Fall is here and it’s time to change up your manicure style with new and trendy nail designs. Whether you prefer simple and elegant designs or bold and colorful ones, short nails can be just as stunning as longer ones. Are you ready to find your new favorite nail design for fall? Let’s dive into some fantastic short nail ideas for fall 2024!

Elegant autumn glow

The first nail design is an elegant combination of deep burgundy, soft pink, and glitter details. This combination is perfect for those who love a bit of sparkle without going overboard. The glossy finish of the burgundy nails contrasts beautifully with the matte pink and glitter details, making the manicure look sophisticated yet festive.

• Colors: deep burgundy, soft pink, glitter.
• Finish: Glossy and matte mix.
• Brands: “Wicked” by Essie for the burgundy, “Bubble Bath” by OPI for the pink and “Disco Ball” by Sally Hansen for the shine.
• Tools: Nail file, buffer, base coat, top coat, fine glitter

To achieve this look at home:

1. Start with a clean nail bed, file and buff your nails.
2. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
3. Paint two nails with the deep burgundy polish and two with the soft pink.
4. On the remaining nail, apply a coat of clear polish and dip it in fine glitter.
5. Finish with a top coat to seal your design and add shine.

Bold and bright autumn tones

This vibrant design features a combination of bright red and neutral beige, accented with subtle leaf designs and tiny rhinestones. It’s a bold yet sophisticated style that can easily transition from day to night.

• Colors: Bright red, neutral beige.
• Glossy finish
• Brands: “Big Apple Red” by OPI, “Sand Tropez” by Essie and rhinestones by Swarovski
• Tools: Nail file, buffer, base coat, top coat, fine design brush, rhinestone applicator.

To create this design at home:

1. Prepare your nails by filing and buffing them.
2. Apply a base coat to each nail.
3. Paint your thumb and pinky nails bright red and the other nails a neutral beige.
4. Use a thin brush to create leaf designs on beige nails.
5. Apply rhinestones using a small dot of clear nail polish as an adhesive.
6. Seal everything with a top coat for added durability and shine.

Mysterious and fascinating ombre

For those who love dramatic looks, this deep red gradient design is a must-have. The dark edges that fade into a deep red create a striking and eye-catching effect.

• Colors: Dark red, fire red.
• Effect: Ombre
• Brands: “Courtney” and “Hannah” by Zoya
• Tools: Nail file, buffer, base coat, makeup sponge, top coat

Steps to achieve it at home:

1. Start by preparing your nails with a file and buffer.
2. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
3. Paint your nails with the lightest shade of red as a base.
4. Use a makeup sponge to apply the darker red polish to the tips of your nails, blending it toward the center.
5. Repeat until you achieve the desired ombré effect.
6. Finish with a top coat to soften the gradient and add shine.

Earthy green glamour

This manicure features an earthy green base with a matte finish and gold leaf accents, perfect for adding a touch of glamour to your fall look.

• Colors: Earth green, gold.
• Matte finish
• Markings: “Olive for Green” by OPI and gold leaf sheets
• Tools: Nail file, buffer, base coat, matte top coat, gold leaf applicator.

To create this look:

1. File and buff your nails to prepare them.
2. Apply a base coat to each nail.
3. Paint your nails with the earthy green polish.
4. Once dry, carefully apply the gold leaf details using tweezers or a gold leaf applicator.
5. Finish with a matte top coat to achieve the desired look.

Fun and festive fall foliage

Embrace the spirit of fall with these fun foliage-inspired nails. The combination of green and orange with leaf designs is perfect for the season.

• Colors: Green, orange, white.
• Design: Leaf patterns.
• Brands: “Off Tropic” by Essie, “A Good Man-Darin Is Hard to Find” by OPI and “White On” by Sally Hansen
• Tools: Nail file, buffer, base coat, fine brush for designs, top coat

Steps to achieve this design:

1. Prepare your nails by filing and buffing them.
2. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
3. Paint your nails with green polish as a base color.
4. Use a thin brush to paint orange and white leaf designs on each nail.
5. Finish with a top coat to seal your design and add a glossy finish.

Bright teal delight

This lovely teal manicure is vibrant and sophisticated, featuring a striking nail with glitter detailing. The eye-catching teal color is perfect for adding a pop of color to your fall wardrobe, while the glitter nail adds just the right amount of sparkle.

• Colors: Teal, Silver Glitter
• Glossy finish
• Brands: “In the Cab-ana” by Essie for the teal and “Ce-less-tial is More” by OPI for the shimmer.
• Tools: Nail file, buffer, base coat, top coat, fine glitter

To achieve this look at home:

1. Start by preparing your nails with a file and buffer.
2. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
3. Paint four of your nails with the teal polish.
4. Apply clear polish to the accent nail and dip in fine silver glitter.
5. Seal everything with a top coat for added shine and protection.

Pretty in purple

This fun and flirty purple design features a playful mottled effect that adds texture and visual interest. The glossy finish enhances the vibrancy of the purple, making it perfect for a cheerful fall look.

• Colors: Purple with white speckles.
• Glossy finish
• Brands: “Grape Gatsby” by Sally Hansen and “Snow Globe” by China Glaze for the flecks
• Tools: Nail file, buffer, base coat, top coat, speckled polish

Steps to achieve it at home:

1. File and buff your nails to prepare them.
2. Apply a base coat to each nail.
3. Paint your nails with purple polish.
4. Apply the speckled polish over the purple base for a fun effect.
5. Finish with a top coat to seal your design.

Iridescent green glow

This iridescent green manicure is perfect for those who want to embrace the earthy tones of autumn with a modern twist. The glossy finish adds a touch of magic to the look, making your nails stand out beautifully.

• Colors: Iridescent green
• Glossy finish
• Brands: “Merida” by Zoya for the green iridescence
• Tools: Nail file, buffer, base coat, top coat

To create this design:

1. Prepare your nails by filing and buffing them.
2. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
3. Paint your nails with the iridescent green polish.
4. Seal everything with a top coat to enhance shine and durability.

Elegant and sophisticated grey

This chic grey manicure is both modern and sophisticated, with a nail featuring black and white accents. The neutral grey is perfect for any outfit, while the accented nail adds an artistic touch.

• Colors: Gray, black, white.
• Glossy finish
• Brands: “Concrete Jungle” by OPI for the grey, and “Black Out” and “White On” by Sally Hansen for the accent design.
• Tools: Nail file, buffer, base coat, top coat, fine brush for designs.

Steps to achieve this look:

1. Start by preparing your nails with a file and buffer.
2. Apply a base coat to each nail.
3. Paint your nails with the grey polish.
4. Use a thin brush to create the black and white design on the accent nail.
5. Finish with a top coat to protect your design.

Autumn Leaf Accents

This fall-inspired manicure features a gorgeous array of autumn colors with a stunning leaf design on the accent nail. The combination of orange, burgundy, and brown captures the essence of the season perfectly.

• Colors: orange, burgundy, brown, white, gold.
• Glossy finish
• Brands: “Playing Koi” by Essie for the orange, “Lincoln Park After Dark” by OPI for the burgundy and “White on White” by China Glaze for the base of the decorative nail.
• Tools: Nail file, buffer, base coat, top coat, fine design brush, gold leaf.

To create this look:

1. Prepare your nails by filing and buffing them.
2. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
3. Paint each nail with one of the fall colors.
4. Use a thin brush to paint the leaf design onto the accent nail and apply gold leaf to add detail.
5. Finish with a top coat to seal and protect your design.

Midnight blue matte

Deep matte midnight blue is a striking choice for fall. The simplicity of the design allows the bold color to take center stage, making it elegant and bold. This look is perfect for those who love a sophisticated and understated manicure.

• Colors: Midnight Blue
• Matte finish
• Brands: OPI’s “Russian Navy” Matte
• Tools: Nail file, buffer, base coat, matte top coat

To achieve this look at home:

1. Start by preparing your nails with a file and buffer.
2. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
3. Paint your nails with midnight blue nail polish.
4. Finish with a matte top coat to achieve the desired matte effect.

Earthy tones with leaf accents

This manicure combines earthy green and brown tones with a gorgeous leaf-like nail detail. The glossy finish enhances the rich colors, while the golden leaves and delicate design add an elegant touch.

• Colors: Olive green, brown, gold.
• Glossy finish
• Brands: “Chinchilly” by Essie for brown leaves and “Camo Couture” for green and gold leaves.
• Tools: Nail file, buffer, base coat, top coat, fine brush for designs.

To create this design:

1. Prepare your nails by filing and buffing them.
2. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
3. Paint your nails with the green and brown polish.
4. Use a thin brush to paint the leaf design onto the accent nail and apply gold leaf to add detail.
5. Finish with a top coat to seal and protect your design.

Classic black with a modern twist

The classic black manicure gets a modern twist with a uniquely detailed nail featuring a gold stripe and subtle design. This look is perfect for those who love a timeless yet contemporary style.

• Colors: Black, gold.
• Glossy finish
• Brands: “Black Onyx” by OPI and “Golden-I” by Sally Hansen
• Tools: Nail file, buffer, base coat, top coat, fine brush for designs.

Steps to achieve this look:

1. Start by preparing your nails with a file and buffer.
2. Apply a base coat to each nail.
3. Paint your nails with black polish.
4. Use a thin brush to create the gold stripe and design on the accent nail.
5. Finish with a top coat to protect your design.

Multicoloured earthy elegance

This multi-colored manicure features a palette of earthy tones, with each nail painted a different color. The combination of green, brown, and gray creates a cohesive yet dynamic look, perfect for fall.

• Colors: green, brown, gray, yellow.
• Glossy finish
• Brands: “Playing Koi” by Essie for orange, “Suzi – The First Lady of Nails” by OPI for green and “Dove” by Zoya for grey
• Tools: Nail file, buffer, base coat, top coat

To create this look:

1. Prepare your nails by filing and buffing them.
2. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
3. Paint each nail a different color from the earthy palette.
4. Finish with a top coat to seal and protect your design.

Classic bold red

A classic red manicure never goes out of style. This deep red is perfect for making a statement this fall. The glossy finish adds depth and shine, making your nails look polished and elegant.

• Colors: Deep red
• Glossy finish
• Brands: “Big Apple Red” by OPI
• Tools: Nail file, buffer, base coat, top coat

Steps to achieve this classic look:

1. Start by preparing your nails with a file and buffer.
2. Apply a base coat to each nail.
3. Paint your nails with a bold red polish.
4. Finish with a top coat to add shine and protect your manicure.

Matte Ombre Elegance

This elegant matte gradient design features a gradient from a soft grey to a dark brown, creating a sophisticated and elegant look, perfect for fall. The matte finish adds a modern twist to the classic gradient effect.

• Colors: Soft gray, dark brown.
• Matte finish
• Brands: “Dove” by Zoya for gray and “You Don’t Know Jacques” by OPI for brown
• Tools: Nail file, buffer, base coat, ombré makeup sponge, matte top coat

To achieve this look at home:

1. Start by preparing your nails with a file and buffer.
2. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
3. Use a makeup sponge to create the ombré effect, applying the grey polish on top and the brown on the bottom, blending in between.
4. Finish with a matte top coat to achieve the desired matte effect.

Teal with leopard details

This chic manicure combines a vibrant teal color with a fun leopard print. The glossy finish enhances the eye-catching teal, while the leopard print adds a fun touch.

• Colors: teal, black, nude
• Glossy finish
• Brands: “Garden Variety” by Essie for the teal and “Bare Dare” by Sally Hansen for the leopard base
• Tools: Nail file, buffer, base coat, top coat, thin leopard spot brush.

To create this design:

1. Prepare your nails by filing and buffing them.
2. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
3. Paint your nails with the teal polish.
4. On the accent nail, use a thin brush to create leopard spots with black polish over the nude base.
5. Finish with a top coat to seal and protect your design.

Naked perfection

This simple yet stunning nude manicure is perfect for any occasion. The glossy finish adds a touch of elegance and makes your nails look naturally beautiful and well-groomed.

• Colors: Nude
• Glossy finish
• Brands: “Samoan Sand” by OPI
• Tools: Nail file, buffer, base coat, top coat

Steps to achieve this classic look:

1. Start by preparing your nails with a file and buffer.
2. Apply a base coat to each nail.
3. Paint your nails with nude polish.
4. Finish with a top coat to add shine and protect your manicure.

Leafy green inspiration

This manicure captures the essence of fall with detailed leaf designs in various shades of green. The realistic leaf art is complemented by subtle brown detailing, creating a nature-inspired look.

• Colors: Various greens, browns.
• Glossy finish
• Brands: “Going Incognito” by Essie for the greens and “Espresso Your Style” by OPI for the browns
• Tools: Nail file, buffer, base coat, top coat, thin brush for leaf designs.

To create this look:

1. Prepare your nails by filing and buffing them.
2. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
3. Paint your nails with green and brown nail polishes.
4. Use a fine brush to paint the leaf designs in various shades of green.
5. Finish with a top coat to seal and protect your design.

Bright silver glitter

For those who love a bit of sparkle, this silver glitter manicure is the perfect choice. The shiny finish is festive and glamorous, making it ideal for any fall celebration.

• Colors: Bright silver
• Glossy finish
• Brands: “Shining Snow” by China Glaze
• Tools: Nail file, buffer, base coat, glitter polish, top coat.

Steps to achieve this look:

1. Start by preparing your nails with a file and buffer.
2. Apply a base coat to each nail.
3. Apply the silver glitter polish in thin layers until you achieve the desired coverage.
4. Finish with a top coat to add shine and protect your glossy manicure.

Bright Coral Delights

This bright coral manicure is a vibrant and festive choice for fall. The coral color is bold and bright, while the glitter finish adds a touch of sparkle, making it perfect for any celebration.

• Colors: Coral glitter
• Finish: Gloss
• Marks: OPI’s “Coral-ing Your Spirit Animal” with China Glaze’s “Fairy Dust” for shine
• Tools: Nail file, buffer, base coat, glitter polish, top coat

To achieve this look at home:

1. Start by preparing your nails with a file and buffer.
2. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
3. Paint your nails with coral polish.
4. Apply a coat of glitter polish over the coral.
5. Finish with a top coat to add shine and protect your manicure.

Classic black with gold details

This classic black manicure is updated with an elegant twist with a gold detail on the ring finger. The shiny black polish is timeless and the gold detail adds a touch of luxury and sophistication.

• Colors: Black, gold.
• Glossy finish
• Brands: “Black Onyx” by OPI and “Good as Gold” by Essie
• Tools: Nail file, buffer, base coat, top coat, fine brush for gold details.

Steps to achieve this look:

1. Start by preparing your nails with a file and buffer.
2. Apply a base coat to each nail.
3. Paint your nails with black polish.
4. Use a thin brush to create the gold accent on the ring finger.
5. Finish with a top coat to seal and protect your design.

Deep brown with gold leaf

This deep brown manicure is perfect for fall and features a luxurious gold leaf detail. The deep brown color is warm and inviting, and the gold leaves add a touch of elegance.

• Colors: Brown, gold leaf.
• Glossy finish
• Brands: “Wicked” by Essie for the brown sheets with gold leaves
• Tools: Nail file, buffer, base coat, top coat, gold leaf applicator.

To create this look:

1. Prepare your nails by filing and buffing them.
2. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
3. Paint your nails with brown polish.
4. Apply gold leaf to the accent nail using tweezers or a gold leaf applicator.
5. Finish with a top coat to seal and protect your design.

Minimalist nude with silver studs

This minimalist nude manicure features subtle silver studs for a modern touch. The nude color is clean and simple, while the silver studs add a touch of edgy elegance.

• Colors: Nude, silver
• Glossy finish
• Brands: “Be There in a Prosecco” by OPI
• Tools: Nail file, buffer, base coat, top coat, silver studs, dotting tool or tweezers

Steps to achieve this look:

1. Start by preparing your nails with a file and buffer.
2. Apply a base coat to each nail.
3. Paint your nails with nude polish.
4. Place silver studs on each nail using a dotting tool or tweezers.
5. Finish with a top coat to add shine and protect your design.

Soft yellow with golden flakes

This soft yellow manicure is perfect for those who love a subtle and elegant look. The addition of gold flakes adds a luxurious touch, making it ideal for any autumn occasion.

• Colors: Soft yellow, golden flakes.
• Glossy finish
• Marks: “Sunny Business” by Essie with gold flakes
• Tools: Nail file, buffer, base coat, top coat, gold flakes.

To create this look:

1. Prepare your nails by filing and buffing them.
2. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
3. Paint your nails with the soft yellow polish.
4. Apply gold flakes on accent nails.
5. Finish with a top coat to seal and protect your design.

Beige and gold elegance

This beige manicure features elegant gold details that add a touch of glamour. The soft beige color is perfect for fall, while the gold details create a sophisticated look.

• Colors: Beige, gold.
• Glossy finish
• Markings: “Dulce de Leche” by OPI with gold details
• Tools: Nail file, buffer, base coat, top coat, fine brush for gold designs.

Steps to achieve this look:

1. Start by preparing your nails with a file and buffer.
2. Apply a base coat to each nail.
3. Paint your nails with beige polish.
4. Use a thin brush to create the gold designs on each nail.
5. Finish with a top coat to add shine and protect your manicure.

Bright pink design with details

This bright pink manicure is fun and bold, featuring an accent nail with a pretty floral design. The matte finish adds a modern touch, making it perfect for fall.

• Colors: bright pink, nude, black.
• Matte finish
• Brands: “Kiss Me on My Tulips” by OPI with “Ballet Slippers” by Essie as a decorative base
• Tools: Nail file, buffer, base coat, matte top coat, thin brush for floral design.

To create this look:

1. Prepare your nails by filing and buffing them.
2. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
3. Paint your nails with the bright pink polish.
4. On the accent nail, use a thin brush to create the floral design with black polish over the nude base.
5. Finish with a matte top coat to achieve the desired matte effect.