes and equipment you need to recreate each set are listed below, along with some of my favorite takes.
Polka Dots
I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but polka dots are back! For what it’s worth, the retro print is always a classic, but this summer it has become increasingly fashionable for everything from capris to halters to swimwear to, well, manicures. Numerous nail artists have subsequently displayed their own whimsical interpretations after Sabrina Carpenter and Hailey Bieber were photographed sporting the stylish, ’60s-inspired design. The inspiration that’s in my Favorites folder on Instagram right now? Imarni’s high-contrast tips, Queenie Nguyen’s velvet finish, and Betina Goldstein’s vibrant French.
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OPI
Passion
$12
OPI
Alpine Snow
$12
COYAHO
Art Dotting Tools
$6
Stripes
Additionally, striped nails offer a vintage vibe, particularly if you choose a fun color (or five, like nail artist Natalie Barker). The terry-cloth-towel look is a summertime staple, but I think a sharp burgundy outfit, such as a pinstripe blazer, would be really stylish for fall.
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CHANEL
Rouge Noir
$33
essie
Arctic Jelly
$13
Red Carpet Manicure
Nail Art Tool Kit
$12
Ombré
Since ombré hair has officially returned to popularity, we should have anticipated that the manicure version would do the same. Fans of nostalgic beauty may recall how popular gradient nails were in the middle of the 2000s, but don’t worry, they’re lot more stylish and wearable now than they were on Tumblr back then. In fact, for a subtle twist on their traditional neutrals, the style set often chooses creamy, minimalist colors like white, brown, and sheer pink (as manicurist Julia Diogo shows above).
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Manucurist
Pale Rose
$14
OPI
Funny Bunny
$12
Beautyblender
Original Beauty Blender
$20
Pool Water
Celebrity manicurist Stephanie Stone told WWW, “Oh my gosh, I have been doing nails so long [that] I remember this being a trend as far back as 2014.” More glazed parts are used in today’s design, which maintains its contemporary and new appearance. Take a look at the gorgeous gel manicure created by celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt, which uses an ombré base of OPI’s Teal Trance and Emerald Illusion.
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essie
Bikini Snapped$13 $11
Cirque Colors
Midnight Jelly
$13
Chillhouse
Pool Day
$16
