The new nudes

Don’t look now, but this is the spring and summer that we all get naked – from top to bottom.

There is nothing “down and dirty” about it, however, because this is a rather clean and minimalist trend.

Top-to-toe nude wearing has come about partially because of this season’s preoccupation with the trouser suit and, to some degree, the all-in-one. Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere sent down the runway sleek, double-breasted trouser suits in a pale banana-caramel shade of nude, in a fluid fabric teamed with a white crop top and accessorised with black shiny ankle boots, buttons and finger rings, for added definition and edge. Chloe, meanwhile, showed long-line fine shell/oatmeal fine cotton jackets with yellow silk shorts and white high-neck chiffon shirts, finished with gold pointy pumps – demure yet exotic. Maxmara turned out rich caramel, oversized, relaxed military-style jackets over matching fabric hobble straight skirts and vests for a luxurious safari look.

One of the features of new nudes is that they encompass all skin shades, rather than sticking to the paler end of the spectrum, bringing richness and variety of texture and tone and making for a far more wearable and interesting look. So, nudes come in many different tones, which suit different colourings, although it is not always easy to decide which works best for you. Some neutral beiges, for example, have a pinkish undertone, some yellow, while some edge to a greyer end of the spectrum, veering into the blues and greens. Hold the fabric up against your face and neck to see which warm you up and which wash you out.

This season, shine is all-important and it is making neutrals much easier to wear, so make sure you mix gold in with the ivory and beige end of the nude spectrum and maybe some silver in with the sea-grey end, while try pale shimmering bronze with pale shell pink.

Leather has also gone nude for spring, so look out for butter and caramel supple and soft fine leather for tunic dresses, jackets, wide tabard tops and even dirndl style skirts with high waistbands that cinch in the waist.

This season’s slouchy sports layered looks (or luxe) also work especially well in nudes and neutrals. Helmut Lang showed pale apricot, cropped, bagged pants, teamed with loose, white-edged, pale mink vest tops and jackets, while Daks teamed ivory, loose, oriental wrap-style trousers with loose, filmy tabard tops and A-line, pale putty swing jackets. Nude and white is a seasonal classic pairing – clean, contemporary and seemingly effortless in its elegance.

Nudes offer an enticing option for evening wear, surprisingly varied too, from frilled looks to pared-down minimalism (although feel free to add sequins).

Twitter: @yorkshirefashQ