12 ’80s Nail Art Ideas to Round Out Your End-of-Summer Style

Summer is almost over, which means bright colors and bold patterns are about to take a back seat to our favorite fall staples, and not just in fashion but beauty too. As much as we love muted mauves, olive greens, and the very deepest blacks, there’s something to be said about the fun, eye-catching shades of summer, especially when it comes to manicures. And, no one — or rather, no decade — pays homage to that idea better than the ’80s. So, to celebrate the end of the season (and our never-ending love of in-your-face designs), ahead you’ll find 12 seriously stunning takes on ’80s nail art. Whether you want a nude nail with a pop of color or a true-to-the-decade design, we have you covered. So, grab your favorite polish and scroll on for the ultimate end-of-summer nail inspo.

1. Jazz Waxed Solo Cup-Inspired Mani (via The Polished Bean)

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Love doing fun #nailart and this @paramore #afterlaughter album cover nail art was so much fun! Think #80snails are our fav! #paramorenails #afterlaughternails #albumartnails #thegossipnailbar #bristolnailart #bristolnailbar #nailartbristol #nailsalonbristol #oldmarket #cutemani #uknailtech #uknailart #nailbarbristol #nailsalonbristol #freehandnails #freehandnailart #freehandnailartist #oldmarket #bristolnailsalon #bristolnails

A post shared by The Gossip Nail Bar (@thegossipnailbar) on Jul 21, 2018 at 7:33am PDT

2. Pastel Patterns Galore (via The Gossip Nail Bar)

3. Checkers and Spots (via The Polished Bean)

4. Bold Colors and Geometric Shapes (via Wild Oleander)

5. Saved by the Bell Beauties (via The Polished Bean)

6. Negative Space ’80s Nails (via Wild Oleander)

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take a walk on the wild side 🌈🎨 today with the mega babe @the_gypsywanderer 🌈🎨 using only @gellyfit @gfa_australia gel polishes and @daily_charme swarovski crystals 🌈🌈💕💕 #80snails #onyxfiles #handpainted #nails #nailinspo #hudabeauty #nailart #nailsoftheday #goldcoastbuisness #goldcoastnails #nailpro #nailfe #nailie #gcnails #gelpolish #blingnails #tmblrfeature #nailartclub #mattenails #nail_me_good #nailsoftheday #vegas_nay

A post shared by O N Y X (@onyxfiles) on Jan 30, 2018 at 11:21pm PST

7. Extra AF ’80s Stiletto Nails (via ONYX Files)

8. Pink and Blue Stunner Stiletto Nails (via Best Nails Club)

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More #80snails coming atcha!! #freehandnailsdesign #freehandnails #freehandnailart #thegelbottleinc #90snails #memphisnails #thegossipnailbar #bristolnailart #bristolnailbar #nailartbristol #nailsalonbristol #oldmarket #cutemani #uknailtech #uknailart #nailbarbristol #nailsalonbristol

A post shared by The Gossip Nail Bar (@thegossipnailbar) on Jun 8, 2018 at 12:35pm PDT

9. Pastel Pretties (via The Gossip Nail Bar)

10. Geometric Negative Space Nails (via Wild Oleander)

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Retro patterns? I’m your gal! 🔹▪️〰️💛(Most of my regular clients are well aware of my penchant for patterned vintage shirts! 😅)

A post shared by Jen Seales • Nail Artist (@buffcsjen) on Apr 9, 2018 at 5:14am PDT

11. All the Patterns (via Buff)

12. Neon Tips (via Wild Oleander)

Want more decade-inspire nail inspo? Tweet us @BritandCo!