cow print accent nail

25 MEDIUM NAIL IDEAS FOR GIRLS WHO LOVE A NEAT LOOK

In recent years, extra-long manicures have taken center stage. With advancements in nail extensions, achieving a full-length manicure with intricate nail art has never been easier. However, while long nails are stunning, they’re not ideal for everyone. This is where medium nails come in—they offer the perfect balance between long and short manicures. With medium-length nails, the possibilities are endless. Below, we’ve gathered 25 unique medium nail ideas to inspire you for your next appointment.

FLORAL FRENCH

This rainbow French mani is a playful twist on the classic design. Paint each tip in a different color, and complete the look with white floral nail art to tie the entire manicure together.

GEODE NAILS

This stunning mani perfectly captures the look of a geode. With a blend of purples and pinks, a touch of silver and white, and a high-gloss finish, it creates a truly eye-catching nail design.

BALANCED BLUE AND BROWN

Blue and brown make for an unexpected yet striking color combination. Create a standout accent nail by incorporating these contrasting colors into a yin-yang design.

INTERLOCKING SQUARES

Remember those optical illusion paintings? This manicure brings that concept to life with a captivating red-and-blue design. While creating this look requires some patience, the result is a true work of art on your fingertips.

SUNSET AURA NAILS

This red and orange aura manicure captures the beauty of a summer sunset right on your fingertips. For this look, you’ll need Essie Nail Polish in “Outside the Lines” and “Send a Message.”

STITCH NAILS

Alicia Torello, the nail artist behind this medium-length manicure, considers it “one of her favorite looks of all time,” and it’s easy to see why. It combines simplicity with bold statement-making design, offering the perfect blend on all 10 fingers.

JADE AND GOLD

These evergreen nails are truly glamorous. The gold accents beneath the green French tips create a striking negative space effect.

CELESTIAL FADE

This frosty manicure is definitely worth trying. The smooth transition from the pink base to the shimmering silver tips is mesmerizing, and the gold star accent adds a dreamy finishing touch.

TIE-DYE

Crocodile print manicures are very much on-trend right now. The best part is that you can achieve this look with any polish you choose—this baby blue version is absolutely stunning.

SUNSHINE SPOTS

Another simple DIY option is a dotted manicure. Use a dotting tool to place vibrant yellow dots precisely where you want them. You can leave the dots as they are or follow this artist’s example and smudge them for a cow-print-inspired effect.

CLASSIC RED

A classic red manicure is always a great choice, and this vibrant nail look is a perfect example. You can recreate it at home with Cirque Colors’ Nail Polish in Pyro.

NEGATIVE-SPACE FRENCH

Get three trends in one manicure with this look—chrome, negative space, and French tips. Begin with a clear glaze base, then use a nail brush to draw two simple lines along your natural smile line.

A BIT OF BLUE

Electric blue polish looks stunning on medium-length almond-shaped nails. To achieve this exact look, use Essie Nail Polish in “Butler Please” and “Skinny Dip.”

DOUBLE-DIPPED TIPS

This is not your typical French mani. The wave-shaped tips and sparkling gold outline give a modern twist to the classic nail design.

MINIMALIST GRAPHIC

If “quiet luxury” were to be translated into a medium-length manicure, this would be it. The combination of nude polish with subtle graphic line art adds a touch of intrigue without being overly bold.

GLAZED HEARTS

Tip accents are perfect for creating the illusion of length, and these half-heart designs will enhance your medium manicure. Begin with a pearlescent pink polish as the base, then add heart-shaped accents using a slightly deeper, opaque pink polish.

SIMPLE STARS

For nail art that doesn’t require artistic skills, try this simple golden star manicure. Paint your nails with a single polish shade—bright white, such as Dazzle Dry Nail Lacquer in White Lightning, works perfectly. Then, apply star-shaped stickers, like those from Olive and June.

ABSTRACT LINES

This stunningly abstract manicure is surprisingly easy to DIY. Begin with a neutral base color, such as peach, then use a nail art brush to add fluid black-and-white strokes to each nail.

3D ACCENTS

You don’t need ultra-long nails to showcase impressive art. Medium-length nails offer a great canvas for 3D accents and provide ample space for experimenting with textures like foil and gemstones. This gold-and-pearl oyster mani takes a chrome-gray base to the next level.

TWISTED GLAZE

The “glazed donut” manicure had its time, but now nail artists are elevating the frosty look with subtle squiggles. You can keep your nail art simple with a complementary color, such as this purple-on-pink combo, or make a bold statement with two high-contrast polish shades.

NON-BORING BROWN

Chocolate brown is a versatile nail color for any season. This particular manicure uses Hermés Nail Polish in Brun Bistre, but Essie Nail Polish offers a great drugstore alternative.

BOLD GRADIENT

Can’t choose between two shades? Combine them for a bold, high-contrast fade. Deep purple and red make a striking pair for fall and winter, but this manicure is versatile enough to wear year-round.

COLORFUL FRENCH FADE

If you’re considering a French fade manicure, don’t stick to just neutrals. Using two complementary tones of the same vibrant shade—such as this peach and red combo—adds a fresh and fun twist.

DEEP FRENCH FADE

You can give a French manicure a modern twist with a brown ombré effect. Create an optical illusion by choosing an accent shade that matches your complexion. This nail look is a stylish way to embrace neutral, natural-looking polish.

EXTENDED FRENCH

Update the classic French manicure for medium-length nails by extending the lines all the way around. Nail artists love this trick because it creates the illusion of longer nails. “A deeper smile line—where the French tip curves—elongates the overall look,” says Kandelac.

CONCLUSION

Whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist, there’s a nail look out there for you. These 25 medium nail ideas offer a variety of styles to suit any taste. From classic French manicures to trendy chrome nails, there’s a design to complement your personality and style. Remember, the most important thing is to choose a look that makes you feel confident and beautiful.

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!