Forget Nano Banana: 15 Vintage Retro-Style AI Portrait Prompts to Catch the Latest Instagram Trend with Google Gemini

The internet has a brand-new AI obsession—vintage retro-style portraits. After Studio Ghibli-inspired avatars and Google Gemini’s Nano Banana figurines, Instagram users are now embracing ’40s–’70s aesthetics through AI-powered edits. With timeless cinematic vibes, sepia tones, and Pinterest-worthy nostalgia, this trend has quickly become the latest viral wave.

If you’ve ever wondered how to step back into the golden age of fashion and film, here’s a quick guide to creating retro-style portraits using Google Gemini, along with 15 ready-to-use prompts.

How to Create Vintage AI Portraits with Google Gemini

Step 1: Install the Google Gemini app and sign in with your Google account.

Step 2: Upload a clear photo of yourself (selfies work best).

Step 3: Enter one of the prompts below and hit generate.

15 Vintage AI Portrait Prompts

For Men

• Film Noir Gentleman – A 1940s trench coat, fedora, cigarette smoke, and grainy monochrome cinematic look.
• 1950s Studio Star – A sharp suit, slicked-back hair, butterfly lighting, and editorial glamour vibes.
• 1970s Polaroid Cool – A denim jacket, aviator sunglasses, golden-hour light, and warm film grain.
• Old Hollywood Icon – Black-and-white tuxedo portrait with dramatic Rembrandt lighting.
• Old-Money Editorial – Tweed blazer, sepia tones, and a blurred library backdrop.

For Women

• Glamour Hollywood-Style-1950s curls, pearls, harsh lights with glossy film grain.
• Dreamy Glow of the Seventies-Flowy floral dress, sunlight from golden hour, lens flare, and soft haze.
• Monochrome Elegance 1940s Satin Gown-Sharp Contrasts-Black Velvet Backdrop of Cinema.
• Vintage Saree Elegance-Old silk sari, sunlight from golden hour, and sepia tones, a distant memory of the 50's Indian cinema.
• Golden Hour Goddess-Pastel Tones of Classic Dress with Backlit Photography Glow.

For Couples

• Hollywood Love Story – A 1950s ballroom dance scene in timeless black and white.
• 1970s Café Romance – A candid café moment with warm tones and wooden interiors.
• Cinematic Sepia Elegance – A tuxedo and satin gown with sepia-toned studio lighting.
• Pastel Road Trip Love – A 1960s pastel portrait with a vintage car and dreamy tones.
• Noir Rain Romance – A rainy black-and-white street scene under a glowing streetlamp.

With these prompts, you can turn your selfies into old-school portraits that look straight out of vintage magazines or classic Hollywood films. From glamorous solo shots to romantic couple edits, the Instagram trend is proof that nostalgia never goes out of style.