20 Fall Short Nail Design

When the leaves start to change and the air turns crisp, it’s time to switch up your nail game for fall. I love this season, not just for the cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice everything, but for the incredible nail art possibilities.

Fall is all about rich colors, warm tones, and designs that reflect the beauty of the season. Even if you prefer shorter nails, there’s no shortage of stylish and creative options.

In fact, short nails can be just as chic and versatile as long ones, especially with the right design. Whether you’re into bold shades or subtle details, I’ve got you covered with these 20 stunning short fall nail designs.

1. Classic Burgundy

Burgundy is a fall staple. It’s rich, elegant, and never goes out of style. On short nails, burgundy looks particularly chic. The deep color adds sophistication without overwhelming your nails. To give it a twist, try a matte finish. This adds a modern touch and makes your nails stand out even more.

2. Copper Shimmer

Copper is another perfect shade for fall. It’s warm, metallic, and eye-catching. Short nails in copper shimmer are simple yet stunning. The metallic finish adds a touch of glam, while the warm tones keep it fall-appropriate. This design is perfect for those who want something understated but still stylish.

3. Matte Olive Green

Olive green is earthy and understated, making it an excellent choice for fall. On short nails, a matte olive green looks sleek and modern. This design is versatile enough to wear with any outfit. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate a bit of nature into your look.

4. Pumpkin Spice Accents

What’s fall without a little pumpkin spice? Short nails in a warm, pumpkin orange shade bring all the autumn vibes. For an extra touch, add a subtle accent nail with tiny pumpkin or leaf designs. It’s festive without being too flashy, making it perfect for everyday wear.

5. Plaid Perfection

Plaid is a fall fashion must-have, and it looks just as good on your nails. Short nails with a plaid design in shades of brown, beige, or grey are both trendy and cozy. The pattern adds texture and interest, making your nails a perfect complement to your fall wardrobe.

6. Navy Blue Nights

Navy blue is deep, dramatic, and oh-so-chic for fall. Short nails in a glossy navy blue are striking and elegant. To add a little sparkle, try a single glitter accent nail. It mimics the night sky and adds just the right amount of glam.

7. Terracotta Tones

Terracotta is a warm, earthy color that embodies the essence of fall. On short nails, it’s both subtle and sophisticated. This shade pairs well with other fall colors like brown, gold, and cream. Keep it simple with a glossy finish, or add a matte top coat for a modern twist.

8. Gold Leaf Accents

For a touch of luxury, gold leaf accents are the way to go. Short nails painted in a neutral shade like beige or taupe look stunning with a bit of gold leaf applied to one or two nails. It’s an elegant design that catches the light and adds a touch of opulence to your look.

9. Warm Neutrals

If you prefer a more understated look, warm neutral tones are perfect. Think shades like taupe, soft brown, or creamy beige. These colors are versatile and can be worn with any outfit. To keep things interesting, add a tiny metallic stripe or dot to one nail.

10. Maple Leaf Motif

Maple leaves are iconic symbols of fall. A maple leaf motif on short nails in shades of red, orange, and yellow is festive and fun. You can keep it simple with just one or two accent nails featuring the leaf design, or go all out with a different color on each nail.

11. Chocolate Brown Delight

Chocolate brown is rich, warm, and perfect for fall. Short nails in this shade are understated yet luxurious. Keep it simple with a glossy finish, or add a matte top coat for a more modern look. For a bit of contrast, try a single accent nail in gold or copper.

12. Burgundy and Gold Combo

Burgundy and gold are a match made in fall heaven. Short nails in a deep burgundy shade with a single gold accent nail are both elegant and festive.

The gold adds a touch of glam, while the burgundy keeps it grounded in fall tones. It’s a chic and sophisticated look that’s perfect for any occasion.

13. Soft Grey and Mauve

Soft grey and mauve are romantic and understated colors that work beautifully together. Short nails painted in these shades are subtle yet stylish.

The combination of grey and mauve is soft and sophisticated, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer a more muted color palette.

14. Rusty Red

Rusty red is a bold and vibrant color that embodies the essence of fall. Short nails in this shade are striking and attention-grabbing. It’s a great color to wear if you want to make a statement. Pair it with a matte top coat for a modern twist, or keep it glossy for a more classic look.

15. Forest Green Dream

Forest green is deep, rich, and perfect for fall. On short nails, it’s both bold and elegant. This color is versatile and pairs well with other fall tones like brown, gold, and cream. Keep it simple with a glossy finish, or add a matte top coat for a more modern look.

16. Cinnamon Swirl

Cinnamon is warm, spicy, and perfect for fall. Short nails in a cinnamon shade with a swirl design on one or two nails are fun and festive. The swirl design adds a playful touch, making it a perfect choice for those who love a bit of creativity in their nail art.

17. Taupe and Gold Accents

Taupe is a versatile and understated color that’s perfect for fall. Short nails in taupe with a bit of gold accent are elegant and chic. The gold adds a touch of glam, while the taupe keeps it grounded and sophisticated. It’s a great design for those who prefer a more minimalist look.

18. Deep Plum

Deep plum is rich, mysterious, and perfect for fall. Short nails in this shade are bold and sophisticated. Keep it simple with a glossy finish, or add a matte top coat for a more modern look. For a bit of contrast, try a single accent nail in gold or silver.

19. Muted Mauve

Muted mauve is soft, romantic, and perfect for fall. Short nails in this shade are subtle yet stylish. This color is versatile and pairs well with other fall tones like grey, taupe, and cream. Keep it simple with a glossy finish, or add a matte top coat for a more modern look.

20. Golden Glitter Glam

Golden glitter is perfect for adding a touch of sparkle to your fall look. Short nails with a golden glitter accent are festive and fun. The glitter adds a bit of glam, while the short length keeps it from being too over-the-top. It’s a great way to add a bit of shine to your fall wardrobe.