Love the rainbow nail trend? Prismatic nails got their start in the ’70s, as shown in this Natural Wonder advertisement via Creativefan.
If there’s one thing you can count on seeing at the ModCloth offices, it’s impressive nail art (oh, and covetable shoes, charming vintage frocks, adorable dogs…the list continues!) So between our resident expert’s take on nail trends and our recent photo contest, inspiration for pretty polish techniques runs rampant. But where did these trends get their start? With that question in mind, I decided to dig through some photo archives and find manicure tastemakers from years past.
Image via My Vintage Vogue.
One can’t go wrong with a classic red manicure, as epitomized by this Trifari ad.
Image via My Vintage Vogue.
I’m dying to try this half-moon cuticle technique on my own!
Image via Disco Nap.
This Revlon campaign highlights their new lipstick, but I can’t take my eyes off of those pristine pink nails!
Image via We Heart Vintage.
The neutrals trend is huge for summer, and simple nails never looked more chic. Twiggy does it right with a clean beauty approach and killer accessories.
What other nail trends are you excited about this summer?
16 loves 
LOVE vintage fashion ads from the 50s-60s. I’m especially a sucker for the illustrated ones.
I love the half-moon manicure, do it on myself all the time! A tip/trick: buy those paper hole protector sticker things, cut them in half, and use them to ensure a perfect half-moon shape everytime! Paint lighter color on whole nail, let dry, apply sticker, paint darker color, and peel off, and apply top coat. Perfect!