The transition from summer to autumn is the perfect time to say goodbye to vibrant nail designs and refresh your hands with more subtle and sophisticated colors and designs. Autumn 2025 sees a strong resurgence of classic patterns like edgy leopard print or timeless polka dots, along with a color palette full of autumnal hues such as latte brown, burgundy red, and deep green. If you’re looking for autumn nail design ideas for short nails, let ELLE guide you through 11 designs below, ranging from warm gingham to minimalist half-moon patterns.
1. Leopard Print for Autumn
Animal print is predicted to be a major trend this coming autumn. Therefore, a stylish leopard print nail design promises to be a striking and fashionable highlight for your hands during the upcoming fall foliage season. When combined with a burgundy red tone, the overall look will be even more attractive, suitable for those who pursue a sophisticated and glamorous style.
2. Polka Dot Nails are still trending.
Continuously “stirring up” the beauty world from the beginning of 2025 until now, polka dot nails show no signs of losing popularity during the changing seasons. While the summer version is associated with vibrant colors like buttery yellow or pastel blue, the autumn nail design will be more elegant with sophisticated burgundy red or warm earthy orange. To make the nail style even more interesting, you can choose two separate color tones for each hand, or add French tips at the tips of the nails.