7 Pedicure Colors & Designs To Try For An '80s-Inspired Look

The '80s aesthetics are having another moment in the sun, and even the nails are making a comeback. But these aren't just your average nail polish shades, perfect for minimalists; these hues and designs are bold and vibrant — and they are taking their rightful place as an accessory to complete your styling. Whether you want to make a statement with bright red nails, the ultimate power look, or you're hoping to sport a pedicure just as playful as your favorite party game, there is an '80s-inspired pedicure to fulfill your desires.

Unlike the understated neutral pedicure colors and designs that dominated the 2020s, these pedicure shades draw from the loud, fun, and carefree spirit that defined the decade. Think stripes and neons, designs that make you feel like you've just stepped out of a vintage aerobics video. So, grab your bottle of polish and gear up for your hottest pedicure yet. 

Nothing says "I'm here" like a bright red dress, pantsuit, or lip — why not add a pedicure to the list? One of the most popular nail colors of the time, it could be the sensuality and romanticism associated with the hue. Or, perhaps the projection of power as explained by the viral red nail theory. Regardless, a bright red pedicure commands attention and adds a vivid finishing touch to any look. To really hone in on the '80s vibe, opt for a cherry or sun-soaked red tone.

Left toe on blue? Twister dot nails are inspired by the game's mat with the grid of four colors: yellow, blue, green, and red. You can create the manicure with the Twister design as an accent nail; or, if you're committed to the bit, you can paint all 10 nails with the design. You can also be super literal, starting with a white base and matching the colors exactly, or get more creative with your interpretation. For the easiest application, grab a nail art dot tool, pour out a bit of each color onto a plate, dip the tool into the polish, and press it onto your nail.

Neon is practically synonymous with the 1980s. You can translate that same energy onto your toes with a number of shades. For a moodier look, you can try deep neon blues and greens. But for a bright, summertime pedicure, neon hot pink, orange, and yellow are always good choices. However, heavy pigment may stain nails, so to avoid it, lay down a base coat, let it dry completely, then apply your pigmented nail polish as normal.

Nothing screams the '80s like a cozy, slouchy striped sweater like the ones seen on "Full House." Why not match your striped sweater to your striped pedicure? Think contrasting neon shades or a subtle base with bright stripes to really draw attention to the design. For the smoothest application, make sure your base coat is fully dry before applying the stripes.  While using floss picks is a quick and easy hack to create striped designs, a thin nail brush will give you effortless perfection every time.

If you weren't jamming out to the '80s pop divas, you might've found yourself listening to the flashy metal music instead — and you can channel that playlist onto your pedicure. For a bit of an edge, black and silver metallic shades are perfect for fall and winter. But if you're a bit more tapped into bright tones, opt for a shiny golden hue. While there are metallic polishes on the market, if you want to tackle a full salon manicure, you can apply a chrome powder over a cured base, then seal it all in with a no-wipe top coat.

How many times have you sat at the salon, sifting through the fake nails on a stick, wanting to choose every color for your bi-weekly pedicure? Well, if that's the case, the color block trend of the '80s is for you. You can choose five contrasting or coordinating colors so you have a fun array of hues. For a pedicure that feels light and dainty, try pretty pastels. Looking to make a statement? Neon shades all the way. If '80s interior design is extra inspiring to you, then pick a selection of earthy colors.

Finely milled glitter polish is a beautiful classic for any pedicure. However, in the '80s, chunky glitter, oftentimes resembling confetti, took center stage for an adorably sparkly style. Now, recreating the look does take a bit of patience because the polish itself is a lot thicker than regular polishes. Be sure to apply an even coat on each nail and tap the nail to test it out. Once the nail no longer feels sticky, it is fully dry, and you can proceed with the next coat.