Going ‘nude’ this spring is a must! We're not talking birthday suits...we're talking clothing! With all the hype surrounding fashionable nude hues this spring, you’re probably wondering, “How can I wear them without looking washed out?” Because nude entails a range of colors, from creamy beiges to cocoa browns, it’s important to pick a shade that will help you shine!
We asked Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, Astrid Brucker, celebrity designer, and Katharine Polk, celebrity stylist, to fill us in on how to flatter your fabulous self.
The nude shade you pick should depend on your skin tone. Eiseman says that a great ‘nude’ on one person could look totally drab on another, so choose carefully and try before you buy. Never match directly to your skin – it’s guaranteed to wash you out. Brucker says the secret is to play off the red or yellow tints within your own skin tone. If your skin is fair and rosy, go for a blue-colored nude or a green-tinted beige. If your skin has more of a yellow cast, warm nudes look hot, so try out tan shades (like Jennifer Lopez, below.) Peachy skin? Grab something peach that’s a little darker than your skin tone. And for those with darker skin, cocoa is always flattering!
Sylvain Gaboury / PR Photos
Can’t live without the bronze, pink, or olive tones you love, but are afraid you’re getting too close to your natural coloring? Polk has a few suggestions. Basic black will make any nude pop - a black cami underneath a sheer blouse is striking and sexy. Same goes for colors like brown, navy and gray. Vibrant citrus hues are also fun to play with, so if you’re looking for something more colorful, pair a bold pink or orange blouse with a nude blazer for a fun silhouette.
Texture is also important to look for when ‘going nude’ because it adds shading and dimension. Ruching, fringe, and flouncy fabrics ensure you won't drown in neutrals, while lace and mesh patterns are flirty and fabulous!
