Nude Tones

They say that fashion is cyclical and that everything comes back (hello, power shoulders and hippie headgear!), but who knew the turnaround would be so fast! You see, dear readers, around this time last year, your trusty WhoWhatWear.com editors reported on an exciting new spring trend: New Nudes. And while that was then and this is now, this pale palette still feels decidedly fresh and evergreen this season. From blush to beige to ecru and eggshell right now neutral apparel has some serious appeal. Of course, there are a few differences to the way our favorite fashion-philes are incorporating this hue into their repertoire, so we are happy to highlight all the particulars in today's How They Wear: Nude Tones feature!


Nude is nice for an elegant evening event, as our two favorite KatesBosworth and Mossprove. Seen at the Love Ball in London, Moss went for a Chiffon Tank Top Embroidered With Pearls from the Valentino Spring 2010 Couture collection and Christian Louboutin's Pigalle Python Pumps ($995). The texture and eye-catching pop of color plus the subtly patterned heels add up to a truly successful lavish look. Be sure to try this Asymmetrical Ruffle Dress ($348) from Milly, Camilla & Marc's Constantine Dress ($560), or Topshop's Lace Slip ($90) for some similarly fantastic styles!

Alternatively, you can keep your nude number sleek and minimal and achieve stellar results, too. For example, Kate Bosworth, who attended the Calvin Klein-hosted Los Angeles Nomadic Division party, stunned in the Brownstone Jacquard Stretch Dress ($1795, 212.292.9000), Beige Suede and Metal Clutch ($695), and Sienna Calf Wedges ($495)all by Calvin Klein Collection. We are particularly fond of the way her scarlet lip and shoes totally update the tried and true body-con off-the-shoulder silhouette. (On a side note: try Torn by Ronny Kobo's Kate Jeweled Shoulder Dress ($275) for an amazing alternative!)

Another way to wear neutrals is to play with shape and proportion, as the lovely Caroline Sieber wisely did. Sieber opted for a beautiful Valentino Side-Draped Dress ($4590) while attending the fashion house's Haute Couture S/S 2010 at Couvent des Cordeliers. The oversized scale of the swirled organza bow adds a fashion-forward feel to her pale party frock, and we love how she tempered the drama of the dress with dark textured stockings and chic Chanel soles. Though it's not quite as bold, we also like Diane von Furstenberg's Milton Dress ($465) for it's Sieber-like style!

Of course, some of our style stars are reaching for a nice nude-noir mash up, and that is perfectly fine with us, considering how fresh it feels for spring. For example, Chanel beauty ambassador Poppy Delevigne opted for a crème colored jacket and blouse with skinny black trousers when she attended the Vanessa Paradis-hosted Chanel Rouge Coco dinner during NYFW, while Olivia Palermo opted for a high-contrast combo on a recent UK visit. Seen here at The Langham Hotel in London, Palermo mixed up her muted Friends With Benefits Giselle Tweed Jacket ($1000) and Alba Tweed High Waisted Shorts ($400) by adding Freda's Silk Vest ($219). Adding a layer of silky sheen in a soft champagne shade is a seriously smart strategy, so make sure to check out Tucker's Camisole ($176) and wear it under your favorite jackets all season long!

And while contrast is a chic choice, we also like how Ashley Olsen kept the palette of her ensemble consistent. Snapped at the S/S 10 Tommy Hilfiger show at Bryant Park, Olsenwho is still riding the wave of excellent press she received from The Row's first runway showlooked gorgeous in an all-griege outfit. A pair of The Row pantsor these Narrow Capri Pants ($595) from Piazza Sempionecombined perfectly with a heather Tommy Hilfiger top, proving that two lights can most definitely make a right.