If you had sat in front of the television wide-eyed at this year?s Oscar awards, the number of sophisticated nude gowns and accessories that dotted the red carpet was unmistakable. Whether it was Miley Cyrus glittering in a buff-coloured Jenny Packham gown, Demi Moore?s ruffled Atelier Versace, Victoria Beckham?s nude ensemble with black detailing or Mariah Carey pairing her blue Valentino dress with nude peep-toes, the colour sizzled on the red carpet, caught the attention of shutterbugs and received the thumbs up from critics too.

The Little Nude Dress is now touted to be a wardrobe essential, right in line with the LBD, and that is saying a lot. But sporting a nude need not be a ?washed out? affair. If you carefully choose the right kind of nude to go with your complexion in the case of a dress, or pick the perfect accessories that goes with almost anything, you have just found your fashion saviour.

Elegant Ensemble

Nude can seldom be bold or aggressive. Its neutral colour seems more elegant and apt for flowy gowns and chic knee-length dresses. However, winter collections of some popular brands show nude overcoats blending in perfectly with black knee-length boots.

Dominating your look with the colour is a popular trend, where you can pair a nude Lanvin cocktail gown with matching sling backs, clutch and even neutral make-up, with variations in its texture and shine.

Fashion labels are also combining nude and black for a better effect, in the form of black lace, embellishments, detailing or belt in a striking nude dress.

You can also play up the subtle look by popping in a colour by way of a loud accessory - black pumps and tote, a siren red peep-toe with hot red lipstick, or simply a colourful chunky neck-piece or cuff.

Some neat picks from international fashion labels include pieces from Burberry Prorsum, BCBG, Herve Leger bandage dress, Valentino embroidered lace dress, Alexander Wang, Dolce & Gabbana, Lanvin and others. Indian designers too experiment with the colour - from Krishna Mehta?s nude tunics with intricate white motifs, to Tarun Tahiliani?s blingy saree and Rocky S?s shimmering dress with a black belt.

Accessories to off-set

Louboutin?s classic pumps, Fendi?s ?propah? tote, Stella McCartney?s flirty hobo, Diane Von Furstenberg winter gloves? the colour finds a prominent place in the look books of the biggies in the fashion business. While nude accessories can be teamed with a similar ensemble, it also helps tone down bright colours and clashing patterns with its neutral effect.

Interesting buys include Fendi?s Fendishire Mid-Shaft suede boots and clutches and bags, Stella McCartney?s tie-up sandals and hobo with a black handle and a pair of espadrilles from Jimmy Choo.

While Christian Louboutin nude peep-toe pumps has become a wardrobe staple,

Alexander McQueen?s Nude Studded Britannia Clutch (a smooth leather box in nude with gold tone studded union jack detail and a gold tone trim and Swarovski crystal detailed skull clasp) is a quirky hit.

There are also labels that pair nude shades with a bright colour in footwear and bags, and is ideally paired with a dress of the second colour.

Natural look

Nude make-up is delish when used intelligently and with the right outfits. It doesn?t make your face look pale but actually gives it a softer touch. While it blends in effortlessly with a nude ensemble, it lends innocence to the face when sporting a power look and cuts down on the kitschy quotient when donning a mix of loud colours.

Most brands have exclusive nude shades of foundation, concealer, lip gloss and balm and eye make-up. The trick is to pick the nude that goes best with your complexion and highlight it with the right colours for the perfect look.

Must-haves include Lancome?s Juicy Tubes Rose Fishnets, a rose-nude shade lip gloss, Burberry?s Nude Glow and DiorSkin Nude fluid foundation.

Want to go nude? Don?t worry, it no longer raises eyebrows!

What is nude colour?

This colour is a fashion controversy of sorts. There has been a lot of debate about the use of the term nude and its racist allegiance to the fair skinned. Critics say the ?nude? shade varies with the wearer?s complexion. Despite all the hullabaloo, ?nude? remains high up in 2010?s hottest trend list. Nude covers a range of subtle and pastel hues which are fleshy, creamy and peachy. The colours used by fashion labels that fall under its umbrella are chalk, crozo, dust, birch, putty, light beige, tan, buff and others.

For that diva look

-Pick a silhouette that flatters you and is not too tight

-If you want to maintain the subtle look yet experiment with colours, team your nude drape with ivory, light gold or grey accessories

-Nude pumps go best with black, green, yellow and red dresses

-Wear a bright belt on a nude cocktail dress for just the right pop of colour or a nude belt with a brilliant dress for that much-needed break

-Also pick up nude jewellery if you want to seal the look

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW