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!
