Beauty
26 Simple Short Nail Designs That Are Trending For Fall/Winter 2023
A manicure for every mood.
by Olivia Rose Rushing
For the short nail girlies of the world — which recently includes none other than the square-shaped, short tip-loving Kylie Jenner — you’ll likely know that lots of nail art designs tend to cater to those with long nails.
That being said, there are countless styles, from super minimal moments to more intricately painted (and even 3D) details, that beautifully suit short nails.
For fall 2023, there are quite a few buzzy trends that have risen to the top (and adorned the tips of the most beloved A-listers, too). Hailey Bieber stepped out in Paris with deep espresso brown crocodile print nails, which beautifully complement any luxe leather handbag you might be reaching for these days.
Taylor Swift, on the other hand, decorated her shorter nails with a wash of deep metallic blue lacquer in New York City, reminding everyone that she is still very much in her “Midnights” era.
As for some other “more is more” nail art designs that are sure to own the chilliest months of the year? Plaid print tips, warm-toned fall aura nails, and spicy chrome details have proven to be effortless picks.
Are you craving a bit of a refresh? Below, find 26 manicure design ideas for short nails that are perfect for your upcoming fall and winter 2023 salon appointments, from simple and sophisticated to more abstract and artful.
Fall-Friendly M&M Nails
With A-listers like Hailey Bieber currently obsessed with the chocolate manicure trend, this colorful yet simple manicure taps a different autumnal nail polish shade for each tip.
Fine Line Nail Art
Elevate some minimal high-gloss nails with simplistic fine line nail art through the middle of each tip for a unique look that’s perfect for the sophisticate.
Cozy White Plaid Print Nails
In case you didn’t get the memo, plaid nails are a serious green flag for the chillier months. This subtle white and gold design has the prettiest tweed-like texture.
Colorful Chrome French Tips
In lieu of a traditional white nail polish shade, opt for colorful chrome French tips that have mirror-like shine. The manicure combines two of the most popular trends into one look.
Understated Metallic Streaks
For those in search of a minimalistic design that adds a bit of understated interest to neutral nails, a barely-there metallic line on each tip is an easy look to execute at home.
Romantic Red Rose Nail Art
For a fall-friendly nail design that has a whole lot of romance, intricately painted roses combined with 3D golden texture and a gradient accent nail makes for a stunning manicure.
Blushed Aura Nails
With notable fans of the trend including Megan Fox and Sydney Sweeney, aura nails look all things radiant (no matter which colors you choose). For something subtle, opt for an on-trend shade of blush pink on top of a neutral base.
Vibrant Squiggles
Faux nails don’t have to be long. Opt for short tips, and paint vibrant squiggles atop clear nails for a playful manicure that shows your personality.
Hello, Houndstooth
A fashionable print beloved by stars like Dua Lipa, houndstooth nails are unexpected yet timelessly chic all the same. If you can’t tap a pro, nail stickers like Inkbox’s $10 Houndstooth Strips are an easy way to get the look at home.
Petite Polka Dots
An easy look to recreate at home, these teeny tiny polka dots are an effortless go-to. If you don’t have a dotting tool, celebrity manicurist, Kimmie Kyees, previously shared a genius hack with Bustle: Bend a bobby pin, and use the small balls on the ends to make the design.
Color-Blocked Half Moon Nails
Painted with a playful palette of cool-toned nail lacquers, these vintage-inspired half moon nails feature a crisp French tip for a design that’s color blocking perfection.
Jewel Intentions
Using different colored rhinestones, create some tiny gems to create a nail design that looks like a glistening night sky. It’s a great way to dress up neutral nails for a holiday party.
Short Croc-Print French Tips
For those craving a more low-key version of the trendy crocodile print manicure, these subtle sage green French tips look so chic on short, almond-shaped nails.
Monochromatic Outlines
For a bit of cozy color without the full commitment, these brown, cognac, and white lines create dimension on otherwise neutral tips.
Abstract Leopard Print Nails
For a glamorous take on leopard print, add in a bit of eye-catching gold. The combination of soft pink, graphic black shapes, and chrome details is sure to stun.
Cherry Mocha Swirls
ICYMI: “Cherry mocha” is the nail polish trend of it-girls this season. Add some playful gold swirls to the mix, and you have a mani moment that’s truly unique.
Color Meets Tortoiseshell
Inspired by the beloved tortoiseshell print that never goes out of style, this nail art design was made all the more eye-catching with pops of vibrant purple.
Crystal Clear 3D Details
Who said crystal clear nails had to be boring? Tap into your inner artist with 3D chrome details and raised, abstract designs that have pearlescent finishes.
Patchwork Prints
Red and green is a holiday manicure classic. Take those hues and create a statement-making set with unique nail art on every single tip.
Edgy Barbed Wire Nail Art
For a bit of edge that complements those nostalgic Y2K ‘fits, a bit of barbed wire nail art is a total vibe. Another bonus? The design works on even the shortest nails.
Midas Touch
With a metallic gold shade, paint on a soft ombré French tip that’s made all the more unique with colorful 3D gemstones. Alexa, play Bejeweled by Taylor Swift...
Emerald Green Micro French Tips
If you want a timeless manicure with the tiniest pop of on-trend color, opt for some micro French tips in a deep emerald green shade of nail polish.
Gilded Swipes
Minimal gilded cuffs painted atop “your nails but better” neutral hues put a seriously chic spin on otherwise low-key and understated nails.
Dainty Coquette Nails
For a bit of those soft girl, balletcore vibes that were spotted all over the NYFW runways, sweet ribbons are a beautiful addition to any French manicure.
Abstract Designs
With a cozy color palette that will easily take you from fall to winter, this abstract nail art design adds a whole lot of unique color to your look.
Galactic Black Glitter
Black nails aren’t always basic. When in doubt, a few coats of some black glitter nail polish is sure to catch the light and shimmer in the prettiest way.
