Nude Shoes have been dotting the fashion horizon for awhile now. Long touted for their leg elongating abilities, it’s a current footwear trend I must confess to being a little slow on the uptake on – My “wacky getups” (Yes – I do take that as a compliment) seem to demand a substantial shoe to anchor down all the hijinx above. I’ve tried nude shoes on here and there but always felt a little, well, naked.

But like skinny-dipping, sooner rather than later it’s better to just take the plunge. And here’s why: Not only will nude shoes serve as the perfect foundation for the pretty prints and florals currently decorating summer’s minis and shorts, they’ll work for all the looks coming down the line next season and beyond.

Fall is all about structured minimalism – call it the Celine effect. Phoebe Philo’s influential collection set the tone for fall’s pared down preciseness, a discipline that includes color. Think architectural and well-cut in camel, beiges, khakis, and add in more camel for good measure. Serving as a calm focus to all this constructural refinement, the nude shoe is a clarifying complement.

The recent resort 2011 collections – historically considered vacation clothes for those who could escape chilly winters for tropical climes, now seen as uncomplicated and wearable early spring fashions – were filled with lace and ladylike sixties references, the nude shoe determining the provenance of many of the silhouettes. See Stella McCartney’s collection for the most Shrimpton-esque interpretation of resort dressing.

And one more reason to go bare: Fashion’s ongoing love affair with all things gray. Whether its heather, steel, or charcoal; gray is a color that’s not going anywhere for a very long time. Nude pairs so nicely together – it’s my favorite new color combo. You try it. It’s hue heaven or, to be chromatically correct, its shade Shangri-la!

My ethical picks for nude shoes:

1. Vivienne Westwood Anglomania + Melissa Lady Dragon Ball peep toe heels.

2. Olsen Haus’ Balance 2 peep-toe pump with cork platform and heel.

3. Olsen Haus’ Atlantis disco heel in copper with grey faux suede.

4. Cri de Coeur’s Nude Emma elastic wedge sandal.

5. Vivienne Westwood Anglomania + Melissa 3 strap flat.

6. Coclico’s Ndakinna Mink clog bootie with spat-inspired draping.

7. Coclico’s Nymph Smoke peep-toe wedge sandal.

The post Don’t You Step on My Nude Shade Shoes appeared first on EcoSalon.