21 Fun Fall Nails 2024: Explore Top Trends in Acrylic and Short Designs
Almond Nails in Earthy Tones
Almond nails offer a naturally elegant shape that’s perfect for showcasing fall’s richer, deeper color palettes. This manicure features a blend of burnt orange and forest green with subtle gold accents, embodying the essence of autumn.
Photo credit by: @culturamanicura
- Professional Opinion and Review: As a manicurist, the choice of matte forest green and burnt orange gives these nails a warm, inviting look. The gold flakes strategically placed along the smile line add a refined sparkle, perfect for both everyday wear and special autumn events.
- Consumables Needed:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Base Coat
- Orange Polish: Essie “Playing Koi”
- Green Polish: CND “Olive Grove”
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
- Gold Flakes: Born Pretty Nail Art Foils
These products ensure a long-lasting manicure with vibrant colors and a professional finish.
- DIY Instructions: Start with a clean, buffed nail surface and apply a base coat. Paint two coats of Essie “Playing Koi,” letting each layer dry. Using a detail brush, add accents with CND “Olive Grove” and place gold flakes while the polish is tacky. Seal with a top coat for durability and shine.
Short Squoval Nails with Pumpkin Art
Short nails can also be a canvas for creativity—this design features a playful pumpkin art perfect for Halloween or Thanksgiving festivities.
Photo credit by: @nail.me.arlene
- Professional Opinion and Review: The squoval shape combines the softness of oval with the practicality of a square tip, making it ideal for detailed art without compromising on functionality. The pumpkin decals against a cream background offer a whimsical yet sophisticated nod to fall.
- Consumables Needed:
- Base Coat: Sally Hansen Hard as Nails
- Cream Polish: Zoya “Jacqueline”
- Pumpkin Decals: Etsy Custom Nail Decals
- Top Coat: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip
These selections are excellent for achieving a smooth, lasting finish with a playful touch.
- DIY Instructions: Apply the base coat, followed by two layers of Zoya “Jacqueline.” Once dry, apply the pumpkin decals, position them carefully, and press down to adhere. Finish with a layer of top coat to protect the design.
Vibrant Coffin Nails with Leaf Patterns
Coffin nails are a bold choice that pairs well with intricate designs, such as the detailed leaf patterns seen here, which use a mix of fall colors and glitter to capture autumn’s vibrancy.
Photo credit by: @lameufquifaitlesongles
- Professional Opinion and Review: The coffin shape allows more surface area to display the intricate leaf designs that cascade across each nail. The use of a glitter gradient adds a modern twist to the traditional fall colors, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.
- Consumables Needed:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Base Coat
- Fall Colors Polish Set: China Glaze Autumn Collection
- Glitter Polish: ILNP “Autumn Bliss”
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
Opt for these products for their rich pigmentation and exceptional durability.
- DIY Instructions: After applying your base coat, use a sponge to dab on the autumnal shades, creating a blended background. Use a thin brush to draw leaf patterns, then apply glitter polish at the tips. Finish with a top coat for a glossy, long-lasting effect.
Galactic Glam: Cosmic Colors on Coffin Nails
These coffin nails embrace a cosmic theme with swirling patterns of purple and teal, adorned with golden accents that suggest celestial bodies in a vibrant galaxy.
Photo credit by: @culturamanicura
- Professional Opinion and Review: The bold use of purple and teal gel polishes creates a deep, space-like effect, while the gold accents add a touch of luxury and dimension. This design is ideal for those who love to make a statement with their nails, capturing the mysterious allure of the universe.
- Consumables Needed:
- Base Coat: Gelish Foundation Base Gel
- Purple Polish: Gelish “Plum and Done”
- Teal Polish: Gelish “Mint Icing”
- Gold Studs: Nail Artistry Deluxe Gold Studs
- Top Coat: Gelish Top It Off Gel Sealant
These high-quality products are crucial for achieving a glossy, durable finish that lasts.
- DIY Instructions: Begin with a base coat to protect your natural nails. Apply two coats of “Plum and Done,” then with a detail brush, swirl in “Mint Icing” while wet to create the galactic effect. Add gold studs for an elevated cosmic look. Seal everything with a top coat for shine and protection.
Playful Pastels: Adorable Autumn Art on Almond Nails
Almond nails become the canvas for a delightful fall-inspired art featuring cute animal motifs and floral designs in soft pastel shades, perfect for a gentle autumn touch.
Photo credit by: @sl_yournailgal
- Professional Opinion and Review: The use of light pastel colors makes this nail design incredibly soft and inviting, ideal for those who prefer a more subtle nod to the fall season. The playful animal and floral patterns add a unique, charming twist to typical fall nail art.
- Consumables Needed:
- Base Coat: ORLY Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
- Pastel Polishes: OPI Pastel Collection
- Nail Art Brushes: Winstonia Fine Detailing Brushes
- Top Coat: Essie Gel Setter Top Coat
Selecting these specific items will help achieve a crisp, detailed finish with lasting durability.
- DIY Instructions: Start with a base coat. Apply a soft pink base from the OPI Pastel Collection, then use detailing brushes to paint on animal and floral designs in various pastel hues. Finish with a top coat to enhance the colors and ensure longevity.
Funky and Fresh: 3D Textured Smiley Faces on Long Nails
Long nails provide the perfect platform for this fun and funky design featuring 3D textures and smiley faces in bright primary colors, echoing the playful energy of the ’90s.
Photo credit by: @hollywiththegoodnails
- Professional Opinion and Review: The 3D effect on these nails is not only visually striking but also tactile, offering an interesting and interactive element to the nail design. The use of bright, bold colors like yellow and blue makes this style stand out, perfect for those looking to add a pop of fun to their fall wardrobe.
- Consumables Needed:
- Base Coat: CND Stickey Base Coat
- Colored Acrylic Powders: Mia Secret Mood Acrylic Collection
- 3D Nail Art Molds: Generic Brand from Amazon
- Top Coat: INM Out The Door Top Coat
These materials are essential for creating high-quality 3D designs that are both colorful and enduring.
- DIY Instructions: Apply the base coat and then a neutral shade as your background. Using colored acrylic powders, fill the 3D molds to form various shapes, like smiley faces. Attach these to the nails while the acrylic is still pliable. Finish with a durable top coat to secure the pieces in place.
Whimsical Warmth: Playful Patterns and Pastel Pops
These short nails blend classic autumn orange with whimsical patterns, including floral designs and charming character art, providing a delightful twist on traditional fall themes.
Photo credit by: @spellbound.nailartistry
- Professional Opinion and Review: The varied designs on each nail create a playful narrative, perfect for those who love a story-driven theme. The combination of crisp geometric patterns with soft pastel florals offers a balanced aesthetic that’s both eye-catching and sophisticated.
- Consumables Needed:
- Base Coat: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Base Coat
- Orange Polish: ORLY “Melt Your Popsicle”
- White Polish: Essie “Blanc”
- Pastel Polishes: China Glaze Pastel Collection
- Top Coat: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Top Coat
- Nail Art Pens: Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Pens
These products will help achieve a neat, lasting finish with precise details.
- DIY Instructions: Apply the base coat followed by two coats of “Blanc.” Use “Melt Your Popsicle” for the solid orange nails and pastel polishes for the floral and character designs using nail art pens for precision. Seal with a top coat to enhance durability and shine.
Floral Fantasy: Nature-Inspired Designs on Long Acrylics
Long acrylic nails serve as the perfect canvas for intricate, nature-inspired designs, featuring detailed floral motifs and vibrant color transitions that mimic the natural beauty of autumn.
Photo credit by: @pommepedour_ldn
- Professional Opinion and Review: The depth and detail in these designs showcase advanced nail artistry, with each nail presenting a different aspect of nature—from lush greens to delicate pinks. This style is perfect for those who appreciate an artistic, detailed approach to nail design.
- Consumables Needed:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Base Coat
- Acrylic Colors: Various shades from Mia Secret Acrylic Powder Collection
- Top Coat: CND Vinylux Weekly Top Coat
- Nail Glue: KDS Nail Tip Glue
- Floral Decals: Handmade 3D Nail Art Decals
These materials are chosen for their quality and ability to create intricate, durable designs.
- DIY Instructions: Begin with a base coat. Apply acrylic powders in gradients for the background. Place floral decals and secure with nail glue. Use a top coat to seal in the design for a glossy finish.
Bright and Bold: Sunshine Yellow with Cheerful Accents
Bright sunshine yellow nails with fun smiley faces and dynamic lightning bolts bring a burst of energy to dreary fall days, featuring a mix of solid colors and plaid patterns.
Photo credit by: @taryns.nails
- Professional Opinion and Review: The vibrant yellow hue is uplifting, while the smiley faces and lightning bolts add a modern, playful twist. This design is perfect for anyone looking to carry a bit of summer brightness into the autumn season.
- Consumables Needed:
- Base Coat: Essie Here to Stay Base Coat
- Yellow Polish: Sally Hansen “Mellow Yellow”
- White Polish for Plaid: Essie “Blanc”
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
- Nail Art Tape: Thin adhesive strips for creating precise lines
The selection of high-quality polishes ensures a smooth application and vibrant color payoff.
- DIY Instructions: Start with a base coat to protect your nails. Apply two coats of “Mellow Yellow.” For the plaid nails, use “Blanc” with nail art tape to create clean lines. Add smiley face stickers or hand-paint them. Finish with a top coat for a glossy, protective layer.
Playful Circus Themes: Whimsical and Artistic
Almond nails are transformed into a playful canvas featuring whimsical circus themes with smiley clown faces and colorful stars, making for a fun, engaging design that’s perfect for celebrating the lively spirit of autumn festivals.
Photo credit by: @handittoheather
- Professional Opinion and Review: This nail design uses a soft, neutral base to accentuate the vibrant, playful motifs, such as the smiley clown faces and twinkling stars. It’s a daring choice that combines artistry with a touch of whimsy, suitable for those who enjoy nails that tell a story.
- Consumables Needed:
- Base Coat: ORLY Bonder
- White Polish: Essie “Marshmallow”
- Red, Blue, Yellow Paint: Acrylic Nail Paints for detailed art
- Fine Detail Brushes: Mont Marte Fine Tip Brushes
- Top Coat: INM Out the Door Top Coat
These materials provide the precision needed for detailed artwork and ensure a glossy, lasting finish.
- DIY Instructions: Apply the base coat followed by two coats of “Marshmallow” for a clean background. Use fine brushes to paint the clown faces and stars in vibrant colors. Seal your artwork with a top coat to prevent chipping and to enhance the design’s brightness.
Sweet Swirls: Modern Pink Nail Art
Short nails don a modern twist with sweet pink swirls that provide a fresh and youthful look, perfect for casual autumn outings and everyday wear.
Photo credit by: @nailsbyheather.errington
- Professional Opinion and Review: The soft pink base with bolder pink swirls creates a dynamic yet subtle contrast that’s both stylish and sophisticated. This design is ideal for those who prefer a more understated yet trendy appearance.
- Consumables Needed:
- Base Coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Base Coat
- Pink Polishes: Light and dark shades from the OPI Pink Collection
- Detailing Tool: Dotting tool or fine brush for swirls
- Top Coat: Essie Good to Go Top Coat
Selecting these specific shades of pink and precision tools ensures the swirls are both eye-catching and neatly executed.
- DIY Instructions: Start with a base coat to protect your nails. Apply a light pink as the base color. With a darker pink, use a dotting tool or fine brush to create swirls. Finish with a quick-dry top coat to keep everything in place and add shine.
Nature-Inspired: Dalmatian Print and Cute Critters
Square nails feature a charming nature-inspired theme with Dalmatian prints and adorable green frogs, creating a playful yet fashionable fall look that’s perfect for animal lovers.
Photo credit by: @spellboundxnails
- Professional Opinion and Review: The combination of classic Dalmatian spots with cute, detailed frogs adds a quirky twist to a traditional animal print, making it stand out as both unique and stylish. The green accents on a neutral base offer a lovely pop of color ideal for the season.
- Consumables Needed:
- Base Coat: China Glaze Strong Adhesion Base Coat
- Nude Polish: Essie “Bare With Me”
- Black for Dalmatian Spots: Sinful Colors “Black on Black”
- Green Polish for Frogs: CND “Lush Tropics”
- Detail Brushes for intricate designs
- Top Coat: OPI Glossy Top Coat
These products ensure a smooth application and provide the detail needed for intricate designs.
- DIY Instructions: Apply a base coat and a nude polish as the background. Use black polish to create Dalmatian spots randomly. For the frogs, paint a basic frog shape in green and add details with a fine brush. Seal everything with a glossy top coat for a polished finish.
Party Animals: A Playful Palette for Any Occasion
These coffin nails showcase a whimsical assortment of animal characters and objects, all set against a vibrant pink gingham backdrop that screams fun and festive.
Photo credit by: @tengoku_nails
- Professional Opinion and Review: Each nail acts as a miniature canvas displaying intricate artistry—from adorable animals to sweet treats. This design reflects a joyful, playful spirit and is perfect for those who love to express their fun-loving personality through their manicure.
- Consumables Needed:
- Base Coat: Zoya Anchor Base Coat
- Pink Gingham Polish: Custom-mixed using white and red
- Assorted Mini Decals: Animal and dessert designs
- Detailing Brushes: Fine tip for intricate designs
- Top Coat: Zoya Armor Top Coat
These selections ensure vibrant colors and crisp lines, perfect for detailed character art.
- DIY Instructions: Apply a base coat to protect your nails. Paint a pink gingham pattern using a fine brush, then carefully place decals or paint the characters using acrylic paints. Finish with a top coat to seal in the designs and add a glossy sheen.
Eclectic Elegance: Mix-and-Match Patterns with a Pop
Stiletto nails become the ultimate expression of personal style with a bold mix of patterns including animal prints, stars, and vibrant colors that offer an eclectic yet cohesive look.
Photo credit by: @jellybayn_nails
- Professional Opinion and Review: This design is for the daring—combining various prints and textures to create a visually striking effect. The choice of colors and the inclusion of metallic and glitter elements elevate the overall aesthetic, making it perfect for a night out or a special event.
- Consumables Needed:
- Base Coat: ORLY Rubberized Base
- Variety of Polishes: Leopard print, teal, pink, and metallic
- Glitter and Studs: For embellishing details
- Top Coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat
High-quality polishes and embellishments are key to achieving this dynamic, textured look.
- DIY Instructions: Begin with a base coat. Apply different polishes on each nail, creating patterns like leopard print or simple color blocks. Add studs and glitter for accent. Seal with a top coat for durability and extra gloss.
Simple Smiles: Subtle and Sweet Nail Art
Almond nails are adorned with simple smiley faces over a holographic base, offering a subtle yet sweet touch that’s understated and chic, perfect for everyday wear or casual gatherings.
Photo credit by: @studiokikidesign
- Professional Opinion and Review: The use of a holographic base adds depth and interest, while the simple pink smiley faces bring a playful touch without overpowering the design. It’s an excellent choice for those who prefer minimalist designs with a hint of whimsy.
- Consumables Needed:
- Base Coat: Butter London Nail Foundation
- Holographic Polish: ILNP “Birthday Suit”
- Pink Paint for Smiles: Acrylic or nail polish
- Detailing Brush: Ultra-fine for precise smiley faces
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
These products will help maintain the subtlety of the design while ensuring longevity and shine.
- DIY Instructions: Apply the base coat followed by the holographic polish for a shimmering effect. Once dry, use a fine brush to paint smiley faces in pink on selected nails. Finish with a fast-drying top coat to protect and enhance the design.
Vibrant Variety: A Festival of Color and Pattern
This nail design is a true celebration of creativity, featuring a lively assortment of colors and patterns including animal prints, bold colors, and expressive faces.
Photo credit by: @nails_michelleartist
- Professional Opinion and Review: Each nail in this design stands out with its unique pattern, from zebra stripes to bright florals, perfectly capturing the essence of playful, eclectic style. It’s a statement-making look that’s ideal for those who love to showcase their vibrant personality through their manicure.
- Consumables Needed:
- Base Coat: OPI Start-to-Finish Base Coat
- Colorful Polishes: Wide range of shades for variety
- Black Polish for Zebra Stripes: China Glaze “Liquid Leather”
- Nail Art Pens: For detailed patterns and facial expressions
- Top Coat: Essie Gel Setter
These products allow for precision in artwork and provide a glossy, long-lasting finish.
- DIY Instructions: Begin with a base coat to protect your nails. Apply different base colors to each nail. Use nail art pens to add zebra stripes, faces, and other details. Finish with a top coat to enhance the vibrancy and ensure the design lasts.
Playful Patterns and Bright Blooms
These nails blend intricate designs including fruit themes, floral patterns, and smiley faces, all brought together with a harmonious color palette that’s fun and refreshing.
Photo credit by: @giangnail.ie
- Professional Opinion and Review: The playful combination of different elements like fruit slices, happy faces, and bold floral motifs offers a youthful and cheerful nail art option. It’s a versatile design that works well for casual outings or as a cheerful boost to everyday wear.
- Consumables Needed:
- Base Coat: Revlon Quick Dry Base Coat
- Neon Polishes: Various bright shades for a vivid look
- Detailing Brushes: For precise patterns and details
- Stickers or Decals: Fruit and smiley face designs
- Top Coat: CND Vinylux Long Wear Top Coat
Selecting neon polishes and detailed brushes ensures that each design element pops with clarity.
- DIY Instructions: Apply a base coat to ensure the polish adheres smoothly. Paint a neutral base and use different colors to create the floral and fruit designs. Apply stickers or hand-paint smiley faces and other small details. Finish with a top coat to seal in the designs and add shine.
Floral Fusion: Seamless Integration of Color and Design
This design features a seamless blend of floral patterns with smooth color transitions, creating an elegant yet playful look that’s perfect for any occasion.
Photo credit by: @groovynailsbybea
- Professional Opinion and Review: The smooth transition of colors combined with the sharpness of the floral designs gives these nails a sophisticated, artistic flair. The use of vibrant colors enhances the lively feel of the floral patterns, making it a standout choice for both day and evening wear.
- Consumables Needed:
- Base Coat: Sally Hansen Double Duty Base & Top Coat
- Pastel Polishes: Soft shades for the base
- Bright Polishes: For floral accents
- Detailing Brushes: To create sharp, precise floral patterns
- Top Coat: ORLY Glosser Super High Shine Top Coat
The choice of pastel and bright polishes ensures a dynamic yet harmonious look, while the detailing brushes help achieve precision in floral designs.
- DIY Instructions: Start with a base coat. Apply a soft pastel shade as the base. Gradually blend in brighter shades toward the tips, using a sponge for a smooth gradient. Use detailing brushes to add floral designs over the gradient. Seal the design with a high-shine top coat to enhance the colors and ensure durability.
Minimalist Charm with a Touch of Whimsy
This set of nails combines minimalist aesthetics with playful designs, featuring simple yet impactful elements like a single hashtag, a happy face, and geometric shapes across a spectrum of pastel colors.
Photo credit by: @cindypaola.nails
- Professional Opinion and Review: The use of a minimalist base with selective, vibrant pops of color creates a fresh, modern look. The subtle designs, like the happy face and simple geometric patterns, add a playful yet sophisticated flair to the overall style.
- Consumables Needed:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Base Coat
- Pastel Polishes: A variety of soft shades
- Detail Brushes: For precise designs
- Nail Art Stickers: For easy application of faces and shapes
- Top Coat: Essie Speed Setter Top Coat
These choices ensure a smooth application and maintain the minimalist yet colorful aesthetic.
- DIY Instructions: Start with a base coat to protect the nails. Apply a single pastel color to each nail. Use detail brushes to hand-paint designs like hashtags or simple lines. Alternatively, apply nail art stickers for a clean and precise look. Finish with a top coat to seal the designs and enhance their longevity.
Sunny Delight: Vibrant Orange and Yellow Tones
These nails celebrate the vibrant colors of fall with orange and yellow tones, featuring fun patterns such as checks, florals, and fruit designs that evoke the warmth and energy of the season.
Photo credit by: @noellefuyunails
- Professional Opinion and Review: The lively mix of checkered patterns, floral motifs, and fruit designs makes this set of nails perfect for seasonal festivities or just adding a burst of joy to everyday life. The warm tones are ideal for complementing autumn’s palette.
- Consumables Needed:
- Base Coat: Butter London Nail Foundation
- Orange and Yellow Polishes: High-pigment shades for vivid results
- Detail Brushes: For intricate designs
- Top Coat: OPI Glossy Top Coat
High-pigment polishes and precise tools are essential for creating detailed, lasting designs.
- DIY Instructions: Apply a base coat to each nail. Use orange and yellow polishes as the base colors. Alternate patterns like checks and florals across the nails, using detail brushes for precision. Apply a top coat to protect the designs and add a glossy finish.
Creative Fusion: Bold and Bright Nail Art
This nail design is a creative blend of patterns and colors, featuring bold stripes, polka dots, and abstract shapes in a vibrant palette of pink, blue, and black.
Photo credit by: @donatam_nails
- Professional Opinion and Review: The dynamic combination of bold patterns and bright colors makes these nails stand out. The creative use of stripes, spots, and unique shapes offers an artistic, playful look that’s both eye-catching and stylish.
- Consumables Needed:
- Base Coat: Sally Hansen Double Duty
- Bright Polishes: Pink, blue, and black for contrast
- Dotting Tools: For polka dots and precise patterns
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
These products will help achieve sharp, vivid designs with a professional finish.
- DIY Instructions: Begin with a base coat to protect your nails. Apply a neutral base color, then use bright polishes to create stripes and dots. Use dotting tools and brushes to add abstract shapes and enhance the designs. Finish with a top coat to ensure durability and shine.
This collection of fun fall nails highlights how nail art can be both a form of personal expression and a playful accessory. Whether you prefer minimalist designs or bold, artistic patterns, there’s a style here to inspire and excite. Dive into these creative designs and discover new ways to express your style this season!
