Shoes. Heels or flats? Metallics or plain? Patent leather or matte? So many decisions, and a necessary evil for fashionistas everywhere. But thanks to the growing trend of nude-colored shoes, at least one decision has been simplified. Nude-colored shoes have become the color to wear.
A quick glance at any fashion event—from local simchas to star-studded awards shows—indicates that the nude-colored shoe trend is in full swing. Celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Reese Witherspoon, Amy Adams and others have worn their neutral pumps to many upscale events. The Duchess of Cambridge, otherwise known as “Princess Kate” Middleton, a fashion icon and trendsetter herself, has been photographed at many events wearing nude pumps. In fact, Middleton favored a particular pair to such an extent that Nordstrom stores made it available for purchase here in the United States, much to the delight of royal-family fans.
The footwear frenzy makes one wonder just what about the nude shoe makes Princess Kate a fashion-forward fan? And other than America’s love for everything British, what gave this style a boost and jump-started it into mainstream fashion? “Nude shoes are the holy grail of footwear,” exclaimed one amateur shoe lover. “They are not limited to a single season, plus they match with everything,” she explained.
“Nude-colored shoes are a no brainer,” explained Sharon Langert, author of the popular modest fashion blog Fashion-Isha. “The color goes with virtually anything, any time of year. Color cuts the look of the leg, but nude shoes elongate the leg, for a slenderizing look.” Langert also emphasized how people often approach her asking if the all-season shoe really works for winter. “Absolutely. It’s a misconception people have. A dark dress with nude stockings and nude shoes is a classic and elegant ensemble.” But Langert cautions that except for the very bold and fashion-statement types, avoid dark tights with nude shoes.
Practically speaking, with nude shoes transcending seasonal constraints, and offering wardrobe versatility, they are a perfect choice for on-the-go travel. As travelers look to pack as sparsely as possible, these shoes offer a wardrobe solution for lighter travel.
Nude shoes have become more and more popular, and Christian Louboutin (famous with shoe aficionados everywhere, with price tags not for the faint of heart) took things a step further recently and broadened the definition of nude-colored shoes. “A spectrum of nudes. Seven shades of nude ensure every woman can meet her match,” is a tag line for their new line, thus ensuring all skin types may find nude shoes in their own shade.
Even for people who prefer heels, everyone has days when they need good flats. While heels can dress up any outfit, flats add a layer of simplicity, but do not have to compromise fashion. “Nude flats add a chic, barefoot and fun, toned-down look to an outfit,” said Langert. If Spring decides to put in a cameo and allow our warm-weather wardrobes to step out, nude shoes are once again a perfect complement to the season’s fashion. “Nude gladiator sandals have so many bold statements, and wearing them in nude colors instead of something darker gives a silhouette to your footwear to tone it down, as opposed to making the color pop against your skin,” Langert advised.
Now the question remains—will shoe lovers actually appreciate a one-size-fits-all approach to footwear? Or will they resent its simplicity? Either way, there are sure to be many reasons to stock up on different shoes, whether someone owns a nude pair or not.
By Jenny Gans
