20 Easy Fall Nail Designs for 2024: DIY Ideas for Beginners and Short Nails

Anna 28 July 2024Last Updated: 30 July 2024

0 274 14 minutes read

As the leaves turn and the air gets crisper, our fashion sense naturally shifts towards warmer hues and cozy vibes. But who says your style transformation has to stop at your wardrobe? Fall is the perfect time to experiment with new nail designs that capture the essence of the season. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these easy fall nail designs will inspire your next manicure. So, what makes a fall nail design truly standout? Is it the rich, earthy tones, or perhaps the simple, yet chic patterns? Let’s dive in and explore!

Elegant Nude and Gold Accents

For a sophisticated look that’s perfect for both day and night, these nude nails with gold accents are a go-to choice. The nude base offers a clean canvas, allowing the subtle gold lines to pop without overpowering the design. This minimalist approach highlights the natural beauty of the nails while adding a touch of elegance, making it a great option for those who prefer easy fall nail designs. The almond shape elongates the fingers, giving a delicate and feminine appearance.

20 Easy Fall Nail Designs for 2024: DIY Ideas for Beginners and Short Nails — Photo credit by: https://www.instagram.com/p/C3ApbJms-zZ/

Consumables List:

Nude Polish: Try using Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” for a soft, classic nude.
Gold Nail Tape: Recommended brand: ArtClub Striping Tape, perfect for precise gold lines.
Top Coat: OPI’s “Top Coat” ensures a glossy finish and long-lasting wear.

How to Create This Design at Home:

Start by applying a base coat to protect your nails.
Apply two coats of nude polish, allowing each layer to dry completely.

Carefully place the gold nail tape at the tips or across the nail for a chic accent. Use small scissors or nail clippers to trim any excess tape.
Seal your design with a top coat for a glossy, long-lasting finish.

Rich Marble Effect

Marble nails are timeless and effortlessly chic. This rich, deep red marble effect captures the essence of fall, blending burgundy and subtle hints of black for a luxurious look. The marbled pattern gives each nail a unique appearance, perfect for those who love a bit of variety in their easy fall nail designs. The slightly pointed tips add a modern twist, making this look both classic and trendy.

Consumables List:

Burgundy Polish: Zoya’s “Blair” is a deep, luxurious burgundy perfect for fall.
Black Nail Polish: Try using Sally Hansen’s “Black Out” for a bold contrast.

Thin Nail Brush: A must-have for creating the marbled effect.

How to Create This Design at Home:

Apply a base coat to protect your nails.

Paint your nails with two coats of the burgundy polish.
Using a thin nail brush, lightly dab the black polish onto the nails in a random pattern.
Blend the colors using a clean brush or a sponge for a smooth, marbled effect.

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

Modern Geometric Design

Geometric designs are a fun way to experiment with different shapes and patterns. This look features a mix of matte black and glossy white nails, adorned with delicate gold and black circular patterns. It’s perfect for those looking for easy fall nail designs for beginners that still pack a stylish punch. The contrast between the matte and glossy finishes adds depth to the design, making it visually interesting.

Consumables List:

Matte Black Polish: Essie’s “Matte About You” is an excellent choice.
White Polish: OPI’s “Alpine Snow” offers a crisp, clean white.
Gold and Black Nail Art Stickers: Easy to apply and perfect for beginners.

How to Create This Design at Home:

Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
Apply two coats of white polish on some nails and matte black on others.

Use nail art stickers or stamps to create the geometric patterns.
Apply a matte top coat on the black nails to maintain the matte finish, and a glossy top coat on the white nails.

Warm Autumn Tones

Nothing says autumn like a palette of warm, earthy tones. This manicure features a gradient of browns, from a light beige to a deep chocolate, perfect for embracing the fall season. The simple yet striking design is ideal for those who prefer easy fall nail designs simple and understated. The rounded shape of the nails enhances the softness of the colors, making this look versatile and suitable for any occasion.

Consumables List:

Beige Polish: Essie’s “Sand Tropez” for a soft, neutral base.
Brown Polish: OPI’s “Chocolate Moose” and “Espresso Your Style” for a rich, layered look.

Top Coat: Seche Vite’s “Dry Fast Top Coat” for a smooth finish.

How to Create This Design at Home:

Apply a base coat to protect your nails.

Paint each nail a different shade of brown, starting with the lightest color on the thumb and working towards the darkest on the pinky.
Ensure each coat is fully dry before applying the next to avoid smudging.
Seal with a top coat for added shine and durability.

Chic Black and Nude Combo

For a look that’s both chic and modern, this black and nude combo is a winner. The half-moon design paired with a matte finish adds a unique twist to the classic French manicure. This style is perfect for those looking for easy fall nail designs for short nails as it visually elongates the fingers. The addition of subtle gold flecks adds a hint of glam, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions.

Consumables List:

Nude Polish: Essie’s “Topless & Barefoot” for a natural look.

Black Polish: OPI’s “Black Onyx” for a bold contrast.
Gold Flakes: Available at most nail art supply stores.
Matte Top Coat: Essie’s “Matte About You” to complete the look.

How to Create This Design at Home:

Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
Paint the nails with two coats of nude polish and let dry completely.

Use black polish to create the half-moon design at the base of the nails. A striping brush can help with precision.
Apply gold flakes to the tips or the middle of the nails for added sparkle.
Finish with a matte top coat for a chic, modern finish.

Bold Orange and Black Combo

This design is a vibrant mix of orange and black, making it perfect for the autumn season. The combination of a matte black nail with bright orange ones, accented with artistic designs, creates a striking contrast. It’s ideal for those who want to embrace the Halloween spirit or simply enjoy bold, easy fall nail designs. The short nail length makes this look practical for everyday wear, yet the color choice keeps it exciting.

Consumables List:

Matte Black Polish: Zoya’s “Willa” for a rich, velvety black.

Bright Orange Polish: Essie’s “Tangerine Tease” for a vibrant pop of color.
Nail Art Stickers: Halloween-themed stickers or black abstract designs.
Top Coat: Seche Vite’s “Dry Fast Top Coat” for long-lasting wear.

How to Create This Design at Home:

Begin with a base coat to protect your nails.
Paint two nails with matte black polish and the remaining with bright orange.

Once dry, apply the nail art stickers to the orange nails.
Seal the look with a top coat, focusing on the stickers to ensure they stay in place.

Earthy Brown and Speckled White

This chic design combines earthy brown with a unique speckled white accent. The matte finish on the brown nails gives a sophisticated vibe, while the speckled white adds a playful touch. This design is perfect for those looking for easy fall nail designs for beginners that are both stylish and subtle. The mix of matte and glossy finishes adds depth and interest to the overall look.

Consumables List:

Matte Brown Polish: OPI’s “Over the Taupe” for a rich, warm brown.
White Polish with Black Speckles: Speckled nail polish like Sally Hansen’s “Black & White” or create your own with a dotting tool and black polish.

Top Coat: Essie’s “Matte About You” for a consistent matte finish.

How to Create This Design at Home:

Apply a base coat to prepare your nails.

Paint all nails with the matte brown polish, except one accent nail in white.
Use a dotting tool or a speckled polish to create the black speckles on the white nail.
Apply a matte top coat to the brown nails and a glossy one to the speckled nail for a mixed finish.

Minimalistic Green and Silver Lines

For a modern and minimalist look, this design uses white nails adorned with delicate green and silver lines. The clean white base provides a perfect backdrop for the subtle lines, creating an elegant and understated style. This is ideal for those seeking easy fall nail designs simple and chic. The lines add just enough detail to keep the design interesting without being overwhelming.

Consumables List:

White Polish: OPI’s “Alpine Snow” for a crisp, clean white.

Green and Silver Striping Tape: Available from brands like Whats Up Nails.
Top Coat: OPI’s “Top Coat” for a glossy finish.

How to Create This Design at Home:

Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
Apply two coats of white polish and let dry completely.
Carefully place the striping tape to create green and silver lines on each nail.

Seal with a top coat to secure the tape and add shine.

Neon Yellow and Silver Sparkle

This fun and vibrant design combines neon yellow with silver glitter accents. The bright yellow is perfect for adding a pop of color to your fall look, while the silver glitter adds a touch of glamour. This design is great for those looking for easy fall nail designs short and eye-catching. The playful color scheme makes it perfect for those who want to stand out.

Consumables List:

Neon Yellow Polish: China Glaze’s “Celtic Sun” for a bold, bright yellow.
Silver Glitter Polish: OPI’s “I Snow You Love Me” for dazzling sparkle.
Top Coat: Sally Hansen’s “Insta-Dri” for quick drying and durability.

How to Create This Design at Home:

Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
Paint some nails with neon yellow polish and others with a neutral base, leaving room for glitter accents.

Use silver glitter polish to add sparkly lines or designs on the neutral nails.
Finish with a top coat to lock in the design and add a glossy shine.

Monochrome Marble with Gold Flakes

This design features a sophisticated monochrome marble effect with gold flakes, perfect for a more refined look. The black and white marbling adds depth and texture, while the gold flakes bring a touch of luxury. This design is perfect for those who enjoy easy fall nail designs autumn with a bit of elegance. The stiletto shape adds an edgy touch to this classic design.

Consumables List:

White and Black Polish: OPI’s “Alpine Snow” and “Black Onyx” for a bold contrast.
Gold Flakes: Available at most nail art supply stores.

Top Coat: Essie’s “Good to Go” for a glossy, protective finish.

How to Create This Design at Home:

Apply a base coat to protect your nails.

Create the marble effect by swirling black and white polishes together on the nail.
While the polish is still wet, gently place gold flakes onto the nail for added glamour.
Seal the design with a top coat to keep the flakes in place and give a glossy finish.

Zebra-Inspired Tips

This playful design features a soft nude base with bold zebra-inspired tips. The contrast between the delicate nude and the striking black and white stripes creates a unique and eye-catching look. It’s perfect for those who want to add a touch of wildness to their easy fall nail designs while keeping it classy. The square shape of the nails enhances the overall chic and modern appearance.

Consumables List:

Nude Polish: OPI’s “Bubble Bath” for a subtle, natural look.

Black and White Polish: Use Sally Hansen’s “Black Out” and “White On” for the zebra stripes.
Striping Brush: Essential for creating precise lines.
Top Coat: Essie’s “Good to Go” for a glossy finish.

How to Create This Design at Home:

Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
Apply two coats of nude polish and let dry completely.

Use a striping brush to paint the black and white zebra stripes on the tips.
Finish with a top coat to seal the design and add shine.

Glittering Waves

This elegant design combines soft, shimmering waves with a glittering gold accent nail. The subtle teal and gold waves add a touch of sophistication and movement, making this an excellent choice for those looking for easy fall nail designs autumn. The addition of the glitter accent nail adds a festive flair, perfect for special occasions.

Consumables List:

Base Color: Essie’s “Sheer Fantasy” for a translucent base.
Teal and Gold Polishes: Zoya’s “Talia” and OPI’s “Golden Eye” for the waves.

Gold Glitter Polish: CND’s “Gold Sparkle” for the accent nail.
Thin Nail Brush: Ideal for creating the wave patterns.

How to Create This Design at Home:

Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
Paint all nails with the base color and let dry.
Use a thin brush to draw the teal and gold wave patterns on the nails.

Apply the gold glitter polish to one accent nail.
Finish with a top coat to seal and protect your design.

Monochrome Camo

For a modern twist on camouflage, this monochrome design uses black and white in a unique pattern. The matte finish adds a sleek and contemporary feel, making it perfect for those looking for easy fall nail designs simple yet bold. The neutral color scheme ensures that this design can be paired with a wide range of outfits.

Consumables List:

White Polish: Essie’s “Blanc” for a clean base.
Black Polish: Sally Hansen’s “Black Heart” for the camo pattern.

Matte Top Coat: Zoya’s “Matte Velvet Topcoat” for a matte finish.

How to Create This Design at Home:

Apply a base coat to protect your nails.

Paint two nails white and one nail black, then alternate for the other hand.
Use a detail brush to create the camouflage pattern on the white nails with black polish.
Apply a matte top coat to finish the look.

Matte Black with Leaf Accents

This chic and understated design features matte black nails with delicate leaf accents on a nude base. The matte black provides a sophisticated backdrop, while the leaf designs add a subtle touch of nature, perfect for the fall season. This look is ideal for those seeking easy fall nail designs for beginners that are both elegant and versatile.

Consumables List:

Matte Black Polish: OPI’s “Black Onyx” with a matte top coat.

Nude Polish: Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” for a soft base.
Leaf Nail Stickers: Easily available online or in nail art stores.
Top Coat: Sally Hansen’s “Big Matte Top Coat” to seal the design.

How to Create This Design at Home:

Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
Paint most nails with the matte black polish, leaving one or two nails nude.

Apply the leaf stickers to the nude nails.
Finish with a matte top coat to seal and protect your design.

Bold Red and Black Leaf Design

This striking design combines bold red and matte black with intricate leaf details. The contrasting colors make a strong statement, perfect for those who love daring easy fall nail designs autumn nailart. The almond shape of the nails adds elegance and complements the bold color choices, making this a standout look for the season.

Consumables List:

Red Polish: OPI’s “Big Apple Red” for a vibrant, bold color.
Matte Black Polish: Essie’s “Licorice” with a matte top coat.

White Polish: Essie’s “Blanc” for the leaf details.
Detail Brush: For creating precise leaf designs.

How to Create This Design at Home:

Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
Paint one nail red, one white, and the rest matte black.
Use a detail brush to paint the leaf designs on the black and white nails.
Apply a matte top coat to the black nails and a glossy top coat to the red and white nails to finish.

Elegant Ombre and Line Art

This design features a soft ombre effect that seamlessly transitions from a natural pink to white, combined with subtle line art on select nails. The gradient creates a delicate and elegant look, while the thin black lines add a touch of sophistication. This design is perfect for those who appreciate easy fall nail designs that are both classy and understated, making it suitable for any occasion.

Consumables List:

Ombre Kit: Use a gradient sponge or an ombre brush.
Nude Pink Polish: OPI’s “Bubble Bath” for a natural base.
White Polish: Essie’s “Blanc” for the ombre effect.
Black Striping Polish: Orly’s “Instant Artist” in Black for precise lines.
Top Coat: Seche Vite’s “Dry Fast Top Coat” for a glossy finish.

How to Create This Design at Home:

Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
Using a sponge, create the ombre effect by applying nude pink and white polishes and blending them.
Use a striping brush to add thin black lines on selected nails.
Seal with a top coat to smooth out the design and add shine.

Forest Green and Gold Leaf

This design combines a neutral base with rich forest green accents and gold leaf detailing. The green shade evokes a sense of nature, perfect for the autumn season, while the gold leaf adds a touch of luxury. This look is ideal for those seeking easy fall nail designs autumn that bring a bit of nature’s beauty to their manicure.

Consumables List:

Neutral Base Polish: OPI’s “Put It In Neutral” for a soft, neutral base.
Forest Green Polish: Zoya’s “Hunter” for rich green accents.
Gold Leaf: Available from nail art supply stores.
Top Coat: Essie’s “Good to Go” for a glossy finish.

How to Create This Design at Home:

Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
Paint most nails with the neutral polish, adding green accents on select nails.
Apply gold leaf to the green nails using nail adhesive or a top coat to secure it.
Finish with a top coat to seal the design and add shine.

Black Web Lines

This intricate design features black web-like lines over a light pink base, creating a striking contrast. The detailed line work gives the nails a unique, textured appearance, perfect for those looking for easy fall nail designs for beginners diy with a bit of an edgy twist. This design is particularly suitable for the Halloween season or anyone who enjoys a bit of gothic elegance.

Consumables List:

Light Pink Polish: Essie’s “Fiji” for a soft, pastel base.
Black Nail Art Pen: Sally Hansen’s “I Heart Nail Art Pen” in Black for fine lines.
Top Coat: OPI’s “Top Coat” for a long-lasting finish.

How to Create This Design at Home:

Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
Paint all nails with the light pink polish and let dry completely.
Use a nail art pen to draw the web-like lines, starting from the base of the nail and extending outward.
Seal the design with a top coat to protect the artwork and add shine.

Matte Peach and Black Stripes

This design combines matte peach nails with bold black stripes, creating a modern and minimalistic look. The matte finish adds a soft, velvety texture, while the black stripes provide a striking contrast. This design is perfect for those looking for easy fall nail designs simple and chic, suitable for both casual and formal settings.

Consumables List:

Matte Peach Polish: OPI’s “A Great Opera-tunity” with a matte top coat.
Black Striping Tape: Easy to apply and perfect for straight lines.
Top Coat: Sally Hansen’s “Big Matte Top Coat” for a matte finish.

How to Create This Design at Home:

Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
Apply two coats of matte peach polish and let dry completely.
Use black striping tape to create the lines on select nails.
Finish with a matte top coat to seal the design.

Pastel Geometric Pattern

This playful design features a pastel geometric pattern, combining soft blues and pinks in a unique arrangement. The pastel colors are perfect for those looking for easy fall nail designs for beginners that are light and cheerful. The geometric shapes add a modern twist, making this design fun and versatile for various occasions.