In the last few years, we have been living in the midst of a global pandemic that has encouraged everyone to keep their nails at a shorter length and trimmed. It’s undisputed that longer, natural nails can indeed harbor more dirt and germs than shorter nails, and during that ill-fated time, cutting our nails short seemed like the right thing to do. At-home manicures became the norm.
As we all begin to emerge from what feels like a two-year hazy hibernation, cute short nail designs seem like they are here to stay, and with the re-opening of nail salons and spas, we can start to be a little more creative with our short nail designs – not quite to the same level as longer nails, sure, but definitely not far off! And coming from a writer who spends long hours at the keyboard, we can totally appreciate the practicality that shorter nails offer.
One only has to turn to Pinterest to discover plenty of classy short nail designs that can make anyone’s nails look beautifully polished and chic. The sheer beauty of classic short nail designs lies in their timeless appeal, and their ability to elevate anyone’s look to appear more put together is undeniable.
To help inspire your next classy manicure, we’re featuring some of the best nail designs that perfectly suit short nails and are guaranteed to be the best part of any outfit of the day. If you’re still on the fence about whether to keep your nails short, keep reading for our top classy short nail designs, with over 50 pictures of stunning short nail ideas that are sure to fill you with inspiration for your next trip to the salon.
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Classy Short Nail Designs & Styles to Try
1. One Simple Solid Color
The very first place to start, and probably the most popular, is a simple, one-color manicure. Rather than picking elaborate nail art designs, stickers, and shapes, sticking to one base color gives the hands a timeless and classic look, which is fantastic on short nails. What’s more, this choice of nail colors nowadays is conveniently versatile, making it appropriate for everyday wear as well as special occasions.
Ultimately, the color you choose is all down to personal style and preference. Some prefer to adapt their nail color to the passing seasons, prefer relaxing pastels during the spring, bold and bright colors during the summer months, and warmer, darker hues for when the autumn/fall and winter seasons start to approach. Here are some of our favorites:
Nude Nails
You can’t really go wrong with understated nude base nails. Available in various shades to suit different skin tones, the color nude is incredibly versatile, with the ability to be worn for virtually any occasion and easily match any item of clothing in any shade.
Pastels
From baby blue to pale yellow, there is something indisputably beautiful about pastel colors. They’re pleasing to the eye without being loud or overpowering and absolutely perfect for spring months.
Red Nails
You’d be hard-pressed to find a color that is more universally loved than a classic red nail. It’s a shade adored by many, and we can see why – a color that is truly timeless and can easily be worn all year round. A strong contender for both long and short nails alike!
Darker Hues
We love darker hues on short nails. In fact, they might even do them more justice than long nails do. A classic black, a rich aubergine, or a statement midnight blue, these darker tones make super cute short nail ideas that are worth trying!
If you’re still struggling for ideas, be sure to check out our article on our top 10 nail colors that go with everything.
2. Multi-Colored Nails
Multiple-colored cute short nails can be very aesthetically pleasing when done well! It’s a fun way of trying something new without turning to nail art. The options are endless – try painting each of your nails in a different shade of pastel. Alternatively, why not try going for a gradient effect of the same hue, where each nail color goes a shade darker than the previous nail?
3. French Manicures
A French manicure is a staple offering at any nail salon, but times have moved on since the term was first coined many decades ago. There are now so many ways to shake up a traditional French manicure, and we’re listing a few designs short nails might want to try. Many of them are so elegant that they have become classic nail looks in their own right!
Classic French Manicure
Made up of two neutral base colors – a base of light, pale pink polish and a clean white tip – French manicures are designed to look tidy, understated, and polished.
Colored or Multi-Colored French Tip
Simply put, a colored or multi-colored French tip is a traditional French manicure that uses different colors on the tips other than white. Again, the options are endless, with the option to either go for the same hue on each nail tip or to go for a range of colors. Check out these Pinterest images below for inspiration!
Slanted French Tip
Very similar to the traditional French manicure, a slanted French tip features a diagonal strip of white (or any other color of choice, for that matter!) along the tip instead of the more traditional horizontal line.
Baby Boomer
Also called ‘French ombre’ or ‘French fade’ nails, the baby boomer style is a fresh, modern take on the French manicure, which many can’t get enough of! Instead of the blush pink nails and defined white tip characteristic of traditional French manicures, this updated style blends the pink and white hues together in a gradient effect that is seamless and fluid.
Metallic French Manicure
A metallic twist on the traditional French manicure. This design experiments with different metallic shades – typically in silver, bronze, gold, or rose gold – to produce a reflective two-tonal style that’s absolutely mesmerizing.
Reverse French Manicure
This variation uses a dark color as its base, with a different shade applied on the nail bed instead of the tip of the nail.
4. Half-Moon Nails
Known affectionately by some as ‘Dita nails‘ after well-known burlesque performer and half-moon manicure enthusiast Dita von Teese, the half-moon nail design involves leaving a negative space over the lunula – the half-moon or crescent-shaped whitish area of the bed of a fingernail. A deep shade of red does this type of short nail design particular justice!
5. Accent Nails
While bearing a resemblance to the one-color design, this style indulges in a bit of extra je ne sais quoi. The nail on the ring finger is typically painted in a different color – possibly a glittery version of the chosen color or sporting a different design using nail art – to add a focal point to an otherwise minimalist style.
6. Matte Nail Polish
While shiny polish has a decidedly ‘polished’ look, matte nail polish is a great way to try something new without being too adventurous. With an understated satin finish, matte polish leaves the nails looking subtly elegant. When combined artistically with a high polish top coat, the nail designs that can be achieved are pretty cool! Whether using matte polish on all nails, on the tips, or to create a custom pattern, this is a short nail design worth experimenting with!
7. Two Tone Designed
Sometimes, simply combining two colors to create unique nail designs can be particularly striking, especially when using black and white combined with a metallic shade. Why not try:
Black and White
Contrast black nail polish with white to create a timelessly elegant look that Coco Chanel herself would love!
White and Gold
These two colors can be paired in a plethora of ways, from gold stickers arranged in geometric designs upon a white base to a white and gold French manicure-inspired style.
8. Gradient Nails / Ombre Nails
Instead of delighting in sharp contrast, gradient nails (or ombre nails) seamlessly blend complementary hues together to produce a gradual change in color from the nail bed to the tip of the nail.
9. The Marble Effect
This nail art technique is an absolute must-try! The marble nail pattern is designed to make nails look like marble tiles, and this style looks gorgeous as an accented nail design, as well as a sophisticated pattern to adorn anyone’s nails. Word of note: this does take some time at the nail salon, so be sure to let your nail technician know in advance!
10. Swirl Nail Art
Bring a little playfulness into your next manicure and experiment with some swirl nail art!
11. Floral Nail Art
For something a little more decorative and feminine, you might want to try experimenting with some floral nail art. The options of floral designs are truly endless, and whether it’s roses, daisies, or blossoms, floral nail art can look more like a work of art rather than just a beautiful manicure.
12. Elegant Nail Stickers
Instead of colorful prints or intricate nail art designs, choose an elegant nail sticker – such as gold strips or delicate rhinestones – for a fun but sophisticated nail look!
FAQs About Short Nail Designs
What nail design is best for short nails?
In my opinion, short nails look great with simple, classy designs like solids, French tips, or minimal art. They give a polished look that is easy to maintain day-to-day. French tips are a great option for short nails.
What colors look best on short nails?
I’d say go for versatile neutrals, nudes, and soft pinks. They complement any outfit effortlessly! Blacks and shades of blue also add sophistication to short nails nicely.
How do you make short nails look classy?
Keeping short nails looking clean and tidy is really the key. Stick to a classic, single-tone, or basic French manicure. The minimalist look helps shorten nails appear longer and more put together.
What is trending in nail art?
Some hot nail art trends are creative French manicures with colored tips, marble, and graphic prints, as well as gradient colors. Minimalist designs are still popular, too. Lots of fun designs to jazz up short nails simply!
What color is trendy for short nails?
Trendy short nail colors tend to be classics with a twist – think timeless reds, nude tones, and blacks. Pastels also look amazing during the spring and summer months. Overall, bold, saturated hues make the biggest statement on short nails.
Don’t forget to look after your hands as well as your nails! Dukes Avenue shares how in our article The Perfect Hand Care Routine for Youthful Hands.
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Sarah is a syndicated freelance writer and editor of Dukes Avenue. She founded Dukes Avenue in 2018 as a creative outlet while working at a London hedge fund. What initially started as a small blog has become a widely read luxury lifestyle online publication targeted at the modern woman, with content curated to inspire readers to live their best and most fulfilled lives. Sarah has lived in London, Malta, and, most recently, the United Arab Emirates and uses her travels and experiences to inspire much of the content.
