Would You Wear… Nude Tones?
From left: Sandra Bullock in Vivienne Westwood, Emma Watson in Christopher Kane, and Penelope Cruz in Dolce & Gabbana
One of the hottest trends on the runway and the red carpet at the moment is nude tones. Sandra Bullock rocked a gorgeous, nude toned Vivienne Westwood number this week at the People’s Choice Awards, while stars like Emma Watson and Penelope Cruz (as well as many a model on the runway) have also been spotted rocking this trend.
But is this look really wearable? I say yes, but only in some cases. Personally, I think nudes look best when they are a different shade than the wearer’s actual skin tone. That way, the look is soft and feminine, but the wearer doesn’t appear washed out or almost naked. Also, “nude” shades work best when they complement the undertones of your skin (golden “nudes” look best on those with golden undertones, bronzes look great on those with darker skin, and porcelain ladies can work rose-toned nude shades).
Aside from the specific shade, those who want to try this trend need to pay attention to the fabrics they choose and tones they mix with. This season’s nudes work best when they are mixed with dark tones (like black or navy), and/or different textures (unique fabrics, draping, etc.). Since nudes are so basic, the rest of the outfit needs to have impact.
Curious to see what I mean? Here are two sample outfits that incorporate nude tones.
Outfit #1: When You’re Feeling Luxe
Product Information: Faux Fur Jacket: Topshop, Jewelry Set: Fantasy Jewelry Box, Nude Dress: HMR, Textured Tights: Urban Outfitters, Bag: Chanel, Black Pumps: Fendi
Oufit #2: When You’re Feeling Ultra Feminine and Romantic
Product Information: Cashmere Cardigan: Bamford, Pearl Tear Drop Earrings: Isreal Rose, Black Tights: American Eagle, Black Floral Headband: Forever 21, Bronze Dress: Calypso, Leather Ballerina Flats: Chloe
What do you think? Would you wear this trend?
There are many more ways to wear nude tones, including in your accessories. For more tips and tricks on the matter, read this amazing post.
Now I want to know your thoughts! What do you think? Would you wear nude tones? Do you think nude tones are soft and romantic or bland and boring? Which celebrity look above is your favorite? Let me know with a comment!
Posted on on January 12, 2010 / Filed Under: Would You Wear? / Tags: Christopher Kane, Colors, D&G, Emma Watson, nude, Penelope Cruz, Sandra Bullock, Trends, Vivienne Westwood
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Marisa
I would not wear nude tones. Unfortunately I look sick wearing them. Even if I choose the right shade for my skin tone.
For all the other girls: rock a super feminine look with nude toned pieces!
Natalie
A few years ago I wore a nude toned full-length gown to a ball in New Orleans, but I haven’t really worn anything from that color family since. I think the dress was officially champagne colored, but that’s besides the point.
I think it’s a very hard look to wear well without it looking ‘off.’ I think Penelope Cruz wore it really well and it looked so incredibly romantic!
Coco
I love this article! I think nude toned clothes are beautiful but I have always been nervous to try them since I’m very fair skinned and don’t want to look washed out. Maybe I’ll try it now and use your suggestion about undertones. Thanks!
Isabelle
Absolutely! I love the nudes, it’s one of my favorite trends in a long while.
Laura
Never been fond of nudes, but that first outfit is beautiful.
Claire
I wouldn’t wear them — I think they look lovely on some people, but on me and my very pale skin they just look bland and sickly. I need color!
Tiffany
I like the first HMR nude dress, but when I clicked on the link to view it, I was completely confused by the foreign web-site, lol. Is it possible to purchase items from that web-site online? Didn’t have too much time to surf around the site, just wondering if anyone knew?
Anna - University of Toronto
I found the dress via Polyvore, and, unfortunately, when I followed the link, it led me to that website. There are clothes available on the site, but I wasn’t able to track down that specific dress. I also didn’t want to choose another one, because I thought it was too fabulous and nothing else would do!
sara
i look washed out when i wear nude tones, so i will never wear them. i feel you have to at least have a medium toned skin when wearing them or an awesome tan…i think sandra bullock looks off wearing it… unfortunately
Caity
I think this is a very fabulous look, and the ladies pictured above look especially fabulous. However, this is NOT a good look for me, and I think many others will find it unwearable as well. I hope I see some people having the confidence to rock this look though, because I’m sure some girls could pull it off very well!
Leia
I love nude! Definitely yes!
katr
ive been looking all over for nude pumps.i read an article on elle that wearing nude pumps w bare legs makes ur legs look leaner and longer.
but unfortunately i havent found THE perfect pumps….hopefully soon…
nice post! except im a poor college girl soo a chanel bag and fendi pumps are wayyyyyy outta my urban outfitters/forever21 budget. LOL
Megan
While I love the nude color trend and adore the outfits you put together, I think it would be nice if you could create samples with pieces a little more budget-friendly. Everything you have in the sample outfits is absolutely gorgeous, $995 for a cardigan or $600+ for earrings seems far out of most college girls’ budgets. Other than that, nice post! :]
Hannah
I’ve never tried nude before, but it seems like it could be flattering on my skin tone. I have a few formal events coming up soon and I might try it. Thanks for the idea!
Anna - University of Toronto
Do I ever understand about budgetary constraints. Forever 21 and H and M are my idols. Even Urban Outfitters can seem a bit out there, sometimes, for me.
I created these looks just wanting to choose beautiful pieces for inspiration, although I will certainly try to choose more accessible pieces that are actually tangible in the future.
But while we’re fantasizing… mm, cashmere.
Geri
I love nude shades, they’re sophisticated and elegant without being harsh like other neutrals (full on black or white) can sometimes be.
Suzi
The main thing that nude does is emphasize your skin, and while any skin colour can pull off the right shade of nude, I steer clear of it since I’m not blessed with even-toned skin. And people who are prone to breakouts or have other dermatological issues will have to depend on having a good skin day to be able to pull off something nude.
I’ll stick to nude pumps and admire emma watson’s dress for now. :)
vanessa anne
yes, I love them, but I don’t own enough unfortunately. It’d be great to own a dress or a pair of flats in these shades.
Luinae
I like the idea- I think I do look nice in rose toned nudes!
JG
I absolutely love nude tones but they don’t necessarily look good on everybody. You really have to find the right tone of nude that isn’t too close to your skin color and be sure the nude tone actually complements your skin. An example of this is Sandra Bullock. I love her but I do not think that dress does anything for her. It is too close to her skin tone and her nude pumps are way too plain to pair with that dress. Emma Watson, on the other hand, did a great job pairing her dress with black pumps that complement the black in her dress. Her skin has a pink-tone which goes very well with the nude color of the dress. Props to her (or her stylist).
ps. I die for those Fendi pumps! Great outfit picks!
Luna
Nude tones are lovely! I don’t think they look good on everyone, or maybe not everyone knows how to choose the right shades for their skintones. However, this article has inspired me to look for a good nude-coloured dress. :)
Meagan
Those are really gorgeous outfits, though totally out of my price range. Saving some of these for when I win the lottery/inherit, but the wait should be worth it.
Tessa
I love the look of nude tones. But I am very pale skinned, so it’s very very hard for me to find the right shades.
Yet nude tones really do make the outfit look so romantic and femine. :)
Alexandra
I was skeptical, but then I looked at your sample outfits and they are so romantic and pretty and wonderful. I am now convinced that I need to put a rose shade nude top on my shopping list for spring. Albeit a more budget friendly one.
Madeleine
I actually don’t think that nude tones are that daring of a trend certainly compared to the other daring trends this website features such as feathers etc. I would wear nude tones if I came across a piece that I really liked but then again, I’d probably wear anything once. I think nude tones are definately soft and romantic and seem reminicent of a vintage Paris. The celebrity look above that is my favorite is Emma Watson’s look because her dress is GORGEOUS and very Coco Chanel.
Katherine
I love to wear nude tones anyway and I never really thought it was a daring trend, just something that appears to be popular in the fashion industry right now.
Shawn
I love nude tones.. I just wish stores like forever 21 offered simpler nude items (everything seems to be covered in sequins, other colors, and ruffles). I’m always looking for nude tones, whites, and creams, and I’m almost always disappointed with the lack of selection.
Here’s a question.. Can you wear nude to a wedding? (example: a rosy nude toned dress) or is that out like black and white?
Also.. I wish you would do an article about how to dress for things like dinner with the boyfriend’s parents and other times when you have to look pretty & innocent (which these tones seem to do) and still look stylish. (It’s so hard for me to find “pretty” looks that cover up a large chest on a small girl.)
Grace
After seeing this post I bought the second dress. It was love at first site (get it?… web-site, haha) can’t wait for it to get here!!! :)
Grace
Hey, can you post an exact link for the dress in outfit #1? I love it but I can’t find it on the site. Thanks