While neutral flesh tones have been popular in footwear and makeup over the past several seasons, they are now making their way to apparel.

What colour is ''nude''? The fashion industry uses the term to describe tke skin tone colour from off-white through pale rose to gold. The fact that the term doesn't take dark skinned women into consideration is potentially offensive, because it excludes black-skinned women from adopting the trend. So can one call a dress colour ''nude'' when it really depends on the wearer?

The creative director of Hanky Panky, Gale Epstein, claims that it would be politically incorrect to use "nude" to indicate a skin colour as "There is a wide range for skin tone colours. Human skins tones are a whole colour palette unto themselves".

On the other hand "There is nothing on a woman more beautiful than having them wear their essence or skin tone", says celebrity stylit, David Zyla, and adds that "It's about the woman and this drape of fabric around her, not about a jewelled collar or puffed sleeve or big skirt."

„Nude” proved a S/S 2011 hit on the runways. The champagne-coloured beige was a dominating colour in the entire collection of French Chloe. The creative director Hannah MacGibbon used delicate fabrics and muted, dreamy tones. Nude, leather tiny tops paired with pleated midid skirts looked amazing.

Shoes Bronx
alabaster patent
59 GBP
Pumps Buffalo
natural
59 GBP
Pumps Blink
blush
39 GBP More: nude shoes


Felipe Baptista, the former creative director of Lacoste, chose ''nude'' as the complementary colour in his collection. The whole came out sporty and avant-garde, but completely wearable.

Sandals Blink
saturn
25 GBP
sandals Mascha
beige
39 GBP
Sandals FLY London
red
79 GBP More: Shoes in red


As for Max Mara, the nude was competing with color blocking hues. Devoted customers of the house won't be disappointed with the suits, coats and overalls in champagne-sand hue and violet accents.

pumps Bruno Premi
ametista
69 GBP
Pumps Blink
dahlia
45 GBP
Shoes FLY London
purple
89 GBP More: Shoes in pink


Remember that the "non-colour" trend requires quality fabrics and classic cuts. Only then will they flatter the silhouette. Because nude colors tend to wash out some skin tones, mix nudes with some colourful accents.