Marks & Spencer launches diverse range of 'nude' heels for all skin tones

The new line includes six different shades

(Getty Images)

Wearing high heels to match your skin tone is a classic wardrobe choice that has been deployed by women, including Kate Middleton, for decades.

However, for a long time the term “nude” or "skin colour" has been used to describe a shade which could only be worn by people with white skin. Until now, that is.

Defying the presumption that “skin-coloured” footwear need only exist in shades of porcelain and beige, Marks & Spencer has launched two new ranges of shoes in a spectrum of six colours.

Known for its stylish and affordable clothing, M&S believes that women of all ethnicities deserve the option of buying footwear that matches their skin tone and thus decided to flesh out its existing range of "nude" shoes to embrace a range of shades that now include dark taupe, espresso, light caramel, mocha, taupe and light pink.

The two new styles include a pointed stiletto heel, which costs £19.50, and a platform court shoe costing £25, both of which are available to buy in-store and online now.

Of course, this isn’t the first time a fashion brand has extended its range to cater to more skin tones.

(Marks & Spencer)

Last year, legendary French shoe designer Christian Louboutin launched two new ranges of shoes in seven different shades, from a light “Lea Nue” to a dark “Toudou.”

A move which was made following the launch of his existing nude range after a member of his team bluntly told him: “Beige is not the colour of my skin.”

Similarly, in 2014 innovative lingerie brand Nubian Skin decided to create a range of underwear for women of colour after recognising a lack of nude-coloured options in the lingerie market.

The line includes everything from nude bras and knickers to hosiery in a wide variety of sizes and shades to suit all shapes and skin tones.

Speaking of the launch a Marks & Spencer spokesperson told The Independent: "At M&S we continue to work closely with our customers and listen to the feedback they provide us with, informing future product developments and launches.

"We currently stock ‘nude’ in selected product lines and the addition of the nude capsule footwear collection further extends this offering.”