20 September Nail Ideas For a Short and Sweet Mani

If you're itching to switch out your bathing suits and flip-flops for sweaters and knee-high boots, you don't have to wait much longer—fall is right around the corner. The official first day of autumn is September 22, but to tell you the truth, we're not sure if we can wait that long to start incorporating the season into our wardrobes and beauty routines. And one of our first courses of action will be heading to the salon for a new, fall-friendly set.

If you're looking for a September manicure that provides maximum style on a minimal length, we've got you covered. Scroll on for 20 short nail ideas for September, from leopard prints to the classic French.

Simple Stones

Not quite ready to embrace the moody colors we often associate with fall? Ease into the season with this simple stone mani. Pop on some clear or light pink polish and top it off with a few rhinestones in different sizes.

Shades of Red

While each of these shades of red would be beautiful on their own, we love the gradient effect here. Pick red polishes from tomato to burgundy and apply them from darkest to lightest.

Coffee Brown

Starbucks has rolled out its fall drink menu, so why not go for a coffee brown manicure? Layer three coats of your favorite brown hue and top them off with a glossy top coat. (We also think it would look beautiful in chrome!)

Gunmetal Baddie

We love a moody polish that gives chrome vibes without actually being chrome, and that’s exactly what’s going on here. This gunmetal shade will pair perfectly with your motorcycle boots and leather jackets.

Peachy Nude

You can’t go wrong with a classic nude manicure. Whether you go for a true, milky, or peachy nude, make sure you apply three coats for total saturation.

Leopard Print

Leopard print will be everywhere this fall—including on nails. If you aren’t quite ready to tackle such intricate nail art, you can always take this photo as inspo to your nail tech or opt for nail stickers or press-ons.

Feeling Green

In the mood for a solid, bright manicure this September? We can’t recommend green enough. It’s an underrated manicure color, giving you the perfect opportunity to be a trendsetter.

Black Floral Tips

If you want to venture to a darker color without fully committing, we think black tips are the way to go. After your black French tips dry, use a toothpick to draw on the flowers in any color combo you wish.

Click here to preview your posts with PRO themes ››

Negative Space

Thanks to the gorgeous burgundy polish, this negative space mani radiates September vibes. Pick out your fave deep red and draw on a micro French tip and another half-moon shape beneath that.

Classic French

Of course, you can never go wrong with a classic French manicure, either. An almond silhouette ups the elegance factor even more.

Neutral Skittles

When in doubt. go for a Skittle mani—but make it fit for September! The cream, rosey mauve, copper, and warm brown in this set are about as early fall as it gets. (Needless to say, we're in love.)

Brownish-Red

You know it's fall when the reds start getting moodier. This brownish-red shade is perfect for September.

Mixed Metals

What do you get when you mix metals? A little grunge attitude and a whole lotta chic, as this silver and gold chrome manicure demonstrates.

French Swoop

While we love nothing more than a classic French mani, we think this swoop take on the iconic look is a must-try. After prepping your nails and applying a neutral-pink base coat, use a fine-lining brush to draw on your asymmetrical white tips.

Cherry Glaze

If you’re holding onto summer for dear life, make the transition easier with this cherry glaze set. After coating your nails in a bright and true red hue, top it off with red chrome to get that glazed look.

Goodbye, Summer

Wave goodbye to summer with this sweet-as-a-pie French mani featuring some juicy cherries. This look is actually quite simple to DIY, too—you can draw on the cherries with toothpicks or just apply some nail stickers.

Black on Black

If you have yet to try out a chalkboard mani, take this as your sign to do it. To get the look, coat your nails in black nail polish, then top them with a matte top coat. Next, take the same black polish and draw on swirls, coating those with a shiny top coat.

Frenchy Tortoise

French tips are a sophisticated and understated way to wear the trendy tortoiseshell print. Add a subtle gold line under the tips for an elegant touch.

Delicate Sparkles

You don't have to pack away your pastels just because it's September. If you like this delicate sparkle look, coat your nails in a pastel lilac purple, topping them off with a silver shimmer nail polish. Mix your polish with a top coat to sheer it out for a more jelly-like finish.

Chocolate Fudge Tips

Want to embrace your inner cool girl? Go for chocolate fudge tips. After applying a light pink base coat, go in with a chocolate brown hue, sticking to the tippy-tips of your fingernails—the more micro, the better.