Nude Cocktail Dresses: Do you Dare?

Is there anything sexier than the little black dress? Probably not. But I have to admit, I am so into stepping outside the norm. This season we have been bombarded with a slew of chic and fantastic cocktail dresses in every price range. From one-shoulder to backless to shimmering and bodycon, they're all great.

But I am so pissed that winter is coming, and so desperate to enjoy the ever-so-faint lingering tan I've managed not to lose completely. What's a girl to do? How about thinking outside of the box and choosing something not bright, not black, but... beige. (Check out the darling Dakota Fanning sporting the look at "The Runaways" premier, left)

Skin-tone frocks might historically have been for spring and summer outdoor soirees. But, this season why not say, "To hell with convention!" and pair yours with black tights, sky-high pumps, and a great faux fur. You'll stand out at the winter cocktail party for sure.

 A few words of advice:
-Good underwear (nude in color, that is!) is a must. Nothing ruins a great look more than visible panties
-Spanx are advisable no matter how teeny you are, because flesh tone minis tend to reveal everything... if you know what I mean
-Consider sizing up if you go for something tight-fitting in a nude hue
-Bronzer is a must. We don't want to look corpse-like, am I right?

Here are some really cute ideas...

For the girl who loves her bod but doesn't want to go too bare:

Why not try this A.L.C. "Baxter" stretch lace mini? The antique feel of the coloring and texture are so unique, and the ruching at the hip packs major sex appeal. White cuffs add a modern flair. Would be perfect with a brown tight (try Wolford Cotton Velvet--you'll fall in love) and Frye boots for a more casual dinner on the town, or amped up with your favorite power heels and bare legs for a party.


$450. shopbop.com




     
For those of you with perfect bodies and huge budgets (I hate you, by the way!) why not wow in this sexier-than-thou formfitting number by Herve Leger?

The details speak for themselves, so make sure not to over-accessorize or you will look slightly, dare we say, over-the-top? I love how they styled it here with a great black shoe and a pony tail, but a low, messy chignon and some metallic heels would also be divine. Just sayin'     $1,590. shopbop.com
 

This 3.1 Phillip Lim number is the showstopper for anyone who is craving the look but prefers to keep things ever so slightly demure. Style it just as you see here, but go ahead and throw some long, vintage earrings on or let your hair flow in a nape-of-the-neck side pony. Perfect transition into winter, and the bonus--you can ditch the tights and platforms in lieu of bare legs and gold sandals next May for a garden party. But be forewarned: this dress is just close enough to white that it is a definite no-no to wear to a wedding. Sorry girls!  $875. net-a-porter.com


 Alright, so that was fun, but if we're being honest, we're in our 20's and we're broke right? If the above are not exactly in your price range, why not check out some lower-priced favorites of mine...
 Both from Urbanoutfitters.com:

Silence & Noise, $59

Silence & Noise, $48. 

Blogger's Own:
 Are you surprised that I was inspired for this post during a wistful browse through my own closet? One of my favorite dresses of the MILLIONS hanging in there is this Valeria Siniouchnika frock from 2002 (!) I know it's still chic; the question is, will it still fit? Now let's just hope my fabulous boyfriend has a night on the town planned soon...