If you prefer short nails, are looking to take a break from longer, damage-prone styles, or simply struggle to grow them to begin with, these short autumn nails deliver both style and function - with moody, expensive-looking hues and designs to suit every cold-weather occasion.
A recurring theme throughout the 2025 nail trends has been short and neat nails. Of course, that's not to say long talons are completely out, but trimmed manicures have become increasingly popular, with every classic shape undergoing a filing, from short almond nails to short square nails. This shift is likely, in part, due to more of us prioritising our nail health, and so are opting for more manageable and less breakable styles. Not to mention the fact that these lengths look so chic, especially when paired with autumn nail designs and colours.
There's just something about layering a wine-like burgundy over a squoval shape that just feels so elevated, luxe and downright cosy (especially when complemented with a fuzzy knit jumper). So, if you can't hack everyday life with two-inch claws or just prefer the overall look of trendy short styles, we've rounded up 15 looks to request...
15 luxe-looking short manicures to request this autumn
While there are no set rules on what colours and designs you can and can't wear in the autumn months, there are some shades that are synonmous with the season and tend to make a comeback. As is the case with the fashion trends and every other season's trending manicure looks. This summer, for instance, saw juicy sorbet nails become the go-to, along with holiday-ready marine nails.
As for autumn 2025, so far we've seen shades like classic red, rich burgundy and dark brown reemerge and frankly, we can't wait to start rotating through these sophisticated hues.
Before we dive into the short and chic looks we'll be seeing everywhere in the months ahead, though, we've shared three staples for achieving an elevated manicure. We would also recommend investing in one of the best nail strengtheners to use as either a base coat or in between nail treatments. Popping one of the best hand creams into your handbag is also a great way to ward off dry skin during the cold weather seasons - and will help to keep your mani looking polished.
Our short autumn nail care kit
RRP: £10.99
To achieve an expensive-looking manicure at home, a clear, glossy top coat is a must-have. This polish from essie affords a gel-like shine (minus any UV curing) and works to protect your chosen nail colour from chipping.
RRP: £30
While Rouge Noir is also a classic autumnal shade among Chanel's nail polishes, this soft taupe also feels very apt and stylish for the season, especially if you prefer more muted tones.
RRP: £8.99
If you're on the hunt for the perfect autumnal nail colour, woman&home's Digital Beauty Writer, Naomi Jamieson cannot recommend this shade enough: "I wore this all autumn long last year. It's the perfect wine-like burgundy and is a dream to apply. And as someone with short nails myself, it never fails to make them look chic."
Whether you're a lover of glamorous chromes, subtle French tips or sultry dark nails, there's a popular autumnal manicure to suit every preference. All of which, can be adapted to suit both long and short talons, but it's the latter that concerns us today.
The beauty of short nails, aside from how expensive they can look, is how well they complement more hardwearing treatments like BIAB nails and Bio Sculpture, which are touted for protecting and allowing your natural nails to grow underneath. So, without further ado, let's get to the visual inspiration...
1. Short burgundy nails
Burgundy and short squoval or square nails are a match made in heaven. The pairing is chic and so wearable, despite it being such a dark nail colour.
2. Moody mauve nails
For a more muted and transitional option, go for this sort of hazy mauve shade with your choice of short manicure shape. It's still perfectly autumnal but slightly lighter than a few of the other hues on this list, which some might find more wearable.
3. Short olive green nails
An olive green is such a chic choice, especially for the early autumn months and we just love how it looks with this short, slightly rounded squoval shape. It's slightly unusual, compared to a burgundy or brown, which is ideal if you're someone who likes to stand out from the crowd.
4. Short and squoval maroon nails
Like with burgundy, this sort of brown-reddish maroon hue was made to be worn in the chilly months. There's just something so rich and classy about it, especially when layered over a neat and modern short nail shape - as seen above.
5. Short black nails
For a really sophisticated and timeless manicure, you can't go wrong with a black polish over the top of a short nail shape. The glossy finish and neat style looks so elevated and downright couture-like.
6. Short glazed cherry nails
Adding a chrome or pearly finish is an easy way to elevate a manicure and this 'glazed cherry' look is a must-have for autumn - and straight through to party season.
7. Short almond tortoisehell French tips
Tortoiseshell nails and French tips have been trending for autumn, so why not combine the two into one, chic and short nail look? We would recommend opting for a short almond shape - to achieve that iconic curved tip - but this design can also be adapted to suit squoval and square shapes.
8. Short brown nails
Both warm and dark brown nails are classic autumnal picks and are the perfect transitional shade if you favour muted and neutral nail colours.
9. Short and square dark green nails
If you've already debuted a burgundy or autumnal brown, try a dark green with your short nails. This rich, forest-like hue is perfect for now and will also transition beautifully into winter.
10. Short burgundy French tips
Another option for our French tip lovers. Burgundy adds an autumnal flourish to this otherwise timeless nail look - plus, this style of straight tip works perfectly for short and squared nails.
11. Short burnt orange nails
Burnt orange nails are in high demand this season and pairing them with a short length is a one-way ticket to a stylish and very on-trend manicure.
12. Classic short red nails
Classic red is another timeless nail colour, and while it looks gorgeous on every nail shape, we're especially loving it on square and squoval lengths this season - and a mere glance at the above picture will explain why.
13. Short chestnut nails
If you're intrigued by burnt orange nails but want to take the look down a notch, opt for a warm, chestnut brown. On short nails, the combination is versatile and will complement your entire autumn/winter wardrobe.
14. Short plum nails
Purple nails proved very popular in the spring and summer months, so it only makes sense to apply the hue to your autumn mani too, but with a rich twist. This dark, plum-like shade looks so expensive and will never fail to elevate a cream knit jumper, let's say, or a classic camel trench coat.
15. Short neutral nails
For our neutral nail lovers, you can never go wrong with a nude or cream with short talons - the look is simple and wonderfully versatile.
