A not-so-profound style realization

Watching passers-by in the airport, I've realized that I don't like clothing that gives the illusion that someone forgot to put on a piece of clothing. For example: short shorts or skirts with long tops that could make it look like the wearer is pantsless, or close-fitting dresses/skirts/pants/leggings/swimwear that are super close to the wearer's skin tone and give the illusion of partial or full nudity. Perhaps I'm a bit of a prude?

I can wrap my brain around taupe if it's distinct enough from the wearer's complexion. But most of the time tight layers that are close to a person's skin color gives me the fleeting impression that someone isn't actually wearing that item, be it a top or pants, and I'm assuming that's not what most people want the reaction to be to what they wear.

But I like clothing combinations that give the illusion of wearing fewer layers/separates. For example: dark skinny jeans and boots in a similar shade; wearing semi-opaque hose that's close to the color of shoes, pairing a top with a similarly or identically hued skirt to create the effect of a dress (something I did a lot last year with my chartreuse pencil skirt and dolman-sleeved sweater.)

ETA: Also, I like and wear "nude" shoes, maybe because I'm not uncomfortable at the idea of someone "forgetting" to wear shoes as I am about other pieces of clothing.

What's your take on these effects?

13 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I avoid like the plague anything that is the color of my skin on any part of my body.

K. Period.

Yup. I learned my lesson when I was 18 and bought a pair of almost-nude-tone leggings. I got so many double takes and comments that I vowed never again. Nude shoes I don't mind in the slightest (like you). I also don't mind artful suggestions of nudity when a person is going for a very seductive cocktail look. However, like you, I don't want to do a double take when someone walks by in shorts and a long tunic. Unless it is a beach cover up, all tops and bottoms should be accounted for!

Caro in Oz

I agree - apart from shoes. On the rare occasions I wear heels I find my nude shoes work with everything, maybe because they are a pinky beige which is the colour of my skin. Although since seeing Angie's blush jacket.........

Oops, I'm making an exception for my nude-to-me heels.

April

I agree completely, Kari -- and I can't even get used to "nude" shoes for this reason. I just don't like the look against my skin.

bj1111

this is how i feel about the exposed jean zip. makes it look like the wearer forgot to zip up.

rachylou

I'm afraid of seeing something I don't want to see. I don't consider it prudery.

Once climbed a trail up beside a small waterfall. At the top of the waterfall, whoa! A colony of nudists. Pale, potbellied nudists. Not pretty. Not pretty at all.

rae

(website)

I hear you loud and clear! I passed on a karen kane dress recently - and tan jeans this weekend - for this very reason. I also really like my nude shoes to at least have a different texture, like snakeskin or patent or suede. As for the low contrast top/bottom/boot thing, I like a nice long line as well.

Anonymous

Yep, no skin color anything for me either.

Echo

While I completely agree with you and would never wear skin-toned pieces other than shoes, I differ in that I think that most wearers know full-well what they are doing and the impression it gives. They have mirrors I presume; they know what they look like and they WANT others to do a double-take.

But now that I consider the issue more fully, I rather like lace dresses with nude linings. And prudish pieces like midi dresses with conservative necklines in an almost-nude (but not mistaken for skin colour nude) are oddly appealing to me when done properly. Maybe this is along the same notion others have mentioned about taupe and it being just different enough from skin tone while still being neutral.

Opsy, wait... I do like lace over nude lining and nude shoes....

Kari

Echo, thinking about it, I like lace with nude lining as long as the lace isn't also nude. But I see where that look may not be appropriate-for example, I dont think dark lace with a nude-to-me layer would be appropriate in most workplaces. It seems more cocktail hour or date night wear to me.

To Rae's point, I've also grown to prefer nude shoes that slightly contrast to my skin tone, through texture or color. For instance, I use pale yellow lace-up pumps as my favorite "nude" shoe.

I think only nude looking pants give me this reaction. Heck, I own blush tops and nude pumps myself lol.

Rachylou: my childhood hometown has a nudist colony that sponsors an annual "bare buns fun run" up a mountain. (No, I haven't and don't plan to participate!)

Mo, just to clarify, I see your blush tops as being distinct enough from your skin tone (and many of them have a sheen or different texture) that it doesn't give me that reaction. Matte, body-fitting knits seem to be the most problematic. I especially love the blush jackets that you, Aida, and Angie have; the leather is substantial and structured and the color is a lot more pink than your skin.
(I can't wear blush myself; it's one of my zombie-fying, soul-sucking colors.)

Aziraphale

Yep, I agree with you. When I was in college, I had a nude-ish ballet-type top -- you know, scoop neck with tight long sleeves -- that I used to wear under a loose chambray shirt that I would leave partially undone. One day I was out with friends at a dark club and one of them said, Oops, your top button's come undone, and went to do it up for me. Then she realized I was wearing a full-coverage top underneath, but it looked just like skin tone in the dim lighting -- she thought I was giving the boys a show. I never wore the top after that.

ramya

Been there done thst sadly...
Wore a beige legging with a tunic (indian Kammez) style couple of years ago and my friend mentioned that she thought I wore a dress :D...
I Never realized it was close to my skin tone before that. And stopped wearing it immediately

I'm with you Kari. I would wear tan/khaki pants but never a nude legging. Nude shoes are more flattering to my speckled legs if they have a texture or print (like leopard) as well. I just bought my daughter a nude camisole and I'm having misgivings already. She's enjoying my horrified reaction before I realize she has it on under certain low-cut tops!

LOL rachylou!

For the most part, I don't like nude colors--particularly tops. I want people to know I'm fully clothed. They shouldn't have to do a double take, or ask me, to find out.

Isabel

Ruth LOL ! I LOVE that as a rule of thumb, if someone HAS to ask , then maybe it is too skin toned.

Kari, that is interesting and I totally agree. I had never thought of it in those terms. But you are right !

Lisa

The lightest I will go with footwear is tan. I like a little bit of contrast. Like you Kari, I'm not a fan of forgotten clothing. But I do like the illusion of a longer line that pairing similar hose and shoes will bring.

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