What is better than being naked? For most of us who don’t have model perfect bodies, it would be adapting one of the hottest color inclinations into our wardrobes. Blush, beige, buff, flush and flesh are all synonymous with the year’s plethora of all things nude in fashion.
I think it really took hold when Angelina Jolie stepped out in a short black strapless dress for the red carpet premiere of Salt and Kung Fu Panda. She gave her already long legs some extra mileage by donning some spectacular nude platform pumps. Women all over the world took notice, and retailers stepped up production on similar shoe styles. Next, do you remember Demi Moore, yet another trendsetter, at the Academy Awards wearing a delicate blush gown by Atelier Versace? At once ethereal and sexy, she paved the way for this romantic look for the masses.
With those forbearers leading the way, this trend in stylish goods just might have reached its zenith. With everything from blouses, dresses, handbags and shoes adopting this fleshy fashion tone, you just can’t go wrong style-wise. Let’s count the ways this can bolster a ho-hum wardrobe and bring it into modern focus.
1. Nude Heels
Nude heels have always been around. Certainly in theatrical circles, dancers and performers alike have known that this non-color elongates the leg line and takes attention away from the feet in a good way. The nude shoe should be a mainstay in any woman’s shoe wardrobe, right next to her black high-heeled pumps. If you don’t have any, now would be the time to pick some up while there are so many different styles to choose from. I personally like the patent leather platform pump because of the lean lines it can produce on virtually any gal and the ease with which it can integrate into a daytime or evening look.
2. Nude Blouses
Nude blouses are a great foil to any basic black pieces you might already have in your wardrobe. They soften the severity of the look while maintaining a neutral feeling. With jeans, a nude lace, ruffled tank, or soft billowy chiffon top also promotes that sensual vibe while playing up your natural skin tones.
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| Herve Leger. |
3. Nude Dresses
Think of a nude dress as the flip side of the LBD. On runways and red carpets, you can’t deny the fresh appeal of flesh tones. Herve Leger, known for the bandage dress, served up many variations on this theme for Spring 2011, and so did many other designers. I know that it seems summery, but a well-made and well-fitted dress in blush tones can work year-round depending on the cut, fabric and how you style it. You could top it with a blazer, or belt it with a rich brown or black. Or opt to wear it with dark tights or patterned hosiery to offset the seasonal feel.
4. Nude Jackets
I love the leather motorcycle jackets that are popping up all over the place, especially when done in an unexpected tone like light tan or nude. Feminizing a hard-lined jacket like this is exactly what this color is great for. Soft and sweet is how this tone can make almost anything appear! The nude trend in blazers and cropped jackets of all kinds is still strong and viable. It can be worn with almost anything and makes a fine topper for other stronger colors to play off of. Just keep in mind the fabric selections in cotton and rayon might be a shade more on the Spring/Summer side as our winter weather here finally gives way around April. I like it worn with black dresses and tailored shifts.
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| Christian Louboutin pillow purse. |
5. Nude Accessories and the Rest
Handbags are cropping up in fleshy style, like this sophisticated Christian Louboutin pillow purse. All good fashionistas know that nude is literally a great neutral and definitely belongs in the “classic” category along with black and brown. Examples of its staying power abound everywhere I look. Besides the pump trend, there are of course the ubiquitous booties that show no signs of slowing down just yet. Skirts, sweaters, scarves and far too many other variations of bare looks are available to peruse and purchase at every price point, and are an easy way for even the most timid to experiment a little.
Suffice it to say, that going naked is not such a bad thing as long as you’re not doing the Polar Bear Plunge in the frigid water of Lake Michigan! But being fully and fashionably clothed in one of the best and most accessible trends to come down the pike can give a whole new meaning to the term “grin and bare it.” Happy Nude Year, Milwaukee!
