ORANGE is the new black.
Recent seasons have seen designers light up the runways with vibrant tangerines, neon oranges and amped-up corals that look great and wearable all at once.
There’s a shade on the orange spectrum for every emotion and skin tone. And there are just as many names to describe the colour — tangerine, mandarin, orange, persimmon, tangelo, vermillion, carrot, saffron, salmon, peach, coral …
As far as colours go, orange can come across as very aggressive. It is vibrant and demands attention, and is the colour of creativity and fascination. So if you want to get noticed or tell the world you’re happy, ambitious and a little extroverted, wear orange.
It is also the symbol of strength and courage, endurance and physical energy. That energy can also read as very optimistic and enthusiastic.
Usually considered a summer colour, a dash of orange livens up a cold winter’s day. While brown-based orange hues — think burnt orange, rust, terracotta and pumpkin — are often synonymous with autumn. Softer orange shades, such as peach, coral and salmon, are friendlier and more soothing.
But for many, it is a hard colour to pull off. Orange sparks more controversy than any other colour and generally elicits a stronger “love it” or “hate it” response. Statement colours such as orange, have the potential to take over you. Instead, wear the colour confidently.
Surprisingly though, it is a very flattering colour as it instantly adds a natural healthy glow to your skin. And every woman needs just a flush of colour!
However, if you’re not used to wearing orange it can be a little tricky.
HERE’S HOW TO WEAR ORANGE
1. Play it safe
The safest combinations will always be with neutral tones — white, cream and beige, or black, navy or grey. However, if you’re not really sure about the colour hold an item near your face. If it makes your eyes pop and brightens your face, it’s a keeper. But if it makes you look pale or washed out, put it back.
What colour to wear near your face:
- If you have olive or dark skin, choose vibrant shades of orange.
- If you’re a little pale, opt for more muted shades such as a coral or peach tones.
- Neon orange might be hot right now, but use it as a highlight only. Use away from the face and use as a belt, bag or shoes.
2. Colour clash
Despite it being a difficult colour to wear, orange combined with other bright and bold colours can work a treat — but only if you have the confidence to do so. And remember, the secret is to use the same tones for all colours, for example yellow-based oranges and with yellow-based colours, or blue-based oranges with blue-based tones.
- Orange with pink and red, or orange with blue and red are hot combinations.
- If you’re feeling bold, try teaming orange with cobalt blue.
- Turn up the heat in orange and pink.
- Try with orange, tempered by lots of yellow or white for an eye-catching look that’s not overpowering.
- Go tropical and wear orange with green. Green is a complementary colour to orange, so pairing these two colours together works wonderfully.
- Beware of teaming orange with black and brown. I don’t want to say don’t wear orange with black or brown because it can be a pretty option. But be careful, as you don’t want to look like a Halloween decoration or a tree in the fall. Plus, these dark neutrals can drag the colour down even more, making it drab and mundane rather than bold and extraordinary. If you need to incorporate some neutrals, opt for lighter-toned neutrals.
4. Make it monochromatic
Wearing one colour head to toe creates a continuous lengthening silhouette. It’s also a great way to make a bold statement. However, worn tone on tone (in more subtle softer shades), it can be a fresh and colourful experience.
6. Accent with accessories
Accessories are the secret to complete any look, and a great way to introduce orange into your wardrobe. Also, remember, to transition slowly into a new colour, by wearing a few small pieces — such as a bag, shoes, scarf or statement necklace. As you become more confident, you can gradually progress to more. Orange accessories also step in when tan or beige just seems safe. Worn with a golden tan, orange is heavenly. But if you’re afraid to take the plunge, try orange nail strips first.
3. Denim days
The most obvious choice is to pair orange with denim. For example, a dress with a denim jacket, or a blouse, bag and shoes with jeans. Similarly, orange paired with navy is a classic combination.
5. Go for gold
Gold accessories worn with orange is a match made in heaven. In terms of jewellery, gold accessories from the bondi jewellers are the perfect accent for orange. They are both bold and rich, and complement each other. So, go for gold! But if you’re silver person, that’s fine as well.
7. Pick a print or pattern
Still afraid to wear orange? Wear the colour, instead, in a print or pattern. There are plenty of beautiful printed and patterned pieces out there. Tops in bright solid colours or bold prints, eye-popping neon shades or with a flattering cut and prominent details such as ruffles, will draw the eye up and away from your lower body.
The reverse is true if you have a big bust. Wear a bright colour on the bottom to draw the eye down, away from your bust.
WHY NOT
- Team a chunky orange or red coral necklace with a crisp white button-down shirt for that client meeting
- Wear orange leather loafers under jeans or colourful pants
- Team gold- or silver-jewelled diamante sandals with orange pants for a casual weekend lunch
- Wear a nautical-striped top with an orange skirt to change up your workwear look
If you want more inspiration on how to wear orange, head to my Orange board on Pinterest
Is orange a colour you’ll introduce to your wardrobe this season? Or maybe peach or coral tones? Game to wear it all over or just as an accessory? Would love to hear from you. Ever stylishly yours …
