2019 Update: We still love this roundup of the perfect nude shoes, but you may want to check out our 2019 roundup of stylish skin-tone pumps for work — as well as our general guide to wardrobe essentials for work!
In “The Hunt,” we look at a variety of options for a working woman’s basic wardrobe.
Summer is approaching (or so they say) and that means nude legs. Whether one actually wears nude pantyhose or goes bare, the fact remains the same: Mama needs a good pair of beige shoes. In our experience here at Corporette, we’ve found that the closed-toe shoe is the only appropriate one for the office (the only exception is a peep toe, like the one at left). It hides a multitude of pedicure sins, and avoids anyone having to look at your toes which, let’s face it, are a little gross after walking outside even if your pedicure is fresh. Plus, you then have the freedom to get a crazy color on your toes — OPI’s Russian Navy or that Day-Glo stuff the fashion mags are hawking. However, finding the perfect summer nude shoes can be tricky. They should be as close as possible in color to your skin tone. And, really, no higher than 3.5″ — at the outside. It’s our opinion that any heel that is higher than 3.5″ is only appropriate in three circumstances:
- you are under 5′ tall and truly need the height to “fit in” with the grown-ups
- you are over 6 feet tall, and wear the highest heels you can find if only to intimidate the hell out of everyone you work with
- you remove your clothes for money (especially if we’re talking a 4″ shoe with a platform)
That said, some options:
First, below, some delicious Lizzie Leather D’Orsay pumps by Jimmy Choo (available at Saks). Gorgeous! At $585, they’re a bit on the pricey side, but you will wear these babies for years. Next up, Manolo Blahnik’s Campari Patent Mary Jane (available at Neiman Marcus) is great if you’re looking for something that’s walkable — yes, the heel is 3.5,” but the strap will keep them on your feet even if you’re wearing pantyhose.
 | Ooh la la, Jimmy Choo And Manolos! |  |
In a lower price range, we’ve got the Cole Haan slingbacks. The’re made with Nike Air technology so they’re comfortable throughout the day. (We’re not sure we’d pay basketball in them, but hey.) Around the same price you’ve got Stuart Weitzman’s Idol: classic, durable shoes with just a hint of sexiness for the office. Available at Zappos.
 | Left: Cole Haan. Right: Stuart Weitzman |  |
We’ve never bought the AK Anne Klein brand, but the “Christa” style is getting rave reviews at Zappos, and it certainly looks like it fits the bill — for about 1/3 the price of the Cole Haan/Stuart Weitzman options. Finally, just because you don’t want to spend $200 on shoes doesn’t mean you have to sit this round out — these Aerosoles shoes look great, and are probably pretty comfortable. They’re on sale for $39, too, so hurry.
 | Left: AK Anne Klein. Right: Aerosoles. | |
Curious about other editions of this roundup? Check them out here: 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2011, 2011, 2009, 2008 (awww, just a few weeks after the blog was born).
