Choose to go bare this spring — nude is in.
Blush, beige, ecru and eggshell — neutral apparel and accessories are one of the hottest fashion trends.
Unlike typical spring bright and bold colors, these hues take the opposite, more subtle approach.
But that's part of what makes them intriguing.
"We are seeing nude everywhere," says Gregg Andrews, Nordstrom fashion director. "It gives us a new neutral color palate. When you wear a nude color, it disappears against your skin. The color is deceptive and gives the illusion of skin. It is extremely sexy."
One way to dress up a nude piece is to choose something that has a lot of detail and texture — small ruffles, flounces or embellishments, for example.
"When you pair nudes with black or grey, that gives them an edge and they look modern," Andrews says. "This color works well on most women and is a great way to update your wardrobe and make it look fresh."
Some words of advice from Andrews: If you are wearing a nude garment near your face, you need to pay close attention to your makeup so you don't look washed out. You will need some kind of definition, such as a rosy cheek, darker lipstick or eye shadow. Match your skin tone to the shade of nude to maximize the effect.
The nude trend will follow into fall, predicts Lindsay Taylor Huggins, senior fashion market editor for Self.
"People are tired of wearing black," she says. "And this is a universal piece that is worth spending some money on. You will get longevity out of this piece. The biggest thing is finding the right shade that works for you."
Nudes are replacing the blacks and greys as the new base color, says Suzanne Mauro, a stylist accredited by the Association of Image Consultants International. She says it's OK to mix different nude tone in one outfit. And when you wear a dress, a nude heel elongates your leg.
"Nudes — I just can't seem to get enough of them," she says. "They are fabulous."
A camel-colored lightweight spring jacket is an essential item and not exclusive to one body type, Taylor Huggins says. Neutral hues are something that can go from work to weekend, depending on how you accessorize.
"You don't want to look like a Plain Paula, so add some interest to the color nude with embellishments, especially at the neckline or choose a handbag that has hardware such as chains or grommets," Taylor Huggins says.
InStyle magazine suggests pairing earth-tone stilettos, flirty belts, and handbags with slouchy pastel trousers and soft knits. Standout details — such as pleating, ruffles and texture — make pale hues pop according to People Style Watch. A mix of neutrals looks chic and feminine.
The runways were full of neutrals, says Tracey Lomrantz, Slaves to Fashion blogger for Glamour.com . The color scheme has been a trend before, but not as big as it is this season.
Celebrities such as Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock showed there is an elegance to how beautiful the color nude can look by wearing gowns on the red carpet at the Oscars and Golden Globes.
Make sure that your nude piece has some sort of texture so the look doesn't appear flat and that you risk disappearing in the dress.
"I love a bright, bold shoe with a nude color, like purple or pink," Lomrantz says. "Or go with a wild color in a handbag or clutch. A hot pink or red lipstick looks great, too. But only pick one accessory to pop with a neutral. More than that is overkill."
How to go nude
These tips come from Suzanne Mauro, a stylist accredited by the Association of Image Consultants International:
• When wearing nudes, go with tonal accessories or opt for a contrasting black.
• Try a black dress with a nude heel. It not only looks chic but will elongate your legs.
• For a different contrast, accessorize nude with gold necklaces, cuffs and statement rings. The contrast works well with lighter silk and chiffon fabrics.
• Don't be afraid to mix different nude tones into your outfit.
• Buy jackets and tops in shades that complement your skin tone.
• Try pairing off white pants or jeans with a leather nude jacket.
