Nude heels are the quiet workhorse of a shoe wardrobe. They go with almost everything, they don't compete with the rest of your outfit, and the right pair makes your legs look longer. That last part is the catch: a nude heel only does its job if the shade is close to your own skin tone.
Below is how to pick the right nude, the outfits that make the most of it, and what to look for when you buy. For more shoe and bag ideas, browse Shoes & Bags.
What do you wear with nude heels?
Nude heels go with tailored trousers, midi and maxi dresses, cropped jeans, pastel colors and most neutrals. Choose a shade close to your skin tone so the shoe blends into your leg, and let the rest of the outfit carry the color.
First, pick your nude
"Nude" should mean close to your skin, not a single shade of beige. When the shoe matches the skin on the top of your foot, the line from leg to toe looks unbroken, which is what creates that longer-leg effect.
- Fair skin: pale beige, blush or light sand.
- Light to medium skin: warm beige, soft tan or camel.
- Medium to deep skin: caramel, honey or toffee.
- Deep skin: chestnut, mocha or espresso.
Check the color in daylight, with bare feet or your usual hosiery, and look at the top of your foot rather than the shoe on its own. If you're between two shades, go with the one closer to your skin.
The outfits
1. The classic nude pump
A pointed nude pump is the shoe to buy if you only buy one. The pointed toe and the skin-tone shade together make the leg look as long as possible, which is why it works so well under dresses and cropped trousers.
Wear it with: a midi dress, tailored cropped trousers or a pencil skirt and a fine knit.
2. Nude sandals with soft pastels
Pastels and nude heels are made for each other. A sage top, cream denim and nude sandals keep everything soft and light, and the shoe disappears so the color of the top does the talking.
Wear it with: cream or white jeans, a sage or blush top and small gold jewelry.
3. Pale heels under long trousers
With long, flared trousers, a pale pointed heel peeking out at the hem keeps the line clean from waist to floor. Nude and cream shoes do this better than black, which cuts the leg off at the ankle.
Wear it with: cream flared trousers, a soft blouse and a brown tote bag.
4. Nude block sandals for weddings and long days
For weddings, garden parties and anything that means standing for hours, a nude block-heel sandal is the sensible pretty choice. The shade works with every color of guest dress, and the block heel won't sink into grass.
Wear it with: a floral or pastel midi dress and a small clutch.
5. Nude wedges for warm-weather weekends
A nude wedge gives you height without the wobble. It's the most comfortable way to wear a heel with a summer dress, and the platform makes wide-leg trousers hang beautifully.
Wear it with: a linen sundress or wide-leg linen trousers and a simple tank.
Where nude heels work best
In deep winter, when outfits are mostly dark and heavy, a nude heel can look a little light. That's when a brown or burgundy heel often looks more balanced.
What to look for when you buy
- The shade first. Everything above comes back to this. Take your time, and try the shoe on bare skin in daylight.
- Toe shape. A pointed toe lengthens the leg most. An almond toe is a softer everyday option. A round toe looks more casual.
- A low-cut vamp. Shoes that show more of the top of your foot continue the leg line further, which adds to the lengthening effect.
- Heel height. A mid heel is easiest for work. A stiletto is dressier. A block heel or wedge is the most comfortable for long days and outdoor events.
- Material. Patent wipes clean and looks polished. Suede looks soft and warm but marks more easily, so it's better for dry days. Smooth leather is the easiest all-rounder.
- Fit. Try heels on later in the day, when your feet are at their largest, and make sure the heel doesn't slip when you walk.
Nude heels and tights
Nude heels are usually worn with bare legs, but they work with tights too if you choose carefully.
- Sheer tights in your skin tone keep the longer-leg effect. Choose a matte finish; shiny tights can look dated.
- Sheer black tights with nude heels break the line, so they're better saved for black heels. If you want to wear black tights, switch to a darker shoe.
- Bare legs look most natural in warm weather. A little body lotion or a light shimmer helps the skin and shoe look seamless.
- Ankle straps cut the line of the leg slightly. If you want the longest look, choose a pump without a strap.
FAQ
Do nude heels go with everything?
Nearly everything. They're at their best with dresses, tailoring, light colors and neutrals. With very dark winter outfits, a darker shoe can look more balanced.
Should nude heels match your skin tone exactly?
Close is enough. Aim for a shade within a step or two of your skin. If you're choosing between two, pick the one nearer your own tone.
Are nude heels good for work?
Yes. A nude pump in leather with a mid heel is one of the most useful work shoes you can own. It goes with every color of suit and doesn't draw attention.
Nude heels or black heels, which should I buy first?
If you mostly wear light colors, dresses and neutrals, start with nude. If your wardrobe leans dark, black is the more useful first pair.
The bottom line
Nude heels only work their magic when the shade is close to your skin, so start there. After that, they're the easiest heel you'll own: wear them with dresses, tailoring, pastels and cream, and let the rest of the outfit bring the color. For more ideas, browse all our outfit ideas.
