Sure, we all know what wardrobe essentials for work professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.
Ah, springtime — as we all get ready to pull out our spring-y whites and pastels, it’s time for our annual roundup of nude heels for work. I’m pleased to report that the selection of stylish skin tone pumps in 2019 is vastly improved from what it was even five years ago — there are a TON of brands really focusing on offering skin tone shoes for everyone, including Target, Naturalizer, Louboutin, Rebecca Allen, Nubian Skin, and House No. 3028. Of course, it should be noted, there’s nothing wrong with wearing a shade that doesn’t match your skin tone if you just happen to like the particular shade. Readers, what are your thoughts — are you on the hunt for stylish skin tone pumps for work right now, or do you have a favorite from previous years? (Does anyone have thoughts on pantyhose and skin tone pumps?)
Hall of Famers (specific styles that have stood the test of time): MK Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, AK Anne Klein, Mark Fisher LTD, Sam Edelman, 1.State, Everlane, Manolo Blahnik, CC Corso Como, Ferragamo, Jimmy Choo- Brands Specializing in Varied Skin Tones: Target (A New Day), Naturalizer, Louboutin, Rebecca Allen, Nubian Skin, House No. 3028
- Under $100: Calvin Klein, MK Michael Kors, Rockport Total Motion, AK Anne Klein, CC Corso Como, Vince Camuto
- Low Heels: Calvin Klein (1.5″), Ferragamo (1.5″), Vionic (2″), Anne Klein (2.25″), Rockport Total Motion (2″), Everlane (2″) (see our full roundup of low nude pumps for work over at CorporetteMoms!)
- Extended widths (AA, C, W): Target (M/W), Vionic (MW), Rockport (NMW), Ferragamo (2A, B, C), Trotters (M,W, WW)
- Extended sizes (4-13): Target (5-12), Calvin Klein (4-13), Ferragamo (4-11),
- Comfort: MK Michael Kors, Rockport Total Motion, Ferragamo, AK Anne Klein, Vionic, Trotters (don’t forget to check out our entire guide to comfortable heels!)
Target’s line, A New Day, offers an impressive six shades of nude — huzzah! (Other brands that are focusing on offering a wide range of skin tones include Naturalizer, Louboutin, Rebecca Allen, and Nubian Skin.) The pictured shoes are the color “Cocoa” and are $29.99, available in regular and wide widths sizes 5-12.
I love the little details here — particularly the asymmetric cap toe, which adds not only a dose of style but also makes me think the shoe might last a bit longer. I also love the cone heel, which feels a bit avant-garde — and a low heel never hurts. (We’ve rounded up other low heels in the bulleted list at top; there’s also this lovely d’Orsay option from Sole Society for $60.) The pictured shoe is on sale for $70.
Not only is Banana Republic offering a TON of skin tone shades this season, they’re also promising 18 hours of comfort. Nice! (Shades offered include deep brown suede, chestnut brown suede, biscotti suede, beige leather, and cool beige patent.) It’s great to see that they come in slightly extended sizes (5-12), and, being Banana Republic, there’s sure to be a 40% or 50% off sale soon. The shoe is $118 full price.
Know your office before trying the transparent trend! It is no longer just a budget option and can be found in the splurge end of shoes — so if you work in a creative, casual office, this shoe might be appropriate. But again, know your office before trying this 4″ heel from Schutz, on sale at Nordstrom for $116. They also have a neon option that’s kind of awesome, as well as a lower version of the beige/transparent pump.
Boden always has darling shoes, and these are no different if this shade of pinky beige is calling your name. I like the racing stripe detail on the heel of the shoe, and I always like a little bit of a strap. These are $180-$190 and come in other colors, including a very happy yellow.
I don’t think we’ve yet discussed MM.LaFleur’s new line of shoes — what say you, ladies? I know some people were disappointed that the shoes came at such a high price point (these pumps are $365), but that feels right to me — in line with Stuart Weitzman, Sarah Jane Parker, and Cole Haan prices, yet lower than Sarah Flint and other designer-y options like Choo and Manolo.
Some other fun ones we found, pictured at the very top and here:
top row: dark brown / pointy-toed pink block heel / beige pointy-toed stiletto / pink Mary Jane heels
row two: round-toe block heel / pointy-toe mocha block heel
row three: caramel stiletto / beige stilettos / caramel block heel / transparent stiletto
Like this feature? Check out other recent installments! Curious about older editions of this roundup? Check them out here: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2011, 2011, 2009, 2008 (awww, just a few weeks after the blog was born).
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Ms B
Are “nude for me” shoes over? Or only if they have platform soles?
Discuss amongst yourselves.
Anonymous
They are not over if they are suede with block heels.
But can you carry a water bottle while wearing them?
Panda Bear
‘Nude’ patent looks a bit dated to me, but suede or regular leather configurations still appeal to me. (I would NEVER go for that transparent plastic though, my god.) Overall though I prefer something nude-adjacent – e.g. a pale blush, light pinky-grey, or snakeskin that sort of blends with my skin color but doesn’t match it exactly.
Pretty Primadonna
I would submit “nude for me” shoes are not over, especially if in suede or leather and I appreciate the brands who are including darker tones in their collections. Patent leather shoes are over in general.
Cat
Platform or not, nude patent is over. Nude matte leather, I just realized I haven’t worn my pair in probably 2 years. I choose gray or snakeskin matte leather instead. Nude suede, I wear a TON.
AliC
I love my nude patent leather Choo’s. Super comfy and go with almost everything :-)
Biggestballsintheroom
I will forever love my nude Naturalizer Michelle pump. Platform and all.
Anonymous
Yeah I have two pairs and I need wides and a rounder toe box.
Have you tried their Whitney pump – I have two of these as well, suede and block heels.
Anon
Everlane knock-off for 1/3 the price: https://factory.jcrew.com/p/womens-clothing/shoes/pumpsandheels/anya-suede-block-heels/H7806
I have it in 3 colors.
Anon
Ooh, would you say they’re comfortable?
Anon
I’m a lobbyist, and they’re one of my regular Hill day shoes. They’re not a cushy, padded, “comfort shoe,” but they’re very walkable. Caveat that my feet always have trouble with shoes with elasticized heels, and I did have blisters for the first two wears until I got used to them. But I can and do wear them easily for 6+ hours of walking around.
AliC
I have Stuart Weitzman Laney pump and it is a pointed toe with block heel and can wear these all day running around a giant convention hotel and convention center. Beautiful heel and super comfy. Got them 40% off on Stuart Weitzman site
DC Munchies
I’m interested in buying CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) shares for the Spring/Summer seasons and I’d love to hear if anyone has experience with participating in one. I’m in the DC metro, but would appreciate any feedback from the hive.
Anonny
I am not from DC, but I have participated in my local CSA for 4 years(!) now. I am a very adventurous vegan eater, so in theory a CSA should be easy, but the first year was hard, it was an adjustment to learning how to store so much produce and force myself to find creative solutions. From year 2 onward I have mastered the process, I know how to pickle cucumbers, make pesto and tomato sauce from scratch, freeze certain steamed veggies etc. It has been a great exercise in food preparation and health. I get the “large” box my farm offers for two active adults.
Curly
I LOVE my CSA share and have been participating in various ones for years. I’m not in the DC metro, but can share my experience from a mid-sized southern city.
The things I love about the CSA box are the variety, the mission (to support local farmers), and the convenient supply of fresh veggies all summer. My CSA actually delivers to my workplace, so it is incredibly convenient. My biggest tip is to make sure the pick up and/or delivery is convenient for you. I’ve participated in programs before where I had to drive significantly out of my way, and it made me start to resent it a bit and I would even skip getting my shares sometimes. Another consideration might be the day of the week it’s delivered. If you typically eat out Friday-Sunday, you might not want to choose a CSA that delivers on Thursdays.
The only thing I don’t like is when we get to a weird part of the season where there’s an overabundance of something I don’t care for and not much else growing (so.much.squash.). My other tip is to consider the size of the CSA. In my area there are a lot of options, from big co-ops to small family farms. I tend to prefer the bigger programs because there’s more variety and abundance in the shares. For example, with the bigger orgs, I get enough carrots for a couple of meals rather than just 2 carrots at a time like I may have gotten with a smaller box. Every CSA I’ve participated in has been staffed by incredibly friendly and knowledgeable people, so also don’t be shy about asking questions. They also will typically include a recipe card or newsletter or something with suggestions for veggies you may not already use a lot.
From my friends’ experiences, the people who tend to dislike the CSA experience are: (a) people who sign up for an inconvenient pick up, (b) people who aren’t open to or don’t have time to try different foods, or (c) people who just want a convenient box every week. I include (c) because my friends who have that expectation tend to be frustrated when they get a bunch of eggplant several weeks in a row but only half a carton of strawberries. They may be adventurous, but they have a set idea of what they want to cook each week, and CSAs don’t always provide for that because the box is impossible to predict from week to week. Being able to be spontaneous about what you prepare is key, and I do think it helps to connect with the mission of a CSA. For those weeks where I’m getting a million squash, I deal with the sadness by reminding myself that I’m supporting something that’s important to me, even if it’s not perfect every week.
DC Munchies
Thank you! I’ve been making an effort to eat seasonally and support local food systems in my kitchen activities; it seems like a CSA is the next logical step in that direction. I’m looking at a few different options and leaning toward just picking up a 10 week share until I get a good feel for it!
Anon
You just inspired me to do the half box share for a local farm in the suburbs of Baltimore this summer – thanks for the inspo :)
DC Munchies
<3 yay! I've been hyping my SO up about the idea for months and am really looking forward to local veggies.
Curly
Yes, that’s a good idea! I tried a few and signed up just for the smallest box and amount of time until I found the one I really connected with. Now I sign up for almost year-round deliveries!
Redux
Hit me with your recs for women’s loafers or oxfords. My go-to black ballet flats are finally ready to be replaced and I want to try something a bit more structured. Also into this for the hip androgeny angle, but am a lawyer so cant get too hip if you know what I mean.
FFS
Even though you’re looking at black, Sam Edelman has some fun colors/patterns in the Lorraine. I like the Naturalizer loafers that are more like smoking slippers. The Steve Madden Feather loafer is good for a pointier toe, and Franco Sarto Susie has a nice pointed toe as well.
Bee
I love the Sam Edelman Lior loafer:
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/sam-edelman-lior-loafer-women/4690357
Super comfortable, easy to clean, has lasted me forever. I have them in white and black.
Miss
I love my coach loafers. They’re slim and conform to my feet so they’re very comfortable.
Anon
Have we talked about Kim K becoming a lawyer? Did I miss the post?
Fringe
I really don’t know what there is to talk about. She’s got time and money to burn, and it will at least be mentally stimulating. I have no doubts in her capabilities. She’s business savvy and without at least some forethought and marketing skill we wouldn’t even be talking about the Kardashians any more (yes, the OJ Simpson trial, and her dad’s ex-Olympian status were far from her creation and offered wonderful spring boards into the limelight, however staying in the limelight as long as they have is pretty impressive, imo). But other than that, this is about as interesting as gossiping about someone else’s hobbies. Why bother?
Anon
Because it’s ridiculous. Have you ever heard that woman talk? There’s no way she’s got the skills necessary to pass the bar exam.
catoma
then you my friend, must not have met a BOATload of absurd attorneys in California and the surrounding area.
There’s a reason why CA continues to prop up their whole unaccredited, everyone should be able to become a lawyer!, apprentice, first year law students exam system. (don’t get me wrong, I don’t have all praise for the law school ABA accreditation either…)
Anonymous
+1. If she passes the Baby Bar she’s on track. In addition, she wants to do public interest work, so let’s root for someone with her resources getting woke.
Anon
DEATH to the “nude for you” shoe, please!!!! I am sick of seeing someone in a jaw droppingly great outfit from the ankles up, only to deflate the whole thing with those null set shoes. Shoes are an accessory, folks! They should be just as perfect/unique/wonderful as the rest of the outfit. It is a huge let down when admiring an outfit, only to see a big nothing at the foundation of it all. Yes, there are times when NFY shoes are handy, i.e., your outfit is of a very distinctive color you could never match, but to me the barefoot look doesn’t make short legs look any longer and it screams you just didn’t want to make the effort to get the shoes right. I am the odd one out on this , I know.
Chris
I haven’t seen nudes for varied skin tones on the Louboutin site or in-store for ages now. I presumed that the launch few years ago was just a gimmicky campaign. Or is this just an Asia thing where only the fair dare to buy red soled nudes?