While nail art has always been a thing, it's undeniable that the reopening of nail salons earlier this year recaptured our imagination when it came to experimenting with our manicures. Basic nail colours were pushed aside in favour of vibrant blues, cute pastels and glitter while a penchant for prints (I'm talking everything from cow to colourful French tips) gave way to a summer of covetable nail micro-trends. And as for the nail trends that will be seeing us through the autumn and winter months? Well, there's one, in particular, that's dominating my Saved folder on Instagram right now: retro '70s prints.
Yes, I'm talking psychedelic swirls, clashing colour palettes, flower prints and pops of brown. When it comes to nails, there is no doubt that the '70s are back. Ahead, I've rounded up 10 of my favourite nail art looks inspired by the era—and the polishes that you need to re-create them at home.
1. Yin and Yang
This '70s-inspired nail art combines so many iconic references from the decade—a yin-and-yang motif, a cute daisy print and earthy tones. It could look chaotic, but it's perfectly balanced.
2. Go With the Flow
This combination of mismatched base colours and a clashing wavy print is seriously out-there—and I can't get enough of it.
3. Flower Power
What would a roundup of '70s-inspired nail art be without a homage to all things floral? This hand-painted daisy print is so pretty—and the burnt-orange base makes it a no-brainer for the autumn months.
4. Marble Art
Pastels are always a good idea when it comes to nail art, and this psychedelic blend of lilacs, lavenders and baby blues is so sweet. Oh, and that streak of fuchsia pink glitter? Inspired.
5. Colour Clash
Who knew that highlighter yellow and rich chestnut were a match made in heaven until now?
6. Groovy Green
I love the way that this nail look nods to the '70s with its shapes and tones but keeps things minimal for a modern take on the trend. Opt for polishes in shades of sage, olive and forest green to try the look at home.
7. Checkerboard Neutrals
The checkered print was huge in the '70s, and turns out it looks just as good on the nails as it does on a miniskirt. And this pairing of plasterboard-pink and terracotta is seriously dreamy.
8. Pick 'n' Mix Prints
Why pick one '70s nail trend when you can wear them all? Checks, floral prints, swirling motifs and a tonal colour palette are a playful way to experiment with this trend.
9. Painterly Touches
This artsy manicure blends the '70s colour palette with touches of minimalism for an abstract take on this season's biggest nail trend.
10. Colour-Pop Petals
How cool is this marbled green-and-orange mani with monochrome petals flourishing at the edes?
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