Nail the Nude Look Like the Stars

You know those fashion trends you see on celebrities that make you stop and think, “Wow, I could never pull that off?” Like overalls or purple hair, for example, or even — and this is a particularly challenging one — socks with sandals? Well, there’s one star-inspired trend for spring that you can totally do yourself and look high fashion while doing it: nude outfits and accessories. No, we’re not talking about the kind of bare-all look Divergent actress Maggie Q shocked us in at last week’s premiere. We’re talking the nude-colored clothing, bags, shoes, and more that celebrities like Anna Kendrick and Lucy Hale have been stylishly sporting on the red carpet.

Still not convinced you can completely pull it off? That’s why we’ve rounded up five rules to wearing the nude trend using tips and tricks straight from our favorite stars. Check them out:

1. Find the best shade of nude for your skin tone

One reason nudes can be tricky to master is that they can easily wash you out if you don’t choose the right shade for your skin tone. Ladies with fair skin should stick to light, almost blush pink shades to highlight their natural color, while ladies with olive or darker skin tones can pull off everything from beige to creamy nude hues.

2. Use a subtle print to add visual appeal

If you feel like a nude ensemble is just too blasé for your taste, spice it up with a subtle print, like snakeskin or floral, or opt for a version in a lace or jacquard fabric for a bit more sartorial excitement.

3. Go long, but show some skin

Have your eye on a nude maxi dress or want to wear a nude gown to a formal event? Keep it from looking boring or too covered up by showing off a little skin, whether through a plunging neckline or sheer paneling (or both, like Rosario Dawson!).

4. Make a nude ensemble pop with a bright lip

Many stars like to rock a nude lip with their blush or beige outfits, but if that’s too tame for you, choosing a shade of vivid lip color — like orange, coral, or even pastel pink or purple — can brighten up any nude look.

5. Anchor any look with a nude pump

Struggling to find the perfect shoe for that printed pant or want to keep all eyes on your dazzling dress? Finishing off your look with a nude heel is the simplest fix and can add a bit of classically chic feminism to every ensemble. Just remember to stick with a shade that matches your skin tone as closely as possible, as it will blend into your foot and create the appearance of mile-long legs.

Now that you’ve mastered the five simple, celeb-inspired rules of wearing nude this spring, it's time to get out there and bare it all in the most fashionable way possible.