30 BEST SHORT FALL NAIL DESIGNS TRENDING IN EVERY AUTUMN 

Fall is here, and with it comes a whole new world of fashion possibilities. From chunky knit sweaters to rich, earthy tones, there’s something undeniably magical about autumnal style. And let’s not forget the crowning glory of any fall outfit: the perfect manicure! To help you nail your fall look this season, we’re diving deep into the trendiest nail designs. Get ready to be inspired by a colorful array of ideas that will have you reaching for your nail appointment book!

OXBLOOD GLITTER NAILS

Who says sparkle is just for summer? A deep, oxblood shimmer is the perfect way to add a touch of glam to your fall look. And if you already have a favorite fall shade, don’t be afraid to elevate it with a coat of ultra-fine shimmer topper.

DETAIL ORIENTED

Gems, stickers, and 3D accents can instantly transform any manicure, short or long. This burgundy set, adorned with gold hardware, is the perfect example of how a little something extra can make a big impact.

SPARKLY NAVY BLUE PLAID 

Although autumn might not mark the beginning of a new school year anymore, this plaid manicure still brings that same sense of excitement! The blend of a classic plaid pattern, shimmering silver polish, and a chic navy blue hue evokes memories of picking out school supplies and assembling our fall wardrobes. After all, you’re never too old to kick off the season with a fresh new look!

NAVY FLORAL NAILS

This adorable fall floral manicure is perfect for a DIY project. Start by polishing a few nails with a full coat of denim color, then use a dotting tool and nail art brush to create the bordered floral designs.

FALL FLORALS

While florals may be a spring staple, they feel refreshingly different for fall. The autumnal twist makes them perfect for the season.

COZY CABLE-KNIT + PLAID PRESS-ON 

If you’re looking for mismatched nail ideas with a strong fall vibe, try incorporating some plaid into the mix. These autumn nails capture all the essentials: preppy plaid, warm brown tones, and a cozy cable-knit sweater design. These on-theme press-ons are not only perfect for the season but also serve as inspiration for your fall outfits!

MIXED ANIMAL PRINT NAILS

We’re all about combining a few fall nail art trends into one gorgeous manicure. This one features evergreen and milky beige polishes, tortoiseshell accents, and trendy cow print designs.

SEEING RED

Short red nails are a classic fall choice that never disappoints. The bold hue complements the season’s rich color palette while maintaining a sophisticated look. Whether you prefer a matte finish or a touch of shimmer, short red nails are both stylish and practical.

EVERGREEN PLAID PRESS-ON 

Plaid nails paired with green French tips — name a more iconic duo! This chic twist on a classic fall French mani is simple yet makes a bold statement. And with that evergreen hue, these tartan press-ons will take you through the colder months, so don’t hesitate to repurpose them when the holidays arrive!

HALLOWEEN MOTIF NAILS

We can’t overlook a Halloween nail idea that’s perfect for short nails. This proves that almost any Halloween design can be scaled down to fit.

TICKLED PINK

Sometimes the most striking color combinations are the ones you wouldn’t expect. Think pink and orange – a playful twist on classic autumnal hues for a truly unique look.

CHER-INSPIRED PLAID

If your fall isn’t complete without your annual Clueless marathon, these plaid nails are a must-have! The classic autumn plaid pairs perfectly with solid mustard yellow and sparkly black accents — Cher would totally approve! No need to stress over perfecting the plaid design either — these easy-to-apply gel strips make achieving this look a breeze!

GOLD FRENCH TIPS

Gilded gold French tips bring a touch of glam to any neutral fall manicure. To achieve the perfect tips, use French manicure nail stickers and make sure to wait until your polish is fully dry before removing them for the best results.

BLACK ON BLACK 

Black on black nails are a timeless and effortlessly chic choice. The addition of a glossy French tip and a bold coffin shape elevates this classic look, transforming it from a simple black mani into a sophisticated statement.

DUAL-FINISH MIX-N-MATCH MANI

A mix of textures can add depth and interest to your short nails. Consider combining matte and glossy finishes for a playful contrast. For example, try a matte base with a glossy accent nail or a half-matte, half-glossy design. It’s a simple yet striking way to elevate your fall manicure.

HAZY BABY

With a touch of tortoiseshell and a hint of coffee-and-cream, this hazy marbled manicure is a beautiful way to embrace the black and brown nail trend. It looks absolutely stunning on short nails.

CARAMEL FRENCH TIP 

For fall French tips that truly stand out, try the coffin nail shape. The extra-long tips provide ample space to showcase your favorite autumn shades, like this creamy caramel brown! To achieve an ultra-glamorous finish, don’t forget to top off your manicure with a glossy top coat. This clear polish will give your nails a glass-like shine!

CHROME NUDE SKITTLE MANI

Chrome manicures continue to be a popular choice at nail salons everywhere. For a fall twist, try a short nude Skittle manicure with a high-shine chrome topper for a stunning finish.

DAISY CHAIN

DIYing floral nail art might seem daunting, but take a closer look, and you’ll see how simple it can be. Just use a dotting tool to easily recreate this look at home.

WHITE + BLACK AUTUMN COFFIN

Looking to expand your collection of autumn press-ons? We’ve got you covered! This dazzling set of fall coffin nails features a chic black and white swirl design with a hint of sparkle, making them both modern and glamorous.

BURGUNDY AND BLUSH SWIRL NAILS

Burgundy and blush create a lovely color combination that’s perfect for both Valentine’s Day and the fall season. You can easily DIY this manicure using a fine-lining nail art brush.

ANIMAL KINGDOM

Who wouldn’t want to get their hands on these? Animal prints are always fashionable, and the fall hues make them perfectly seasonal.

STAR-STUDDED AUTUMN 

If you adored the celestial style of #6 on this list but crave something a bit darker for fall, these coffin nails are a must-have. The shimmering gold stars against a midnight black base create a stunning contrast, and the sparkly rhinestone details take it to the next level!

DENIM COLOR BLOCK NAILS

Bring a touch of casual cool to your fall look with denim color block nails. This trend combines the effortless vibe of denim with the modern edge of color blocking. Choose a range of denim-inspired blues, from light washes to deep indigos, and create bold, geometric shapes on your short nails.

EMERALD GREEN FRENCH TIP

Want to be the jewel of the season? Shine with these emerald fall coffin nails! Jewel tones are a fall favorite, and this rich green is a standout choice. While this autumnal color looks stunning on its own, we’re also loving the monochrome French tip design. Pair a matte base with glossy tips for added dimension. And don’t forget to complete your look with plenty of sparkly jewelry!

BROWN SWIRL FLORAL NAILS

For a sophisticated yet whimsical look, try brown swirl floral nails. This design combines the earthy elegance of brown with the delicate beauty of floral patterns. The swirls add a touch of movement and interest, while the floral accents bring a feminine charm. Perfect for short nails, this design is both stylish and understated.

ABSTRACT ART

You don’t need long tips to create stunning nail art—these short fall nails prove it. The abstract design is incredibly eye-catching and perfect for the season.

TURTLE POWER

Combine two trends with this design: a playful take on a French manicure and tortoiseshell patterns. You’ll have a hard time taking your eyes off your hands!

MARBLE BROWN FALL COFFIN 

For fall, tortoiseshell is practically a neutral—it pairs perfectly with everything from leather jackets to chunky sweaters and remains always in style. These chic fall coffin nails are one of our favorite ways to showcase this design in 2023!

BOLD COLOR BLOCK FRENCH TIPS

On the topic of high contrast, bold colors can really elevate a classic French manicure. We’re loving the burgundy and cerulean color block design—it adds a striking touch to the traditional look.

CONCLUSION

Embrace the cozy vibes of autumn and let your nails be the finishing touch to your seasonal look. So, grab your favorite fall shade and experiment with these trendy designs – your nails will thank you!

42 BEST FALL AND WINTER NAIL IDEAS THAT WILL HEADLINE THE SEASON

Fall and winter nails can be an integral part of your style with fun and sophisticated ideas. Try luxurious designs like metallic glitter or cool colors to reflect the wheather in fall or winter. Details like snow patterns, metallics or soft pastel colors will bring a warm and charming feeling to the cold days. Whether you love simple or sophisticated, winter nail ideas can make a great accent to your outfit.

MIRROR

Say goodbye to glazed pink nails and welcome the dazzling allure of mirror nails in deep, rich colors with a mega-watt shine.

SILVER BELLS

Opt for a shimmering silver glitter finish and complement it with delicate snowflake accents. Achieve the look using a fine nail brush and dotting tool, both easily found in Manucurist’s versatile nail art set. This understated yet festive manicure is the perfect way to embrace the winter wonderland.

SUGARPLUM FAIRY

Matte lavender tips paired with a pink base create the sweetest combination. Complete your fairy-inspired look with tiny pearls, adding a touch to your nails.

HOT CHOCOLATE

Indulge in the warmth and richness of hot chocolate with a nail design that captures the essence of this beloved winter treat. Using the perfect chocolaty shade of Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Been There, Dune That, create a steaming hot chocolate wave accent nail that will leave you feeling cozy and festive

LEAFY GREEN

Sage green is a softer, more muted green that is perfect for a winter manicure. Use it as the base color and add gold leaf accents for a touch of glamour. You can also add a few snowflakes for a festive touch.

COBALT BLUE

Bold and statement-making, bright blue winter nails are the perfect way to stand out this season. Embrace the striking hue by keeping your nails short and rounded, letting the vibrant color speak for itself.

CANDY CANE

Make your red Christmas nails to a new level of festivity with delightful candy cane accents. Choose intricate candy cane nail art or a classic stripe pattern? You’ll capture the holiday spirit perfectly. Can’t decide between the two? Mix and match for a fun and festive look!

BRONZE GLITTER

This season, step away from the usual silver, gold, or rose gold and embrace the on-trend bronze metallic for your nails. Perfectly complementing the current brown and latte makeup craze, bronze metallic offers a chic and sophisticated look for all skin tones.

ICY BARBIE

For a festive twist on Barbie nails, try a stunning glitter ombré design. Achieve the perfect gradient by using a makeup sponge wedge dipped in hot pink nail polish, blending it upward from a pinky nude base coat. 

LIQUID GOLD

Refresh your manicure with a touch of shiny gold glitter. By keeping the rest of your nails nude, you’ll achieve a minimalist, chic look that allows the glitter to really stand out.

SHEER

Grunge glam has taken over our fingernails with moody goth-girl shades like navy and jet black, softened by a sheer finish. This look resembles the delicate allure of pantyhose, now beautifully translated into manicure form.

FLOATING TINSEL

This minimalist look may appear intricate, but it’s surprisingly easy to achieve with just a striper brush. Celebrity manicurist Betina Goldstein used BrillBird UK to create thin black stripes, layering them with silver sparkle for a striking, eye-catching effect.

ALIEN SUPERSTAR

These iridescent green chrome nails have a playful Grinch-inspired vibe. Enhance the look with holographic stars to add an extra burst of sparkle and festive flair.

CHOCOLATE GLAZED DONUT

This winter, the glazed-donut manicure continues to shine with a deliciously new twist. Embrace the latest chocolate-themed version using DND Gel in Coffee Bean and Spiced Brown, topped with OPI Chrome Effects in Tin Man Can for a glossy, metallic finish.

HOLOGRAPHIC STRIPES

A single glitzy line acts like jewelry for your fingertips, adding a touch of sparkle and making your nails appear extra long and elegant.

CHAMPAGNE SPARKLES

Cheers to the most stunning shimmery polish we’ve ever laid eyes on!

SNOWY BLUE MANICURE

Embrace all the cozy winter vibes with this delightful manicure, featuring a charming snowflake design paired with sweater-inspired French tips.

ICY BLUE WINTER NAIL INSPO

Like icicles come to life, this shimmery blue nail design is so perfect winter statement! 

To achieve this frosty ombré design, blend a milky blue color with a vibrant blueberry shade. Top it off with a pearlescent polish for an icy shine, and you’ll have a stunning.

SKITTLES MANI

Mismatched nail art remains a top trend this winter, thanks to its simplicity and DIY appeal. While pastels and neons continue to make their mark, consider embracing the season with muted blues paired with rusty browns and reds for a chic, on-trend look.

SHORT STARRY NIGHT BLUE WINTER 

This stunning look is achieved by layering two coats of navy blue polish with two coats of a shimmery top coat for an ethereal midnight hue. Add some constellation nail art, and you’ll have a winter manicure that’s truly starry-eyed!

DAISY NAILS

Seventies vibes are still going strong, whether on hair or nails. Embrace the retro look with Deco Miami’s Stay Groovy stickers, and while a matcha green base is optional, it’s highly encouraged for that extra touch of vintage flair.

RED FRENCH TIP DOUBLE OUTLINE

Add a chic twist to your nude mani with elegant red outlines for a subtle yet striking pop of color. The bold accent of a fully filled-in tip adds an extra touch of flair, making this look both refined and eye-catching.

MIXED MEDIA

The ultimate winter nail-art trend? Embrace variety by mixing lines, shapes, and French-tip styles for a truly unique manicure. Don’t settle for just one pattern—experiment to create a one-of-a-kind look that’s all your own.

SIMPLE HOLOGRAPHIC LAVENDER 

With a dazzling holographic finish, these lavender nails are a chic and unexpected way to add some sparkle to your winter wardrobe. They’re perfect for Swifties still celebrating their Eras era!

SPARKLY NUDE SIMPLE

We believe there’s no such thing as too much sparkle, especially during the winter months. 

Sparkly, simple, and incredibly versatile, these nails can be effortlessly dressed up or down for any occasion. Consider them your ideal seasonal neutral, adding just the right amount of shine to any look.

SIMPLE RAINBOW SKITTLE 

If you’re ready to break away from traditional winter hues, try rainbow skittle nails for a vibrant change! This cheerful palette offers a refreshing contrast to the season’s darker tones, delivering an instant boost of serotonin every time you look at your hands.

SIMPLE FOREST GREEN 

When it comes to seasonal color trends, these simple forest green nails are a must-have for winter. Dark and elegant, they offer a chic update to the classic all-black mani and are just as versatile. You can’t go wrong with this sophisticated shade.

VANILLA WINTER NAIL INSPO

With their warm vanilla hue, they’re the coziest neutral for those chilly winter days. Just grab some vanilla nail polish, pearl nail powder, and a disposable eyeshadow applicator. Don’t forget to finish with a strengthening top coat for the perfect touch!

BASIC CLEAN GIRL

If you’re looking for a simple manicure to get you through every dinner party, to-do list, and festive event this season, these fall and winter nail trends are perfect for you! Sleek and simple, they enhance your natural nails with a subtle top coat.

TWO-TONED

Here’s another effortlessly chic nail art idea: paint each hand a different pastel or shimmery shade. It’s an easy way to add a playful touch to your look without any fuss.

SPLIT SHADES

Can’t choose just one trend? Get the best of all worlds by mixing and matching pastels and brights on each nail. It’s a fun way to showcase multiple trends and create a unique, eye-catching look!

BLACK LICORICE 

Black nails are always a classic choice for cold weather, especially when finished with an ultra-glossy topcoat like Seche Vite. It’s a timeless look that never goes out of style!

SNOWCAP FRENCH 

Swooping French tips evoke the beauty of snowy mountains with a subtle touch, while gold twinkles add a glamorous flair. This design combines elegance and seasonal charm without being too on-the-nose.

NEGATIVE SPACE 

Negative space continues to be the easiest way to add a touch of cool to your manicure in seconds. Its minimalist approach delivers instant style and sophistication.

WHITE SHIMMER 

Add a modern twist to classic winter white nails with a holographic glitter topcoat. For a dazzling effect, use Pacifica’s Bio Glitter in Celestial to infuse your manicure with a touch of sparkle and shine.

CLASSY TINSEL-INSPIRED FRENCH OUTLINE

Add a festive touch to your nails by adorning the edges with a bit of tinsel! Stick with a classic glittery gold outline or mix things up with mix and matched sparkly colors—there are no wrong choices here!

BLINGED-OUT FRENCH 

A diamond-encrusted manicure is ideal for holiday parties and beyond, adding a touch of sparkle and luxury to any occasion.

AMERICAN MANICURE 

For a fresh take on the French manicure, try the American Manicure. This technique features both the tips and base in softer shades of nude and white, creating a more subtle contrast and a naturally elegant look.

ALMOND SHAPED GREEN 

Is it just us, or are these winter nails giving off major aprés-ski vibes? The soft sage green color palette and geometric tips, reminiscent of snowcaps on a mountain, have us dreaming of a day on the slopes. Snow bunnies, this green nail design is definitely for you!

HOT PINK 

Neon shades might not be your usual go-to, but after days of gloomy forecasts, a bright manicure is the perfect way to lift your spirits. A vibrant pop of color can be just the pick-me-up you need!

CLASSY IRIDESCENT BLUE-GREY 

Achieve the look with this frosty nail polish, which offers the ideal iridescent shimmer to capture that dreamy blizzard effect.

CONCLUSION

From cozy neutrals and warm hues to sparkling accents and festive designs, there’s a nail art inspiration for every style and occasion. Whether you’re preparing for holiday gatherings or simply want to add a touch of seasonal flair to your everyday look, these nail ideas will ensure your fingertips are always in the spotlight. So, go ahead and experiment with these creative designs to make your nails the highlight of the season!