What to Wear Instead of Nude Heels
Readers have been having some interesting conversations about nude heels lately — is the “nude-for-you” look out? Is it still a classic that isn't necessarily trendy but isn't out, either? If you're not wearing nude pumps, what shoes should you wear instead of nude heels? I'd love to hear your thoughts…
Are Nude Heels “Out”?
While the heyday of Duchess Kate wearing nude heels has passed, I'm not sure they're necessarily “out.” Instead, I think they remain a versatile look for a lot of women, especially in springtime, and especially if they tend to wear more dresses than pants.
I would argue that nude-for-you heels are a classic, and if you have a pair you love, you should keep wearing them. I tend to think that if you have a classic, feminine style of dressing, then they will always be in, and I honestly will be shocked if they don't swing back around as a “trend” in the next 10 years.
Where to Find Nude Heels in 2024
There are still a ton of places selling nude heels in 2024 — and companies that focus on a wide range of nudes, from pale pinks to deep browns.
Companies specializing in nude heels for every skin tone include Naturalizer, Rebecca Allen, and Kahmune.
Three specific heels we love that are likely to come in a wide range of neutral colors:
Would I Buy New Nude-For-Me Heels?
Well… probably not, to be honest. If I saw an amazing deal on a classic pump like the BB from Manolo or the Romy from Choo, then I probably would snag it, but I don't think it's the kind of thing where you need to run to DSW to get a nude-for-you heel.
What to Wear Instead of Nude Heels
I think there are a few other trends to keep in mind when considering what to wear instead of nude heels if that was your go-to in previous years — specifically the trends for the color brown, casual dressing, and maximalist dressing like metallic shoes and animal prints. (All with a nod to the fact that you can wear flats with a LOT more outfits than you used to in the past!)
Wear Brown Heels Instead of Nude-For-You Heels
Brown is having a huge moment, and I feel like tan, caramel, and milk chocolate colors are easy neutrals that are taking the place of beige or nude-for-you heels. (If these colors ARE nude-for-you, you can either choose to go darker or lighter for a bit of contrast, or not.)
Wear Metallic Shoes Instead of Nude Heels
I've noticed a lot of readers saying they're replacing their nude heels with metallic shoes, and I think that's a great swap — after all, metallics are great neutrals too.
Here are some of our latest favorite metallic shoes for work (both in heels and flats, since flats are so much more omnipresent with work outfits today…)
Go Even MORE Casual
As work dressing is getting more and more casual, a number of other things might be appropriate for settings where previously you'd have grabbed a nude heel or nude flat. (In particular I think these might look great with non-sheath-dress options, whether it's a midi skirt or a cropped kick flare pant…)
The two big things to consider here: sneakers for work outfits and nude-for-you sandals.
Some cute, highly-reviewed nude-for-you sandals for 2024 (but seriously, know your office!!) (You can find all of our latest favorite nude heels for work here.)
Readers, what are your thoughts? Are nude heels “out”? What are you wearing instead of nude heels?
Social media image credit: Deposit photos / ArturVerkhovetskiy.
I asked about pantyhose a few weeks ago when I started a new job in the federal government. Most commenters said they hadn’t seen pantyhose worn in probably a decade. I tended to agree as I hadn’t seen it in banking either. Well, over the course of the past few weeks, I’ve noticed my new boss AND her boss both wear nude pantyhose, lol.
I lucked out with offices. As far as I can tell, my boss has an everyday hoodie and a “nice” hoodie.
I’ve been a practicing lawyer for almost 20 years and haven’t seen a woman under age 60 (who is probably retired now) wearing hose. I’ve never owned a pair.
the me quote above seems likely to be an exaggeration but generally i agree. i too am a practicing attorney with 20 years experience and i haven’t worn panty house since my earliest days of practice and that was in a DAs office. I have not worn them in i don’t know how long and wouldn’t. when pressed i wear a pants suit but i either wear trouser socks or just a bare foot.
I’m a federal lobbyist, and I still wear panthose or tights when it’s cold or chilly out. I’m probably the exception, but I’m not going bare legged when it’s below 65 degrees. Back in the day, I wore pantyhose even when I was 9 months pregnant.
I think a lot of people just aren’t looking closely (and why would they?) when I hear these claims. Of course pantyhose aren’t ‘in’, but it’s also obviously not true that *no one* has worn them in *decades.* There’s still half an aisle of them at Target, so someone must be buying (and presumably wearing) them.
agreed. although one of the reasons i think skirt suits look so “on campus interview” is that no one i know would wear them because they would need to wear hose and a real shoe.
I wear them when it’s not summer. Most people I know do. We are in our 50s. Wee buy extremely sheer ones. I doubt anyone can tell. Dress shoes in bare feet are not my thing.
A prosecutor in her late 30s or early 40s in my area wears them in trial. I wish they would come back in style because I feel more confident in them since my legs are pale, veiny, and splotchy. And I much prefer skirts.
I just wore some socially to a semi formal event. I hadn’t worn them in years, but they are so useful! I went for really sheer coverage and didn’t feel like they stood out.
When I started working in an office in 1989, I had three pairs of pumps: black, white, and red! I am now looking at metallics but not the bright shiny silver! More the champagne colors that are closer to nude for me.
I am on team muted metallics as well: pewter, bronze, etc.