20 Easy Fall Nail Designs for 2024: Simple and Cute Ideas for Short Nails

Anna 13 June 2024Last Updated: 16 August 2024

0 348 13 minutes read

As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisper, it’s time to transition your nails to match the enchanting vibes of fall. Whether you’re a nail art newbie or a seasoned pro, these easy fall nail designs will inspire your next manicure. Let’s dive into the world of cozy, autumnal nail art that’s perfect for the season.

Cozy Waves

The cozy waves nail design is a delightful blend of warm fall colors with a unique wavy pattern that screams autumn vibes. The alternating colors of orange, green, pink, and burgundy create a dynamic and eye-catching look. This design is perfect for those who want a mix of traditional fall hues in a modern and playful pattern. The neat, short nails make this design easy to maintain and perfect for beginners.

20 Easy Fall Nail Designs for 2024: Simple and Cute Ideas for Short Nails — Photo credit by: https://pin.it/2bxqPk3nY

Consumables

Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
Polish Colors: Essie “Playing Koi” (orange), Zoya “Hunter” (green), OPI “Malaga Wine” (burgundy), Sally Hansen “Pink Blink” (pink)
Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat

Nail Art Brush: Winstonia Fine Detailing Nail Art Brush
Dotting Tool: Ejiubas Dotting Tools

DIY Instructions

Start with a clean, prepped nail. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
Using a fine detailing brush, draw wavy lines with each color, starting with the darkest color first.
Alternate the colors and ensure the lines are fluid and natural.

Let each layer dry before applying the next color to prevent smudging.
Finish with a glossy top coat to seal the design and add shine.

Autumn Leaves

The autumn leaves design brings the essence of fall right to your fingertips. The delicate leaf patterns on a soft, creamy base capture the season’s beauty effortlessly. The simplicity of the design makes it accessible for beginners while still looking professional and polished. The warm, earthy tones of the leaves are perfect for a cozy autumn look.

Consumables

Base Coat: CND Stickey Base Coat
Polish Colors: OPI “Alpine Snow” (base), China Glaze “Harvest Moon” (gold), Zoya “Avery” (beige)

Leaf Stickers: Born Pretty Autumn Leaf Nail Stickers
Top Coat: Essie Gel Setter Top Coat
Detailing Brush: Beetles Gel Nail Art Liner Brush Set

DIY Instructions

Apply a base coat to clean, dry nails.
Paint your nails with a creamy white base color and let it dry completely.

Using a detailing brush or leaf stickers, create small leaf patterns on each nail.
Alternate colors for each leaf to add depth and interest.
Once the design is dry, seal it with a top coat to protect your artwork.

Fall Foliage

The fall foliage nail design is a true representation of the season’s vibrant and rich colors. The tan base provides a neutral backdrop for the colorful leaf patterns that adorn each nail. This design is perfect for those who love intricate details and want to showcase the beauty of fall in their manicure. It’s a bit more advanced but can be simplified for beginners.

Consumables

Base Coat: Orly Bonder Base Coat

Polish Colors: Essie “Sand Tropez” (tan), OPI “A Good Man-darin is Hard to Find” (orange), Zoya “Mona” (purple)
Nail Stamping Kit: Konad Nail Art Stamping Kit with Leaf Patterns
Top Coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat

Nail Art Pen: Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Pen

DIY Instructions

Apply a base coat to your nails.

Paint your nails with a tan base color and let it dry.
Using a nail stamping kit, stamp leaf patterns onto your nails in various fall colors.
Fill in any gaps with a nail art pen for added detail.

Finish with a top coat to ensure your design lasts.

Nature’s Touch

Nature’s touch is a sophisticated nail design that incorporates subtle leaves and branches on a nude base. The minimalistic approach makes it suitable for any occasion, while the autumn colors keep it seasonally appropriate. The delicate details are perfect for those who prefer understated elegance in their nail art.

Consumables

Base Coat: Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock Base and Top Coat
Polish Colors: OPI “Bubble Bath” (nude), Essie “Chinchilly” (grey), OPI “You Don’t Know Jacques!” (brown)
Nail Art Stickers: INH Leaf Nail Art Stickers

Top Coat: CND Vinylux Weekly Top Coat
Nail Art Brushes: Makartt Nail Art Liner Brush Set

DIY Instructions

Start with a base coat on clean nails.
Apply a nude polish and let it dry.
Using nail art stickers or a fine brush, create small leaves and branches on each nail.

Use grey and brown polishes to add subtle details to the leaves.
Finish with a top coat to protect your design.

Golden Harvest

The golden harvest nail design is a blend of elegance and festivity. The nude base with golden accents and delicate foliage patterns make it perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions. The use of gold leaf adds a touch of luxury, making this design stand out. It’s a relatively simple design that still looks intricate and polished.

Consumables

Base Coat: Butter London Nail Foundation Priming Basecoat
Polish Colors: OPI “Dulce de Leche” (nude), Essie “Good as Gold” (gold)

Gold Leaf Flakes: Kleancolor Gold Leaf Nail Art
Top Coat: Zoya Armor Top Coat
Detailing Brush: PUEEN Nail Art Brushes Set

DIY Instructions

Apply a base coat to your nails.
Paint your nails with a nude polish and let it dry.

Using a detailing brush, apply gold leaf flakes to the tips or around the edges of your nails.
Add delicate foliage patterns with a fine brush and gold polish.
Seal the design with a top coat for a lasting finish.

Peachy Autumn Leaves

The peachy autumn leaves design blends soft peach tones with delicate leaf patterns, creating a chic and sophisticated look. The combination of solid peach nails with accent nails featuring black and white leaves makes this design stand out. The small gold leaf detail adds a touch of glamour without being overwhelming. This design is perfect for those who want a mix of simplicity and elegance in their fall manicure.

Consumables

Base Coat: Essie “Here to Stay” Base Coat

Polish Colors: OPI “Crawfishin’ for a Compliment” (peach), Essie “Licorice” (black), OPI “Alpine Snow” (white)
Gold Leaf Flakes: Nail Foil Gold Leaf Flakes
Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat

Detailing Brush: Beetles Nail Art Liner Brush

DIY Instructions

Apply a base coat to clean, dry nails.

Paint all nails with the peach polish and let them dry.
On accent nails, use a detailing brush to draw black and white leaves.
Add small gold leaf flakes for a touch of sparkle.

Finish with a top coat to seal the design and add shine.

Floral French Tips

The floral French tips design is a fresh take on the classic French manicure, adding a seasonal twist with autumnal flowers. The almond-shaped nails with brown tips and floral accents create a perfect blend of elegance and fall charm. This design is ideal for those who love sophisticated, intricate nail art that remains timeless.

Consumables

Base Coat: CND Stickey Base Coat
Polish Colors: OPI “Bare My Soul” (nude), Essie “Wicked” (brown)
Floral Nail Stickers: UhbMALL Flower Nail Art Stickers

Top Coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat
Nail Art Pen: Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Pen

DIY Instructions

Apply a base coat to your nails.
Paint your nails with a nude polish and let it dry.
Use a fine brush to create brown French tips.

Apply floral stickers to the tips, focusing on the ring finger and pinky for accent.
Seal with a top coat for a glossy finish.

Matte Chocolate with Gold Accents

This matte chocolate design with gold accents is the epitome of fall luxury. The rich, dark brown matte polish exudes warmth and sophistication, while the gold leaf accents add a touch of opulence. This design is perfect for those who want a bold yet elegant look for the fall season. The matte finish adds a modern twist to the classic brown and gold combination.

Consumables

Base Coat: Orly Bonder Base Coat
Polish Colors: OPI “You Don’t Know Jacques!” (brown)

Matte Top Coat: Essie Matte About You Top Coat
Gold Leaf Flakes: Kleancolor Gold Leaf Nail Art
Detailing Brush: Makartt Nail Art Liner Brush Set

DIY Instructions

Start with a base coat on clean nails.
Apply two coats of the brown polish and let it dry.

Apply a matte top coat for a smooth, matte finish.
Use a detailing brush to apply gold leaf flakes on accent nails.
Seal with another layer of matte top coat to secure the gold accents.

Autumn Leaf Prints

The autumn leaf prints design is a playful and cozy look, featuring delicate leaf patterns on a creamy base. The addition of glitter accent nails adds a touch of sparkle, making this design both fun and festive. This style is perfect for those who enjoy detailed nail art with a bit of shimmer. The soft, warm colors make it ideal for the fall season.

Consumables

Base Coat: Butter London Nail Foundation Priming Basecoat

Polish Colors: OPI “Funny Bunny” (cream), China Glaze “Gold Medal” (glitter)
Leaf Stamping Plate: Born Pretty Autumn Leaf Nail Stamping Plate
Top Coat: Zoya Armor Top Coat

Stamping Polish: Maniology Stamping Polish

DIY Instructions

Apply a base coat to your nails.

Paint your nails with a creamy base color and let it dry.
Use a leaf stamping plate and stamping polish to create leaf patterns on your nails.
Add glitter polish to accent nails for a touch of sparkle.

Finish with a top coat to protect your design.

Rich Brown and Leaf Accents

The rich brown and leaf accents design is a perfect example of how a simple color palette can make a bold statement. The dark brown polish paired with a single accent nail featuring delicate leaf designs creates a harmonious and stylish look. This design is perfect for those who prefer a minimalist approach with a touch of seasonal flair. It’s both elegant and easy to achieve.

Consumables

Base Coat: Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock Base and Top Coat
Polish Colors: Essie “Chocolate Cakes” (brown), OPI “Samoan Sand” (nude)
Leaf Nail Art Stickers: INH Leaf Nail Art Stickers

Top Coat: CND Vinylux Weekly Top Coat
Detailing Brush: Winstonia Fine Detailing Nail Art Brush

DIY Instructions

Apply a base coat to your nails.
Paint all nails with a dark brown polish except for the ring finger, which should be painted with a nude polish.
Apply leaf nail art stickers to the accent nail.

Seal with a top coat to ensure the design lasts.

Woodland Silhouettes

The woodland silhouettes design beautifully captures the serene essence of a forest in fall. The gradient background, transitioning from a light shimmer to a deep brown, creates a stunning canvas for the intricate tree silhouettes. The delicate bird details add a whimsical touch to this design, making it perfect for nature lovers. The almond shape of the nails enhances the elegance of the overall look.

Consumables

Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
Polish Colors: Zoya “Leia” (shimmer base), OPI “Chocolate Moose” (brown)
Detailing Brushes: Beetles Nail Art Liner Brush

Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat
Nail Art Stamping Kit: Pueen Woodland Stamping Plate

DIY Instructions

Apply a base coat to clean, dry nails.
Create a gradient effect using the shimmer and brown polishes. Start with the shimmer polish at the base and blend into brown towards the tips.
Once dry, use a detailing brush or stamping kit to add tree and bird silhouettes.

Finish with a top coat to seal the design and add shine.

Brown and Gold Elegance

This design is a perfect example of autumn elegance with its rich brown tones and gold accents. The combination of solid brown nails with accent nails featuring black leaves and gold foil creates a sophisticated and trendy look. This design is versatile and can be worn for both casual and formal occasions, making it an excellent choice for the fall season.

Consumables

Base Coat: Essie “Here to Stay” Base Coat
Polish Colors: OPI “You Don’t Know Jacques!” (brown), Essie “Licorice” (black)
Gold Leaf Foil: Kleancolor Gold Leaf Nail Art

Top Coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat
Detailing Brushes: PUEEN Nail Art Brushes Set

DIY Instructions

Apply a base coat to clean, dry nails.
Paint all nails with the brown polish, leaving a couple for the accent design.
On the accent nails, use a detailing brush to draw black leaves.

Apply gold leaf foil for added elegance.
Finish with a top coat to protect your design.

Autumn Botanical Art

The autumn botanical art design is a delicate and intricate representation of fall flora. The mix of matte brown nails with detailed botanical elements on a nude base creates a stunning contrast. This design is ideal for those who appreciate fine details and want their nails to be a conversation starter. The use of soft colors makes it a subtle yet captivating choice for the fall season.

Consumables

Base Coat: Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock Base and Top Coat
Polish Colors: Essie “Sand Tropez” (nude), OPI “Suzi Loves Cowboys” (brown)
Matte Top Coat: Essie Matte About You Top Coat
Botanical Nail Stickers: NICENEEDED Botanical Nail Art Stickers
Detailing Brushes: Makartt Nail Art Liner Brush Set

DIY Instructions

Apply a base coat to your nails.
Paint your nails with the nude polish and let it dry.
Apply matte top coat for a soft finish.
Use botanical nail stickers or a detailing brush to create intricate botanical designs.
Finish with another layer of matte top coat to seal the design.

Earthy Leaf Motifs

The earthy leaf motifs design showcases the richness of autumn colors with deep brown and warm caramel shades. The black leaf patterns add a striking contrast, making the nails stand out. This design is perfect for those who love earthy tones and want to incorporate the beauty of fall into their nail art. The glossy finish adds a touch of sophistication to the overall look.

Consumables

Base Coat: Orly Bonder Base Coat
Polish Colors: OPI “Espresso Your Inner Self” (brown), Essie “Caramel Apple” (caramel)
Leaf Nail Stickers: Born Pretty Leaf Nail Art Stickers
Top Coat: CND Vinylux Weekly Top Coat
Detailing Brushes: Winstonia Fine Detailing Nail Art Brush

DIY Instructions

Apply a base coat to clean, dry nails.
Paint your nails with brown and caramel polishes, alternating between fingers.
Use leaf nail stickers or a detailing brush to add black leaf motifs on the caramel nails.
Seal with a top coat for a glossy finish.

Spotted Autumn Mix

The spotted autumn mix design is a playful and vibrant take on fall nail art. The mix of animal print, solid colors, and speckled patterns creates a dynamic and eye-catching look. This design is perfect for those who love to experiment with different patterns and colors. The combination of brown, orange, and white with black spots makes it a trendy choice for the autumn season.

Consumables

Base Coat: Butter London Nail Foundation Priming Basecoat
Polish Colors: Essie “Mink Muffs” (brown), OPI “A Good Man-darin is Hard to Find” (orange), OPI “Alpine Snow” (white)
Dotting Tool: Ejiubas Dotting Tools
Top Coat: Zoya Armor Top Coat
Nail Art Pen: Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Pen

DIY Instructions

Apply a base coat to your nails.
Paint your nails with brown, orange, and white polishes, alternating between fingers.
Use a dotting tool and nail art pen to create animal prints and speckled patterns on the white nails.
Finish with a top coat to protect your design.

Delicate Leaf Embellishments

The delicate leaf embellishments design is a sophisticated take on fall nails. The white base provides a clean canvas for the subtle black leaf outlines and gold foil accents. This design combines elegance with simplicity, making it ideal for those who prefer a minimalist approach with a touch of luxury. The almond shape of the nails enhances the overall refined look.

Consumables

Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
Polish Colors: OPI “Alpine Snow” (white), Essie “Licorice” (black)
Gold Leaf Foil: Kleancolor Gold Leaf Nail Art
Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat
Detailing Brushes: Beetles Nail Art Liner Brush

DIY Instructions

Apply a base coat to clean, dry nails.
Paint your nails with the white polish and let them dry.
Use a detailing brush to draw delicate black leaf outlines.
Apply gold leaf foil accents sparingly for a touch of elegance.
Finish with a top coat to seal the design and add shine.

Soft Green and Gold Elegance

The soft green and gold elegance design combines pastel green with intricate gold leaf details, creating a soft yet luxurious look. The use of delicate gold leaves on a nude base adds a touch of sophistication, perfect for a chic fall manicure. The combination of soft and metallic tones makes this design versatile and elegant.

Consumables

Base Coat: Essie “Here to Stay” Base Coat
Polish Colors: OPI “Put it in Neutral” (nude), Essie “Mint Candy Apple” (green)
Gold Leaf Foil: Kleancolor Gold Leaf Nail Art
Top Coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat
Detailing Brushes: PUEEN Nail Art Brushes Set

DIY Instructions

Apply a base coat to clean, dry nails.
Paint your nails with a nude base, and accent nails with the green polish.
Use a detailing brush to add gold leaf details on the nude nails.
Seal with a top coat for a lasting finish.

Golden Leaf Tips

The golden leaf tips design is a modern twist on the classic French manicure. The clear base with black leaves and gold accents creates a striking and elegant look. This design is perfect for those who love minimalist yet eye-catching nail art. The combination of black and gold adds a touch of glamour, making it suitable for any occasion.

Consumables

Base Coat: Orly Bonder Base Coat
Polish Colors: OPI “Funny Bunny” (clear base), Essie “Licorice” (black)
Gold Leaf Foil: Kleancolor Gold Leaf Nail Art
Top Coat: CND Vinylux Weekly Top Coat
Detailing Brushes: Winstonia Fine Detailing Nail Art Brush

DIY Instructions

Apply a base coat to clean, dry nails.
Paint your nails with a clear polish and let it dry.
Use a detailing brush to add black leaf designs and gold foil accents.
Seal with a top coat for a glossy finish.

Vibrant Autumn Leaves

The vibrant autumn leaves design features a bold and colorful palette, perfect for making a statement this fall. The combination of yellow, white, and olive green with intricate leaf patterns creates a vibrant and playful look. This design is ideal for those who love bright and cheerful nail art that captures the essence of autumn.

Consumables

Base Coat: Butter London Nail Foundation Priming Basecoat
Polish Colors: Essie “Chillato” (olive green), OPI “Sun, Sea, and Sand in My Pants” (yellow), OPI “Alpine Snow” (white)
Detailing Brushes: Beetles Nail Art Liner Brush
Top Coat: Zoya Armor Top Coat

DIY Instructions

Apply a base coat to your nails.
Paint your nails with yellow, white, and olive green polishes, alternating between fingers.
Use a detailing brush to create intricate leaf patterns on the white nails.
Finish with a top coat to protect your design.

Elegant Black Leaves

The elegant black leaves design is a chic and sophisticated choice for the fall season. The matte black base with delicate white leaf patterns creates a striking contrast, making this design both bold and refined. The simplicity of the black and white color scheme adds to the elegance of this look, perfect for a modern and stylish manicure.