There’s really nothing like a pair of nude pumps. Not only does the heel give a boost in height and have your gams look toned, the flattering nude shade gives the illusion of a taller stature given that it’s a close hue to that of the skin. We also love how the shade is so versatile that it can be worn with just about any garment, and adds an instant polish to your ensemble.
Like lipsticks, the colour nude has been loosely defined and varies between brands and styles, but they often centre around a palette of beiges, corals, slate greys and blush pinks. Choose one that complements your skin tone — whether it is warm, neutral or cool — and note the depth, i.e. how light or dark-skinned you are, for a best match possible.
As a general rule of thumb, warmer skin tones look best in gold shades and can be complemented with coral and warm beiges, while cooler tones look best in silvers and greys. Those who are neutral-toned, take your pick according to your personal preference.
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This sophisticated pair of calf leather Burberry kitten-heel pumps will give you height while being comfortable enough to wear on the daily. Pair with a white shirt and black pencil skirt to channel Meghan Markle’s Rachel Zane in Suits.
The iconic Romy from Jimmy Choo is an oft-seen red carpet choice, so you can’t go wrong. Besides the 100mm high heel, the pointed toe of these pumps also helps to elongate your stature. Pair this with a sharp blazer and tailored trousers.
Christian Louboutin and its trademark red-bottomed shoes are the ultimate classic. If you’re wary about getting pinched toes, you might find the rounded almond toe of this glossy pair to be a more comfortable fit.
The Hangisi from Manolo Blahnik — with its signature jewelled buckle — will always, in pop culture that is, trace back to Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City. Made with champagne-coloured lace, this pair is oh-so-feminine, but you can juxtapose the pretty silhouette with a leather jacket and skinny jeans.
If the plastic shoe trend is too much for you but you love the barely-there peekaboo look, this mesh and suede pair from Alexander Wang is pretty much the best of both worlds. The elasticated slingback detail also ensures that the heel doesn’t slip off easily. We reckon that you can wear this with distressed denim and a sequinned tee.
A clever use of transparent PVC panelling gives this Gianvito Rossi piece a d’Orsay silhouette. Its neutral toned hue makes it versatile enough to match with both warm and cool toned outfits of your choice. We suggest wearing with a white T-shirt and corduroy trousers.
The Rockstud series is emblematic of Valentino footwear, with pieces being equal parts elegant and edgy. This cool-toned blush leather creation can be complemented with a cool-toned outfit or a silver metallic dress à la 2002 Paris Hilton.
Sporting a darker taupe shade, this pair of pumps work well for people with deeper skin tones. Be boardroom ready by pairing this fierce four-inch cigarette heel creation with a #girlboss pantsuit ensemble.
Made with soft suede, these Michael Kors pumps come with flattering cut-outs at the side. They can be worn with a summer dress for a weekend date or for work with your favourite workwear ensemble.
Not a fan of tottering around on skinny heels? Go for block heels instead — they are way more comfortable as they reduce the pressure on your arches, and are no less flattering in style. The clean lines of this Pazzion patent pair makes it great for a picnic date when worn with a floral dress.
Charles & Keith jazzed up the classic nude pump with the addition of shimmering sequins, making this pair way more fun yet still keeping its wearability.