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Now that the leaves are starting to change color and the temperature is beginning to cool down, it’s time to upgrade your wardrobe and accessories to match the fall season.
One way to embrace it is by going for a beautiful fall manicure. And you can achieve this even if your nails are short!
Fall-themed nail designs feature warm and rich colors, creating a striking visual perfect for transforming short nails.
To help you match your nails with the cozy autumn colors, we’ve curated gorgeous short fall nail designs you can try this year.
From ombré nails to French tips, we’ve listed a wide range of options to suit your personal style. We also included a few tips and tricks on how to make your fall nail designs last longer.
Whether you’re doing them at home or taking inspiration to your next salon appointment, you’re sure to find a design that will complement your fall wardrobe.
So get ready to embrace the cozy autumn vibe with these stunning fall nail designs for short nails.
54 Best Fall Nail Ideas for Short Nails To Try This Season
From warm and cozy hues to intricate designs inspired by the natural beauty of autumn, there are countless ways to create stunning fall nail art that’s perfect for any occasion during the season.
Here are the top autumn-inspired manicure ideas for short nails that will never go out of style.
1. Pretty in Chocolate Brown
Chocolate brown is one of the best colors for short nails, and it gives off a classic fall vibe. Be it a formal event, a co*cktail soiree, or a casual day out, these brown nails will surely be a source of envy in your circle.
2. Pumpkin Orange Matte Nails With Leaves
Add a fun fall twist to your pumpkin orange nails with blue accent nails that don vibrant leaves, gold foil, and artsy blobs of color.
This chic fall nail idea with leaves is ideal for those who want an elegant mani while making a bold statement.
3. Black French Tips and Floral Prints
In this design, the black French tips give a timeless elegance to the nails, while the floral print tips add a touch of femininity and playfulness. If you are looking for a cool nail trend to try this autumn, this nail design is for you.
4. Carrot Orange and Pine Green Combo With Leaves
These nails are painted with vibrant and glossy carrot orange and pine green gel nail polish accentuated with bold leaf nail art.
It is one of our favorite autumn leaf nail designs, which is a great inspiration for anyone looking for a playful look this fall.
5. White Nails With Abstract Patterns
Transform simple white nails into a gorgeous fall manicure by adding abstract orange splotches and bronze foil accents to each fingernail. These round nails are modern, sleek, and fashionable!
6. Tangerine Orange Matte With Sleek Black Borders
Looking for the perfect Halloween nail art? These tangerine orange matte nails paired with clear nails with dots and flowers will definitely steal the spotlight.
Plus, the bold black borders around the clear nails add an edgy vibe to the overall delicate appeal.
7. Elegant Nude Nails With Striking Leaf Prints
We love the clean, nude base highlighted with thick brush strokes in neutral hues topped with a black leaf print. This is a polished yet simple nail design to complement your everyday looks.
8. Scarlet Red Nails With Gold and White Leaf Accents
Add a fiery sizzle to your cozy fall wardrobe with these scarlet red nails, gold foil, and white leaf accents. Using bold colors for fall, you will definitely turn heads with these nails.
9. Glossy Black Chrome Nails With White-and-Gold Leaves
You can never go wrong with glossy black gel nails with white-and-gold leaf patterns. Be confident, mysterious, and daring all at once with these gorgeous fall nails.
10. Dark Brown Nails With Plaid Design
Yearning for a preppy look this autumn? These dark brown nails with plaid patterns against a clear base on the ring finger bring a fresh mood to a classic look. So make sure to add this plaid design to your list of DIY mani ideas.
11. White Nails With Tan and Brown Glitter Swirls
Complement your white nails with stunning shades of brown and rose gold glitter swirls. One of the easiest nail designs to do at home, you can own this perfect fall look anytime you want.
12. Glossy White Nails With Coffee-Colored Swirls
Bring a fun and classy pattern to white nails with coffee-colored swirls! These will go great with a casual rendezvous or a formal celebration.
13. Red, Marigold, and Glittery Brown Nails
Play with different nail designs this fall! Try marigold nails with embossed flower petals and tortoiseshell nails. Plus, you can pair them with brown nails that have a glittery finish to bring a little sparkle and shine to the manicure.
14. Dark Brown Gel Chrome Nails With White and Silver Glitter Blobs
Liven up your dark brown nails with nude ones topped with white, silver glitter, and brown blobs. The contrasting pattern highlights the classic elegance of the brown color palette, adding a playful twist to the overall look.
No wonder this is one of the autumn short nail ideas we absolutely love on this list.
15. Copper, Red, and Orange Nails
This is undoubtedly one of the most elegant fall nail designs you can wear this season. The brick red and copper nails sprinkled with gold dust and paired with butterscotch-colored accent nails are the epitome of classic sophistication.
16. Black Matte and Brown Glossy Nails in a Delight-Fall Combo
There is something mysterious about matte black swirls on glossy tortoiseshell nails with black that we just can’t seem to resist. So if you are looking for an edgy, modern, and stylish fall pattern for short nails, this is the one.
17. Triple Fall-Colored Glossy Nails With Heart Tips
Make your nails look pretty in these triple fall colors. Each nail is painted in a different shade — brown, clear, and creamy nude, creating a stunning gradient effect.
Meanwhile, the hearts on the tips of the clear nails and the brown cuticle cuffs on the creamy nude nails add a cute and playful element to the manicure.
18. Stunning Shades of Orange and Nude Nails With a Floral Print Design
From warm yam and bold tiger to cool clay hues, this is one of the most simple autumn nail designs are a fantastic choice for those seeking a trendy and festive look that captures the essence of fall.
Also, the nude nail with the floral print design adds depth and texture to an elegant masterpiece.
19. Classic French Manicure With Brown Tips
Love the classic French manicure? Replace your usual Frienchies with these dazzling autumn nails in varying shades of nude and brown.
20. Blue-Green Matte Nails With Gold Leaf Accents
Want your nails to stand out this fall? This unique negative space nail art created with matte blue-green polish and gold leaf accents will catch everyone’s attention.
21. Black Chrome and Nude Nails With Tangerine Frenchies
Add just the right spice to plain nails with a French manicure thrown in the mix. Then glam up your nail with tangerine tips topped with hand-painted floral blossoms.
The result is a modern, sleek, and pretty design that will top the fall nail trends this year.
22. Cute Fall Nails With Mixed Patterns
This cute nail design is inspired by the end of the fall season as winter begins to take over. It features a combination of cool blue tones with warm orange-brown and beige hues topped with a mix of leaf and splotch patterns.
What’s more, this cozy design sits on almond-shaped nails — great for highlighting the mixed pattern on each nail.
23. Fire Orange Matte Nails and White Combo
We love the flawless fire orange and white nails with an elegant matte finish. The green leafy print on a white nail also has a striking visual impact on the overall design.
If you want to change up your mani this fall, this elegant fall nail design is for you.
24. Sweater and Grid Patterns in Black, White, and Orange
A fun and cool fall nail design to wear this year! The black and white nails are topped with sweater and grid patterns for a captivating ensemble.
Meanwhile, the sleek and simple orange nail complements the complex prints on the other nails, completing your short fall nail design.
25. Wine Red and Pecan Brown Gel Nails for Fall
One of the prettiest short fall gel nail designs on our list. These nails are painted in a deep and rich wine red and pecan brown color with a polished shiny finish, exuding warmth and sophistication.
To add a touch of sparkle and glamor, some nails are adorned with rose gold glitter for a mesmerizing effect!
26. Stunning Deep Brown and Tortie Fall Nail Art
Looking for a fall nail design that is simple yet elegant? Paint your nails with these stunning deep brown and tortoiseshell nails that will complement any look.
From a casual day out to a formal social occasion, this short nail design for fall has got you covered.
27. White Matte With Gold Maple Leaf Accents
This fall nail art on short nails features pastel gray matte nails with luxurious gold maple leaf accents — a nod to the beauty of autumn.
28. Scarlet Red Nails With Delicate Face and Leaf Nail Art
Unique and artistic! The combination of the scarlet red nails and the accent nails with a combo of scarlet red and white colors, delicate face designs, and black leaf prints creates a captivating manicure.
29. Fall-Inspired Watercolor
This dainty fall-inspired nail design with abstract art is immortalized with gel polish. The nails are adorned with watercolor-like designs that look similar to resin art and capture the essence of the autumn season.
The warm and earthy green, orange, and gold colors provide a glossy and three-dimensional effect, giving the nails a polished and luxurious appearance.
30. Classic Two-Toned Short Fall Nail Design
Capture the warm and cozy autumn vibe in this two-toned short nail design. The combination of dark and light brown for a vertical ombré achieves a visually pleasing and harmonious effect.
31. Fire Orange Nails Topped With Striking Black Foliage
The vibrant orange nails pop with a lively and energetic look while the black foliage intricately designed on each nail creates a captivating contrast against the bright base.
This nail design with autumn leaves embraces the beauty of nature-inspired hues and motifs.
32. Abstract Fall Art
Looking for fall nail ideas? Try sophisticated brown and black nails!
Then break the monotony with glossy clear nails that feature abstract brush strokes and dots that add warmth to the manicure, evoking the cozy ambiance of the fall season.
33. Embossed Ombré Brown Nails
From dark brown to light nude to white colors, these nails sport a classic autumn ombré. The embossed sweater design lends texture to the overall nail design, making the whole look chic and super stylish.
If you want fall-themed acrylic nails, you can ask your nail tech to recreate this design on short acrylics.
34. White and Black Dotticure Surrounded by Fall-Inspired Solid Hues
The white nails in this manicure have black dots, and they’re surrounded by black, purplish-brown, and deep orange solid hues. This eye-catching look integrates both minimalistic and bold fall elements!
35. Nude Nails With Black Leaves
Want fall nail designs with leaves? Try this mani — it’s one of our favorite fall nail looks! The classic beauty of the creamy nude nails is highlighted with hand-painted black leaves and gold foil to complete a stylish manicure.
36. Falling Leaves
This pretty fall nail idea uses rich and earthy colors of olive and pine green to evoke the vibrant colors of falling leaves. Also, the intricate leaf patterns carefully painted on each nail bring a touch of autumn artistry.
37. Brown and Orange Fall-Themed French Mani
Freshen up a classic French manicure by alternating traditional brown tips with white, brown, and orange floral tips. This is a cute and easy fall nail design for short nails you can absolutely recreate at home.
38. Brown and White Nails With Checkered and Floral Prints
Who says you can’t play with your autumn-inspired nails? Go for glossy brown and white nails on your left hand while sporting a mix of checkered, floral, swirl, and polka dot patterns along with outlined Frenchies on your right hand.
39. Brown, Tan, and Nude With Soft Wave Patterns
The combination of these warm and neutral hues creates a chic and sophisticated look while the soft wave patterns add a touch of movement and grace to the nails, evoking a sense of tranquility and serenity.
40. Shades of Orange and Brown With Lines
In this bold yet bright fall nail design, the different shades of orange and brown on each nail create a seamless gradient effect while the line patterns make this autumn manicure a true work of art.
41. Matte Nails With Unique Designs
Dare to be effortlessly chic with unique fall designs like woven patterns against a black base, large dark brown French tips with white and light brown curves, and polka dots and flowers on brown nails.
There are also thick swirls with dots and black outlines on a nude base and leaves on white and light brown splotches, all of which showcase your creativity and individuality!
42. Marigold Nails With Cute Smiley Tips and Checkered Prints
Get ready to smile with delight with these captivating marigold and clear nails adorned with swirly tips with stars, classic French tips with smiley faces, and checkered prints, adding trendiness to the mix.
These autumn French tip nail designs are all about spreading joy and positive vibes this season.
43. Cute Brown and Nude Nails With Floral Prints
Prepare to be enchanted by the irresistible charm of these brown nails and cute nude nails adorned with delicate floral prints.
The warm, earthy brown shade creates a sense of coziness and sophistication, while the blooms bring whimsy and femininity to the manicure.
44. Bright Orange and Candy Red Tulip Nail Art
These bright orange and candy red tulip-shaped French tips create an autumn nail design with a collision of vibrant hues that brings your nails to a whole new level of enchantment.
45. Artistic Nude Nails
The sheer artistry of these nude nails with orange and gold glitter splotches topped with a white leaf design will mesmerize you. With these nails, you can steal the spotlight wherever you go this fall.
46. Edgy Tangerine, Pine Green, and Gold Dust
Unleash your inner fashionista with edgy tangerine, pine green, and gold glitter brush strokes on your short fall nails, all decorated with black leaves.
This blend of lively hues adds a burst of energy to your nude manicure, matching your fearless attitude.
47. Wine Red and Nude Nails With Bright Yellow and Orange Blooms
The stunning contrast between the rich and deep wine red and the soft and neutral nude hue creates a harmonious and eye-catching fall manicure.
But what steals the show are the vibrant floral blooms in bright yellow and orange hues.
48. Edgy Fall Design
This manicure is the pinnacle of edgy luxe. The black matte with a glittery rust-like finish creates a mesmerizing metallic sheen that adds a touch of mystique.
The element that truly sets this style apart is the intricate maple autumn leaves that bring a pop of vibrant colors to the nude nails.
49. Decadent Brown Nails With Floral Prints and French Tips
Indulge in the decadent beauty of these brown nails with exquisite floral prints and French tips.
The rich brown color offers luxury and warmth, the intricate floral designs exude a sense of refinement, and the classic French tips bring a timeless and chic element to this autumn look.
50. Brown and Nude Mani With White Floral Patterns
With these decadent brown nails and chic nude nails with delicate dots and floral prints, you’ll be ready to showcase your impeccable style this fall with a fashion-forward manicure.
51. Short Fall Nail Design in Lovely Fall Hues
Fall into the enchanting beauty of this short fall nail design in earthy tones. The rich hues of brown and pale blue look cozy, while the accent nails show off an abstract design with delicate waves and dotted patterns.
52. Hand-Painted Autumn Foliage
The hand-painted leaves atop the pale nude nails and the earthy orange, brown, and red in this nail design create an unforgettable autumn-inspired motif.
53. Sleek and Elegant Brown Nails
The blend of cool and warm tones in these glossy grayish-brown nails makes them perfect for any occasion. Don’t miss out on a sophisticated look that can make your nails stand out.
Top Tips To Make Your Short Fall Nail Design Last Longer
After spending time creating your pretty autumn nail designs, the last thing you want is for them to chip or fade before the height of the season.
Luckily, you can use several tips and tricks to help make your fall nail designs last longer and stay looking great for weeks to come.
- Prep your nails properly. Before applying nail polish, clean the surface of your nails and remove any oils or residue with soap and water or a gentle acetone-free nail polish remover.
Then gently buff and file your nails to your desired nail shape.
- Apply a base coat. Applying a quality base coat is crucial to extend the longevity of your fall nail design.
The base coat creates a smooth surface for the nail polish to adhere to, prevents staining, and helps the color last longer.
- Apply thin layers of your nail polish. When applying nail polish, it’s better to layer thin coats. This is because thick coats take longer to dry and are more prone to chipping.
Apply two to three thin coats of your polish, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next.
- Invest in a good top coat. Applying a high-quality top coat is a game changer when it comes to making your nail design last longer. It adds shine to your nails, protects their color, and provides an extra layer of durability.
- Avoid hot water. Hot water can cause your nail polish to soften and chip more easily. So try to avoid exposing your nails to hot water, especially in the first few hours after your manicure.
- Use gloves. When doing household chores or working with harsh chemicals, wear gloves to protect your nails and prevent your nail polish from scratches and chips.
By following these tips and ideas, you will surely create elegant or cute fall nail designs for short nails that are sure to turn heads this fall.
Say Hello to the Changing of the Season With These Fabulous Short Fall Nail Designs
These short fall nail designs are the perfect way to welcome the changing of the seasons with style.
From matte to glossy to glitter finishes, from intricate patterns to simple dots, the possibilities for autumn manicures on short nails are endless. And we are sure there is a nail design that will suit your style and personality.
So why not try out one of these stunningly easy fall nail designs for short nails and show off your beautiful nails this fall season?
With the right design and color combination, your short nails can become a beautiful accessory to complete your autumn look.
Want To Explore More Nail Designs and Ideas?
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Stephanie Martin
Stephanie Martin blends her beauty industry background with expertise in communications to lead in the fashion and beauty world. As a fashion and beauty editor, she is known for engaging and informative articles. Her lifelong passion for fashion, makeup, and hair shines through her work, earning her widespread respect among readers and clients. Stephanie's style, a mix of classic and contemporary, makes her a dynamic and influential figure in the industry, inspiring others with her knowledgeable and approachable insights.
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