Feeling overtly orange? Perfectly peachy? Superbly saffron? Tantalisingly tangerine? Whatever your choice, orange – and its many, many hues – is hot, hot, hot
THIS season, designers have lit up the runways with a range of vibrant tangerines, neon oranges and amped-up corals that looked great and wearable all at once. Whatever your choice, if you’re not used to wearing orange it can be a little tricky. So here’s how to make sure you’re wearing the right shade for you.
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 …
Orange is vibrant and demands attention, so if you want to get noticed, wear orange. It is the colour of ambition, creativity and fascination. It is also the symbol of strength, endurance and physical energy. As a mood elevator, orange tells the world you’re happy, ambitious and a little extroverted.
Usually considered a summer colour, a dash of orange adds a pop of colour to a cold winter’s day. While brown-based orange hues – think rust, terracotta and pumpkin – are often synonymous with autumn. The softer orange shades, such as peach, coral and salmon, are friendlier and more soothing.
But for a lot of people, orange 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.
Surprisingly though, it is a very flattering colour as it instantly adds a natural glow to your skin. And every woman needs just a flush of colour! If you want more inspiration on how to wear orange, go to my Orange board on Pinterest.
STYLE TIPS
- If you’re not really sure about orange – or any colour for that matter – hold the 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.
- When you’re wearing statement colours such as orange, don’t let the garment take over you. Instead, wear it confidently. Also, remember, to transition slowly into a new colour, such as orange, by wearing just a few small pieces that have just a hint of that colour. After which, you can gradually progress.
- If you plan to wear orange near your face – accessories, top or hat – choose vibrant shades of orange for olive to dark skin tones.
- If you’re a little pale, opt for more muted orange shades such as a coral or peach tones.
- Red, yellow and orange, or red, blue and orange can be a fiery hot combination or, in more subtle shades, a fresh and colourful experience.
- Make orange tropical with green. Or this season, mix with pink or red.
- Try orange with purple, tempered by lots of yellow or white for an eye-catching look that’s not overpowering.
- Neon orange might be hot right now, but I would use as a highlight only. Use away from the face with a belt, bag or shoes.
- However, the safest combinations will always be with neutral tones – white, cream and beige, or black, navy or grey.
- Add a tonal tan or chocolate brown to give it a rich touch.
- Worn with a golden tan, orange is heavenly. But if you’re afraid to take the plunge, try an orange nail polish first.
- Orange accessories step in when tan or beige just seems safe.
- And gold accessories worn with orange is a match made in heaven.
- 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.
- And wearing one colour head to toe creates a continuous lengthening silhouette.
NOW, SHOP THE LOOK
Are you feeling perfectly peachy or overtly orange? Is orange a colour you'll introduce to your wardrobe this season? If not orange, maybe peach or coral tones? Game to wear it all over or just as an accessory? Would love to hear from you.
*All pictures from Style.com
Labels: London Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, Orange
