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.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in nail art and design, I can confidently say that I have a deep understanding and knowledge of the concepts used in the article "26 Simple Short Nail Designs That Are Trending For Fall/Winter 2023" by Olivia Rose Rushing. The article explores various nail art trends for short nails that are perfect for the upcoming fall and winter seasons.
One of the trends mentioned in the article is the "M&M Nails," which involves using different autumnal nail polish shades for each nail tip. This colorful yet simple manicure has gained popularity among A-listers like Hailey Bieber.
Another trend highlighted is the "Fine Line Nail Art," which elevates minimal high-gloss nails with simplistic fine lines in the middle of each tip. This design adds a unique touch and is perfect for those who prefer a sophisticated look.
For a cozy and classic design, the article suggests trying "Cozy White Plaid Print Nails." Plaid nails are a green flag for the chillier months, and this subtle white and gold design creates a tweed-like texture.
The article also mentions the "Colorful Chrome French Tips" trend, which replaces the traditional white tips with colorful chrome that offers a mirror-like shine. This design combines two popular trends into one stylish look.
If you prefer a minimalistic design with a touch of understated interest, the article suggests trying the "Understated Metallic Streaks" trend. This design involves adding a barely-there metallic line on each tip, giving neutral nails a subtle pop.
For a romantic and fall-friendly design, the article suggests the "Romantic Red Rose Nail Art." This intricate design features painted roses with 3D golden texture and a gradient accent nail, creating a stunning manicure.
The article also mentions the "Blushed Aura Nails," a trend that creates a radiant look using aura nails with a blush pink shade on top of a neutral base. Celebrities like Megan Fox and Sydney Sweeney are fans of this trend.
If you're looking for a playful and vibrant design, the article suggests trying the "Vibrant Squiggles" trend. This design involves painting vibrant squiggles on clear nails, showcasing your personality in a fun and creative way.
Other trends mentioned in the article include "Hello, Houndstooth," "Petite Polka Dots," "Color-Blocked Half Moon Nails," "Jewel Intentions," "Short Croc-Print French Tips," "Monochromatic Outlines," "Abstract Leopard Print Nails," "Cherry Mocha Swirls," "Color Meets Tortoiseshell," "Crystal Clear 3D Details," "Patchwork Prints," "Edgy Barbed Wire Nail Art," "Midas Touch," "Emerald Green Micro French Tips," "Gilded Swipes," "Dainty Coquette Nails," "Abstract Designs," and "Galactic Black Glitter."
These trends offer a wide range of options for short nails, from simple and sophisticated to abstract and artful designs. With these ideas, you can find the perfect manicure for any mood or occasion.
