When the wind changes to chilly and the trees change their green to red and gold, I cannot help but want a fall refresh, particularly on my nails. The autumn is the best reason to replace light summer colors with richer, darker colors that reflect all the cozy and stylish aspects of this season. The thing is however this not all manicures need to be complex to be beautiful. Most of the time the most noticeable styles are also the simplest.
Then what will it look like this year in easy fall nails? Are dark greens the new neutrals? Do the worldly-wise oranges and the reds of warmth seem fresh? And, on the other hand, playful tones, such as sage or lavender–is it any longer effective as soon as the leaves begin to fall? I would like you to walk through some of my favorite designs that fit the criteria of chic, seasonal and above all doable.
Deep Forest Square
Deep, forest-green on short square nails there is something inalienable. It is elegant without being overly ambitious, and I think it is one of those simple fall nail short designs that can be worn with anything in my closet including a chunky knit sweater and a slim black dress. The glossy finish provides a level of polish (pun intended) to appear deliberate and yet the low-maintenance.
To achieve this appearance, I tend to use OPI, the Stay Off the Lawn!! or Essie, the Off Tropic. Both leave you with that rich evergreen feel with only two coatings. A square is the best choice here- it is functionality but at the same time stylish enough to bring out the color. It is certainly a best seller under the category of easy fall nails simple square.
To do this at home, you should prepare it by a solid base polish, apply two thin layers of your green polish, then top it with a glossy layer. Tips Celebrity manicurist Jin Soon Choi has frequently stated that the best tip to professional finish at home is in the clean edges- apply a flat brush with remover to clean up the cuticles.
Personally I like the way that this shade makes me feel grounded. Almost as though it were fall-time black–neutral, chic and limitlessly adaptable. This shade is always a good one on the days when I do not feel like overthinking my manicure.
Caramel Pumpkin Glow
Warm caramel-brown nails are fall in a bottle. It contains the right amount of the orange underpinning to allude to pumpkin spice without being too direct. On oval nails, it protrudes the fingers and forms a warm home-like impression. Frankly speaking, it is one of the most best easy fall nails simple styles that would appeal to those who do not want to be too complicated but are still interested in having that seasonal bang.
I typically search up colours such as those in Zoyas Autumn or OPIs My Italian Is a Little Rusty. Both are those pumpkin-latte energy captures. Alternatively, one-step gel polish in the same color is even easier (and is recommended by those who prefer easier life).
To achieve this appearance in the comfort of your home, begin with a base polish, followed by layers of the polish of your desired choice. Take its time to dry; it is fall, nice season, and take your time. An oily finish is all that is needed. It is one of the easiest easy fall nails to perform at home and it works especially well with beginners.
I have used this color during apple-picking weekend, even dates with coffee and even at the work place and it never seems out of place. It is friendly, complimentary and puts a fall sparkle on your entire appearance.
Spiced Cinnamon Red
Red nails are the classic all-year-round, however, during the fall I lean towards the warmer spicer colors, such as cinnamon or terracotta. It is sensuous and convenient, on medium-length almond nails. This design would be ranked high on the list of easy fall nails simple almond because the shape gives it a little flair and does not need a complex art.
I vow by OPI Coca-Cola Red or Big apple Red, depending on the intensity of fire I wish to be. Both provide that high impact finish with only a couple of coats. Combined with an almond form, the shade reminds of both vintage glam and leaf changing.
On application, I suggest a ridge filling base coat when you are moulding the nails in an almond shape- it also makes the lacquer pour on well. Use paint in three strokes on each nail (one on the center, and two on each side) to resemble a salon-perfect finish.
When I put on this I see everyone looking at my nails more frequently–bold, yet not overwhelming. It is the ideal shade of any person willing to have easy fall nails diy but still look polished enough to attend dinners, parties or even thanksgiving parties.
Sage Green Chic
This season I am loving darker green colors, in particular sage. It is contemporary, surprising, and very versatile. On square or squoval nails it slips into that easy fall nails square category–minimum work, maximum effect.
Agrand brands such as Olive and June have a gorgeous sage dubbed WKF, which smells of this relaxing earthy chore. Another good choice is the Can Dew Attitude of Essie. Both are creamy opaque formulas that do not streak, and this is important when dealing with lighter tones.
I have learned the trick of making nails hydrated with the application of muted colors as a tip I learned at the hands of manicurist Betina Goldstein. In the case of pastels or soft shades, the use of dry cuticles may flatten everything but with the addition of cuticle oil all is revived.
Sage is the best of all modern neutrals to me, it feels fall but not thanksgiving or halloween. It is new, stylish and even casual clothes appear put-together.
Lavender Twist
Who knows pastels can not make the fall cut? A combination of soft green, white, lavender, and sage is a playful and polished nail feel, particularly on oval nails. It is a cute variation on simple fall nails designs and would be ideal on a person who likes to experiment but not go bold.
The flexibility of this look is its greatest advantage- you can draw shades out of any multi color palette of fall. Consider Essies “Go Ginza” in lavender, Zoyas “Sage” in green and a cool white like the alpine snow in OPI. This is easy fall nails even a beginner can do, because you can easily switch shades on each finger without using nail art supplies as an amateur.
It is easy to use: pre-nail, select your palette and paint each shade in two layers. A slick veneer supplies all this, making it look unified instead of haphazard. You can even matte the finish to have a smoother, comfortable feel, should you desire a bit of flair.
I used a combination such as this during the previous fall and people kept on asking me whether they were professionally done. The fact of the matter is that it was a mere Saturday evening affair that cost a few bottles of polish at home. It is evidence that even at home, easy fall nails can still seem salon worthy of a moment.
Harvest Gradient Mix
A creamy beige, warm caramel, deep chocolate, and a bold black look gives this look a fantastic multi-shade gradient. It is fall harvest in a bottle with a manicure and one of the most versatile easy fall nails designs that I have ever seen. All fingers are narrating a story but when they combine to make harmony. It is stylish, contemporary and can be worn in any environment to work or warm up in a weekend trip.
When it comes to polishes, I would combine brands Essie and her polish, “Clothing optional” to be used as the beige, OPI and their polish, Chocolate Moose to be used as the brown and Zoya and her polish, Willa to be used as the inky black. What is beautiful here is that you do not need to adhere to a single collection; it is all about mixing tones that are earthy and warm.
This style is quite easy at home. All you have to do is paint each nail in a variation of color and then seal it with a shiny top. No tools, no noise- this is what easy fall nails diy is.
Whenever I attempt this look I am reminded of warm layered clothes-cardigans, boots, scarves. It is not the nail polish but a mood.
Crisp Blue Skies
Blue is not the first color that crosses the mind when one thinks about fall, yet this bright sky blue and a glittering accent nail of navy is surprisingly gorgeous. It produces that impression of cool summer mornings when the atmosphere is cold yet the sky is boundless. This square, glossy design is ideal to those who have fun with easy fall nails simple short.
The lighter blue can be tried through OPI’s Gelato on My Mind, and the shimmer through Essie’s Aruba blue. The two of them form dimension without the need to use complex nail art.
In order to accomplish it at home, you should paint the majority of your nails in your base with blue paint, and then place the shimmer on either one or two accent nails. I learned this trick by celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik who always claims an accent nail is the simplest way to make a simple mani fancy.
It is a refreshing change to the warm tones and, frankly, it seems to be empowering to be able to wear something different, but still make it a part of a season.
Berry Wine Shimmer
An opulent berry red that is slightly glittering, this nail polish shouts about autumn nights and candlelit dinners. It is easy to use and effective on short nails, and an excellent choice to people who enjoy easy fall nails short and still want a bit of sparkle.
I would suggest such colors as Zoya “Blair,” or OPI, “Bogotá Blackberry. Those are that deep wine with a glossy finish. Two jackets and you are fall party ready or simply enjoying a mulled wine at home.
In applying, thin layers are important. Shimmer polishes may pile up in case it is coated too heavily. That is going to be a perfect surface with the help of a smoothing base coat.
This is my personal favorite- it seems fancy without the additional work. An actual demonstration of the simple fall nails to undertake at home that feel much higher than the effort put on.
Neon Spice Tips
This variation on a French manicure is a twist featuring neon orange tips on a natural natural base. It is flirtatious, daring, and could be a great mix to the person that desires more than the conventional fall colors. It certainly falls in the easy fall nails designs category but appears to be fashionable.
In the case of the base, I would recommend a sheer nude such as Essie Mademoiselle. In case of the tips, go light with the OPI Orange You a Rockstar. The application is easier with the help of a fine nail art brush or French tip guides.
At home it is a little more progressive but yet possible. Paint the nude base and allow to dry, and then swipe on the orange ends with a steady hand (or guides). Add a shiny seal on top that.
I have used this appearance in the previous fall party and it was the ultimate deal conversation starter. It is cool and yet celebratory which is that transition between seasonal comfort and fun.
Classic Red Revival
The most basic appearances are sometimes the strongest. The perfect long manicure is clean and medium length and there is no better time to revive it than during fall. On rounded nails it is cozy and stylish, the best of easy fall nails easy.
You can not go amiss with OPI Red Hot Rio or Essie Forever Yummy. The two strike that real red without being much orange or too blue. It is a mixture that compliments all skin tones.
In an easy fall nails at home, I follow three steps: base coat, two layers of red and topcoat. To make them not smear, I use professional tips given by Deborah Lippmann- she recommends to paint nails in small layers and wait several minutes between each layer.
A red nail gives me the sense that nothing can stop me. No matter it is a coffee run or a date night, they make even the simplest outfit a thing higher. It is evidence that time-tested never fades.
Peachy Ombre Glow
This peachy ombre nail polish is an affair of softness and smooth transition. The coral color flows smooth into a sheer nude base which gives the light gradient effect that is both dainty and stylish. It is a design that does not scream fall but whispers, so it is an excellent choice to those who need easy fall nails easy almond designs that are season-appropriate and can be worn all around the year.
First I would use OPIs Bubble Bath as the sheer base and mix in Essies Tart Deco or any other peach color using a sponge to recreate it. The trick to ombre is to apply light dots rather than thick swipes hence patience is the important issue. The top-coat is shiny and seals the appearance and gives the luminous look.
Such ombre nails last longer as new growth fades away more naturally with the natural gradient. It makes them ideal to those who do not have the time to visit the salon often but still need polished nails.
Whenever I wear this appearance, I would be complimented about how professional it appears, even when I have done it myself at home. It is evidence that easy fall nails diy can look refined without sophisticated skills.
Modern Red Minimalist
Bright red nails can never go out of fashion, and this style gives the traditional colour a twist in the form of a smooth black vertical stripe on each nail. It is very minimalist but very bold and the symmetry gives it a clean sharp edge of the modern day. It is perfectly fitting in the category of easy fall nails short; simple but effective.
The key to getting the appearance is with Essie Really Red at the base and OPI Black Onyx with a striping brush in the center line. Nail art tape can make the edge crisp and straight in case you want to make it foolproof.
The part that I like about this design is its editorial feel. It makes me think about the thing you would run into at a runway at the New York Fashion Week-clean, graphic and high-contrast. But it is easy enough to do at home even to those beginners experimenting with easy fall nails to do at home.
This outfit makes me feel instantly presentable, as I’m going to work with my head held high. It is cool enough to be worn on a night out but classy to be used in the office without the feeling of being overdressing.
Matte Navy Cutouts
The type of manicure that everyone will look twice at your nails is matte navy with geometric cutouts. It is artistic and yet clean at the perfect point of trend and wear. I would describe it as one of the most fashionable examples of easy fall nails designs to people who want to experiment but not to go deep into the realms of nail art.
To achieve this appearance, Ryan by Zoya works well with the bottom navy then this is topped off with a matte coating to give it that velvet look. The cut-out effect may be achieved using the use of tape or nail vinyls to achieve those sharp shapes- it is not as difficult as it might seem.
I always find matte nails luxurious. They possess this homey, suede feel which just fits in with the fall fabrics such as knits and scarves. The design, when used in conjunction with negative space, becomes purposeful and elegant instead of too fancy.
This is one of those that I use when I need my nails to shine but not glamorous and loud. It is evidence that easy fall nails diy can be high-end-looking with a simple mat finish and creativity.
Minty Fresh Ombre
Fall does not mean that one has to play warm tones. This mint-green smoldering to a transparent skin is new, modern and relaxing- almost like a puff of fresh air in a cool autumn morning. It is a soft transition of classic palettes, yet it fits in the effortlessly trendy nails at home loosely.
I would make this by suggesting Essie Mint Candy Apple or Olive and June WKF. Use sponge to apply the mint shade at the bottom towards the tips and allow the natural nail color to peep out at the top. Everything is smoothed with a glossy topcoat.
What I consider to be beautiful here is its versatility. It does not yell out Halloween or Thanksgiving but it can quietly match with those warm fall sweaters in neutral or earthy colors. It is a manicure that a personality likes to keep it to the minimum.
The initial occasion I attempted a minty ombre I was amazed at the number of compliments I received- it was cool and different. At times, breaking the seasonal color patterns is what your look is most noteworthy.
Playful Rainbow Mix
This is a sunny combination of yellow, red, blue, brown and pale aqua which immediately imparts livelyness to any fall outfit. The nail names are their personalities, but the palette is unified. It is light-hearted, hopeful, and a terrific reminder that fall nail design doesn’t always have to be monochrome.
The trick is not that complicated to obtain this: you need to choose five shades in your nail polish collection. The same would be achieved with OPI, Essie, or Zoya; Can’t CTRL Me (aqua), Sunshine State of Mind (yellow), Coca-Cola Red, Butler Please (blue), and Louise (brown).
The design is particularly excellent to novices- basically it is a series of five mini manicures, which implies that no nail art supplies are necessary. Simply polish, patience and smacking on a glossy topcoat to put it all together.
Whenever I have a rainbow mix, I feel that I am putting tiny accessories on my fingertips. It is informal, entertaining and acts as a discussion opener. When it comes to fall, a reminder of the fact that color does not need to fade away since the leaves do is provided.
Bold Primary Mix
This manicure is fun and will involve cream, black, red, blue, and green on each nail and it will be a fresh twist to the multicolored nails. It is heavily graphic with a strong sense of style that is fashion-forward but at the same time accessible. I would describe this as an ideal choice of simple fall nail patterns and particularly where you enjoy playing around with colour.
You do not require sophisticated equipment to achieve this appearance, however, and all you need is a steady hand and five bottles of polish of varying colors. This set could be imitated with OPI’s Alpine Snow, Big Apple Red, My Italian Is a Little Rusty, Stay Off the Lawn!!, and the Butler Please of Essie.
The steps are simple to follow: coating every nail with a solid color, letting the nails dry properly and using a glossy top-coat to seal it all. It is the glossy finish that makes the combination of shades not haphazard.
As I am personally in love with this kind of mani, I think it is a mood booster at the same time. Whenever I check my nails, I feel that I have a small art work with me throughout the day.
Earthy Green and Lilac Duo
This is a stylish variation on fall colors: dark forest green with subdued lilac and olive. It is so clever in combination of grounded and tender colors, it is one of the best casual easy fall nails simple short styles of the season. The shock of the contrast gives it a contemporary look, but the darker colors bring it to the fall.
On a similar group I would recommend Essie, Sew Psyched in olive, OPI, Lincoln Park After Dark (thinned with a topcoat to make the green less intense), and the lilac whereby I would recommend Zoya, Abby. The combination of them forms a high, tonal palette.
It is simple to paint each nail a different color and that is why I like to suggest it to readers who have easy fall nails as beginners. Manifoldness helps to avoid noticing mistakes, and it never seems accidental.
I think this manicure is such a pretty piece of talk. The colors are surprising and yet they play well with each other so that it is a unique one without seeming too extravagant.
Muted Neutral Blocks
This understated manicure is a blend of cool greys, taupe browns and blush pink. It is elegant and flexible, and can suit everybody who wants simple square fall nails with sleek and contemporary finishing. The grey colors are reminiscent of autumn rainy weather and warm ups.
I would pick up OPI, Berlin There Done That, as taupe, Essie, Chinchilly, as grey, and Zaya, Jana, as blush, in order to recreate it. These dull colors overlay with a smooth or smooth finish.
The trick of maintaining this design clean is having the nails of the same length. The blocks of colors have a smooth and customized look with square or squoval nails. The matte topcoat will immediately change the appearance to an editorial and stylish one.
It is one of my own to-do designs to workdays. It is casual enough to wear with work attire but interesting enough to feel like the season.
Autumn Flame Swirls
This sultry, malicious manicure is a blend of deep burgundy, pumpkin orange and creamy nude with swirled accents. It is daring and at the same time classy and so it is an excellent combination in easy fall nails diy in case you want something more than one color. The swirls make it move and almost drawings of flames in a fireplace.
Polishes such as OPI Got the blues for red, Essies Playing Koi and Zoyas Jacqueline are perfect combinations with this mix. The flowing swirl details are done with the help of a thin nail art brush or stripping tool.
The beauty of this style is that it does not have to be perfect- organic, wavy lines only add to the effect. A clear glossy topcoat assists in flattening all as well as making the colors stand out.
Whenever I put on a design like this I have the feeling that I am carrying with me a little piece of autumn everywhere I am. It is celebratory but not too themed or seasonal.
Pumpkin Spice Plaid
Plaid shouts cozy fall and this plaid-accented nail with pumpkin-orange manicure nail summons up this perfectly. It is playful but refined enough and falls on the side of easy fall nails short but still provides that fashion-forward advantage.
To replicate, I would suggest Essie Playing Koi to the orange, with striping polish or nail art pens in black, brown and cream to the plaid detail. It is one of such looks which mixes solid nails with some slight touch of design and makes it easy yet special.
Back at home, start by painting the majority of nails with orange, and then plaid lines to one or two accent nails. Use layer thin lines with each color allowed to dry before applying the next to exclude smudges.
This collection brings me to flannel shirts and pumpkin spice lattes- nice, cozy, and easy to wear. It is a festive manicure without going into the holiday category thus making it usable throughout the season.
Retro Color Blocking
This nail polish is playing with high orange, lilac and a vibrant red accent in abstract blocking pattern. It is lighthearted retro and yet contemporary and fashionable. I also admire that it immediately draws the eye and at the same time the wearability is so high as well as so comfortable. It is an exemplary piece of personality easy fall nail designs.
The polishes you will need to recreate are OPI, orange (Don’t Tell A Sol), Lavender (Lilacism) and Red (Big Apple Red). Apply with a fine detail brush to form curved and diagonal blocks along the nails and seal with a topcoat of gloss.
This design is quite effective with short and rounded nails- it balances the fun shapes and avoids making everything useless. It is a kind of style that seems complicated but is actually easy to do as far as fall nails diy is concerned.
Whenever I wear color-block designs such as this, people always think that it must have been professionally done. It is evidence that a couple of contrasting tones and a stable hand can have a huge effect at home.
Sweet Pumpkin Accents
Blended orange pumpkins on a creamy background is the ideal autumn wink nail art and the design is a simple mosaic that makes any pumpkin nail art look fancy. It is celebratory without being too much, which makes it the right choice of one seeking simple fall nails that one can easily do and at the same time feel seasonally appropriate.
In the case of polishes, I would choose OPI which is the Crawfishin’ for a Compliment in the shade of pumpkin orange and Essies which is Marshmallow as the base. A fine brush or even dotting instrument is used in making pumpkins to shape them and a small detail brush is used to draw the green stems.
This type of art is less challenging than it appears- pumpkins are nothing but rounded blobs which can be refined with a topcoat. It’s an excellent one to start with when trying easy fall nails for beginners without losing the opportunity to immerse themselves in seasonal motifs.
I have previously used the same nail art around Halloween and the praises were never-ending. It is playful, easygoing and a sure-footed nail technique that will add to your fall ensemble.
Bold Sunset Stripes
A combination of orange, red, and black stripes in this striking manicure almost looks like a fall sunset in a darker sky. It is graphic, powerful and suits well on the easy fall nails simple almond when applied on medium length nails.
To recreate this look, ORLY, OPI and Zoya would make a great trio with Mind Over Mango of the yellow-orange, Big apple Red by OPI and Willa by Zoya. The sharp lines between every nail can be created with the help of a striping brush.
My favorite part of this design is that it is not over-complicated. Stripes are simpler than swirls or mini-shapes and, regardless of whether you are a novice in nail painting, it is still extremely possible to do it at home.
This assortment will be loved by anyone who prefers bright nails in fall events, nighttime, or just to have a change of solid colors. It is crass yet seasonal- just the balance of which I like.
Autumn Diagonal Duo
This design superimposes terracotta orange, nude and deep burgundy in bold diagonal forms. It is edgy yet polished, ideal to those who prefer straightforward fall nail perfect almond that still have flair. The geometric lines are augmented by the almond shape, which also adds an additional level of sleekness to the appearance.
In the case of polishes, I would suggest OPI polish, Coca-Cola Red, Essie playing koi and Zoya avery to go nude. To achieve those sharp diagonals, a striping tape or a steady hand will be used.
This nail polish is flexible enough to be used on casual days as well as on fancy events. The warm colors are earthy and are drawn towards the warmth of the fall, whereas there are crisp shapes which provide it with a polish and sophistication.
I have experimented with similar diagonal and it always feels like a cool extension to the regular solid nails. It is one of the simple fall nails diy projects that seems like it took much more effort than it takes in reality.
Cozy Color Blocks
This combination features a mix of mustard yellow, burnt orange, chocolate brown and soft taupe in blocky and vertical designs. It is fall fashion–almost like you put a snuggly patchwork sweater on your nails. It is a dry but stylish home nail style of easy fall nails.
You can do this with such shades as Essies (orange) Playing Koi, Zoyas (brown) Louise and OPI (taupe), Suzi Loves Cowboys, and Essies (yellow) Hay There. The trick involves painting half of the nail with some colour and letting it dry then apply the other half with a different colour.
I adore the fact that this design is not trivial demanding small details and high artistic abilities. It is a clever trick to present several fall colors on the same manicure. Besides, the vertical blocks assist in lengthening the nail bed and appear more prestigious.
I would immediately associate it with the feeling of cozy fall outfits to put on with scarves, boots and oversized knots. It is chic, seasonal and easily stylish.
Geometric Blue Pop
The construction combines a combination of bold cobalt blue and clear negative space in stark geometrical forms to give the impression that is playful and modern. It is new, creative, and a great option to those who like simple nails short in the fall but something a bit more edgy than solid colors. The combination of hard nails and with angular accents are crisp, as autumn skies are sliced by urbanology.
In the case of polishes, Essie with a polish called Butler Please or OPI with a polish that features My Pal Joey provide that deep blue color. Striping tape or nail vinyls come to the rescue of getting the right cuts in geometry, particularly in free hand work, which may be very daunting.
The thing I like about this manicure is that it is bold and at the same time restrained. The negative space is apparent to prevent the overwhelming design whereas the cobalt blue nails ensure that it is not dull at all. It is an excellent reminder that easy fall nails DIY do not need to appear amateurish, and you can create graphic polished results at home.
When I wear such geometric nails they immediately feel like an accessory in themselves. Coupled with sweaters in neutral or grey tones, the blue truly stands out and I feel that it gives me a confidence addition to my attire.
Olive and Burgundy Waves
This nail polish combines olive green, dusty blue and burgundy in flowing and curved designs. It is a simple fall nails design, which just captures the season, gloomy, grounded but surprisingly lighthearted with the lighter blue highlight. The wavy organic curves are dynamic which makes me think of a similarity to the falling leaves blown by the wind.
The polishes that would be a good replacement of this include Zoya in Hunter to represent olive, Essie in Bordeaux to represent the burgundy and OPI in To Infinity and Blue-Yond to represent the soft blue. A detail brush is used in making those sweeping curved lines on a nude base.
The beauty of this design is that, it does not require absolute symmetry. The nail has a story behind it and this makes the style easy on the newcomers who may wish to learn how to do fall nails at home to avoid stress in order to do them well.
This style is comfortable creativity to me. The combination of earthy sounds with a bit of blue seems down-to-earth but fresh -like putting a colored scarf to an autumn outfit. It is nails that reflect changing palette of the season.
Conclusion
With a change in season, we switch moods, change wardrobe and definitely our nails. Bold color-blocking, whimsical patterns, cozy plaid, and ombre gradient, these simple fall nails work to show that you can capture the beauty of autumn in your fingertips without having professional skills. You are either preferring light fall nails simple short to wear the nails every day or you are fond of trying easy fall nails diy at home, these designs will make you feel like doing your nails in the next season that the season is cozy.
Finally, the fall nails do not imply keeping up with rigid trends but being able to perform your own dances with the season. Each week maybe a plaid, next week ombre, and so on a rainbow. Every set is a chance to wake up in the day with a slightly more confident and a significantly happier mind.
Which at home would you experiment with first of these easy fall nails? I think when you have started you will feel like trying them all–and that is the true delight of it. 🍂✨
