Orange is not the easiest color to wear as the color can be quite bright and overpowering. However, if you look more carefully, there are actually a lot of fabulous ways to wear orange in all kinds of color combinations. In this updated comprehensive guide I show you how to wear orange in a number of surprising ways.
How to wear orange: Colors that go with orange
As I usually do when I look for inspiration on how to wear a certain color I visited colourlovers.com.
It’s a great site where you can create your own color combinations or get inspired by those of others.
Here is what I found.
The versatility of orange
Can you believe that orange looks so good with so many colors? It’s actually proving to be quite a versatile color.
I have seen orange in the shops in all kinds of shades from very bright to more demure colors, so you can just pick the color orange that suits your complexion and temperament best and mix and match with all these other fine colors.
You don’t even have to buy a garment in this color. Just adding a scarf or a bag will already give you that orange flavor and will add some flair to your outfit.
Orange outfits on the spring and summer 2021 catwalks
Burberry – Altuzarra – Sportmax
There was plenty of orange on the runways at spring and summer fashion week, from peaches to flame orange. Above is how the designers interpreted the trend.
Take a look at the perfect orange clothes and accessories for you
Before you can think about what colors go with orange, you will need to find the perfect orange clothes and accessories to provide inspiration for the rest of your outfit.
You’ll see I’ve updated this article with some extra color combinations.
The perfect orange dress
Diane @fashiononthe4thfloor above (read her style interview here), looks fabulous in this peach colored dress which she teams with white sneakers.
Check out this midi dress that you can wear with this similar pair of sneakers.
This orange dress from Fraiche by J (below) could be ideal if you have an hourglass figure as the belt will ensure you show off your waist. You could always pop some leggings on underneath as it’s on the short side.
Fraiche by J puff sleeve tie waist dress
The perfect orange maxi dress
The PRETTYGARDEN halter neck maxi dress is perfect for summer events and vacations.
It makes a statement all by itself, meaning you could keep the rest of your accessories to a minimum and still make a big impact.
If you aren’t keen on showing off your arms, you could always wear with a cardigan or a moto jacket.
PRETTYGARDEN halter neck maxi dress
The perfect orange shirt
You probably already have a classic white shirt in your closet, but how about an orange shirt in a classic shape?
This shirt from Marks & Spencer is made from pure linen, making it perfect for warmer summer days.
Marks & Spencer pure linen shirt
The perfect orange top
The styling for this orange top from LARACE has a hankerchief hem and it drapes nicely if you’re looking for a top to hide a belly.
An orange top would look lovely with white jeans and metallic accessories for summer.
orange tank top
For a warm weather top, you may prefer one without sleeves. The Vince Camuto tank top (below) features a flattering asymmetric hem.
Vince Camuto asymmetrical hem tank top
orange t-shirt
Looking for an orange t-shirt to go with your jeans? I like the tie hem detail on the Karen Kane top (below).
The perfect orange sweater
Orange can be the ideal color to add some flair to even the most casual of outfits.
You could wear an orange sweater with your jeans and sneakers, or with a leather or pleated skirt.
Susan @susan_unefemme above (read her style interview here), shows how nicely orange goes with denim and leopard print.
Recreate her outfit with this similar sweater, jeans, loafers and necklace.
The perfect orange cardigan
A long, draped cardigan can be a lovely way to add interest as well as to hide any parts of your body you aren’t so confident about, and to create nice, long lean lines.
The asymmetrical hem on this cardigan would add an extra element to your outfits.
Urban CoCo drape front cardigan
orange blazer
For a smart option, an orange blazer could be a good jacket choice. I like how the Cicy open front blazer (below) has been styled simply with a white t-shirt, jeans and gold jewelry.
The perfect orange jacket
Do you already have a moto jacket in your closet? Instead of traditional black, how about opting for orange?
The Bellivera faux suede jacket would look stylish worn over a white or black dress for summer.
The perfect orange pants
You could opt for a pair of orange jeans, or choose a more tailored pair of orange pants like these ones below from Alice + Olivia. Either way, these will be the hero piece in your outfit.
Tanasha @stylishheights, above, lets her orange pants be the star of her outfit. Note how she brings the orange into the upper part of her look with her earrings.
Steal her look with this similar top, blazer, pants, clutch, earrings and sunglasses.
Alice + Olivia paperbag crop pants
The perfect orange jeans
This pair of jeans from Amazon (below) is designed with comfortable stretch and could flatter you from day to night. One reviewer said she bought them in 10 colors because she loved the so much.
Lover Brand Fashion skinny jeans
The perfect orange skirt
This skirt from Theenkoln has good reviews from women who say the ribbing means it doesn’t show any lumps or bumps.
Theenkoln high waist pencil skirt
The perfect orange shoes
Shoes can be a stylish way to transform an outfit.
The kitten heel sandals (below) will add a pop of color and an on-trend element to any look.
Find out the the top 20 shoe trends for women over 40 this season.
The perfect orange bag
Just as the shoes you wear can make a big difference to the overall look of your outfit, the handbag you opt for can create a refreshing pop of brightness.
Rebecca Minkoff crossbody tote
Make a statement this season by knowing the handbag trends of SS 2021.
So, now that you have chosen your favorite orange item, what color should you wear it with. Below, you will find ? suggestions.
Let me know in the comments at the bottom which color combination is your favorite.
how to wear orange
1. Pair orange with neutrals – white
A great way to let the bold tones of your orange piece stand out without competing with any other color, is to pair orange with neutrals. From black to nude shades, your look will be cleaner and more refined with the fun and punchy characteristics of orange.
Beth @styleatacertainage above (read her style interview here), looks lovely in her orange sweater and white jeans.
You can get her stripe sweater, flare jeans and slingbacks from Talbots, and her handbag from Mark & Graham
LARACE swing tunic top – Wit & Wisdom skinny jeans – Rebecca Minkoff crossbody tote – Vince strappy sandal
2. Pair orange with neutrals – black
Is there anything black doesn’t go with? If you aren’t sure what to wear with your orange, black is definitely a safe, and stylish, option.
Fraiche by J puff sleeve tie waist dress – Zella high waist leggings – Fly London wedge sandal – Steve Madden crossbody clutch – Knotty drop earrings
3. Pair orange with neutrals – beige
Beige is one of those colors which is often seen as “boring”. You may also like to take a look at can you wear beige? One way to make sure that your beige definitely isn’t dull is to wear it with orange.
Julie @stylishparadox above (read her style interview here), opts for orange worn with beige and leopard print accessories.
Recreate her outfit with this similar dress, pumps, clutch and hat.
BB Dakota suede jacket – Caslon muscle tank – Alice + Olivia paperbag crop pants – 42 Gold slide sandal – Steve Madden crossbody clutch – Knotty drop earrings
4. Pair orange with neutrals – gray
Another fantastic way to wear orange is with gray. While gray has an unfair reputation for being dull, wearing with a pop of bright color with definitely liven it up.
Bellivera faux suede jacket – Nordstrom linen tank top – Rebecca Minkoff leather clutch – Fly London wedge sandal – Monica Vinader stud earrings – BaubleBar mixed metal necklace
5. Orange with baby blue
You don’t have to choose a darker shade of blue with your orange. Baby blue looks just as beautiful.
Jamie @moreturquoise above (read her style interview here), shows how beautifully orange can go with a paler shade of blue such as turquoise.
Steal her look with this similar maxi dress, sandals, necklace and earring set and sunglasses.
BLANKNYC moto jacket – BP. lettuce edge tank – FRAME straight leg jeans – 42 Gold slide sandal – Rebecca Minkoff crossbody tote
6. Orange with NAVY blue
Pairing orange with navy blue can bring out the best in both colors. By sticking to classic styles and shapes, or including a neutral piece like a pair of white pants, the look is vibrant yet clean.
Vero Moda tie back blouse – Wit & Wisdom skinny jeans – Open Edit kitten heel sandal – Rebecca Minkoff crossbody tote
7. Embrace the purple-orange clash
Orange and purple are a style favorite when it comes to contrasting combinations. Visually appealing, the two dynamic shades create a bold and chic look when paired together.
The key here is to ensure you add a neutral piece, such as a pair of white shoes or a dash of gold jewelry, to the look to keep it from being an overwhelming display of colors.
Psyche @economyofstyle, above, teams her orange and purple with a white tee and tan boots.
Get her look with this similar cardigan, pants, mules, necklace and earrings.
You could also opt for paler peachy oranges and lilacs together.
Veronica Beard sweater – The Drop silk slip skirt – Vince strappy sandal – Nordstrom print minaudiére – Monica Vinader stud earrings
8. Orange and pink
Whether you choose a paler shade of pink or a shocking shade, pink with orange can be an unexpected, yet beautiful combination.
The color combining has already been done for you below with the orange and pink print skirt.
KUT from the Kloth denim jacket – Caslon muscle tank – Ted Baker London floral skirt – Rebecca Minkoff leather clutch –Fly London wedge sandal
9. Orange with green
If you love a natural style, you could choose a muted olive green to wear with your orange such as the tones of the pants and top below.
Or, opt for brighter shades of orange and green together as shown by Catherine @notlamb above (read her style interview here).
Check out this similar sweater, blazer, jeans, sandals, crossbody bag and sunglasses.
KUT from the Kloth denim jacket – Vince Camuto asymmetrical hem tank top – Wit & Wisdom pants – Rebecca Minkoff leather clutch – Superga sneaker – Nordstrom stud earrings
10. Embrace orange prints
Combining bold orange hues with unique prints is a very effortless approach to putting together a visually interesting look, with enough of a bright dimension to lighten up your look.
BOSS check print silk tank –Ted Baker London floral skirt – AWARE by Vero Moda shift dress – Ilse Jacobsen halter maxi dress
11. Accessorize with orange
Not ready for a full bold display of orange?
You can add the punchy color as a highlight to your look by incorporating as an accessory or go-to beauty tool. We particularly love the orange nail polish, which is flattering on a number of skin tones.
DELUXITY crossbody bag – ScarvesMe Pop oblong scarf – Lisianthus fedora – Bocar necklace and earring set – Me&Hz tassel earrings – Tory Burch braided bracelet – Base Coat nail polish – Belle Donne skinny belt
The orange color combination ideas from above put together in one capsule
shop all items above here:
Want to know how to wear other colors too?
I have created several color guides for popular colors right now:
- How to wear coral
- How to wear red
- How to wear pink
- How to wear gray
- How to wear white
- How to wear (emerald) green
- How to wear yellow
- How to wear florals
- How to wear black and white
Do you plan to wear orange this coming season and which color combination is your favorite?
Continue reading:
- Spring 2021 Color Trends: All The Best Colors To Wear This Spring And Summer
- How To Wear Yellow And Brighten Up Your Day!
- How To Wear Gray: Color Palettes And Ensembles For You To Choose From!
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Feature image by Beth @styleatacertainage
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I would never have thought orange would work with pink, but it does. Love the orange dress with green jacket also.
I love orange. Years ago I had my colours done re what season one is and I’m a fall which is good as those are my favourite colours. So happy orange is in – means I’ll be able to find it in stores. It really is a versatile colour.
I have an orange satin pleated mid calf skirt and I am going to pair it with a hot pink halter
White pointy boots and bag to go
I love orange, and it suits me. Actually, on the contrary to what you say, orange is a very easy colour to combine. I have an orange blazer from Boden, which I wear with many outfits, and it brightens things up. I am about to buy an orange silk shirt from And other Stories that I’ve had my eye on for some time. I saw Victoria Beckham wearing something similiar only the other day.. so can’t be a bad idea! I plan to wear it with white jeans, or black cigarette pants, and black or beige blazer. I know I’ll get a lot of wear out of it most of the year where I live (bright and sunny Spain). I’m not much into the Scandinavian grey, beige and black limitations unless they are for basics only, I think they need a pop of colour, otherwise so boring and too serious. Thanks for the ideas.
Hi ladies,
Well, it seems I am not alone. When we lived in our luxury home, and life was, shall I say, much richer (financially), I dressed in white/beige/black, and would never entertain wearing color. I thought it was less sophisticated to enjoy color. I was boring. Fast forward, we’re living a modest life (husband’s ocular issues), and now I use color to cheer myself up, and celebrate the spring and summer seasons. Orange is loud and obnoxious, but I am frequently told I look good in some hues. I pair it with white a lot. Today, I bought a bright orange leather tote, and I really like it. I have a new apricot wrap dress (soft orange) and I will pair it with beige sandal heels and a beige handbag. Orange is full of energy, and I like it. The color combo ideas you shared are great. Thank you.
Brilliant post! I saved it.
I loved this Orange workshop! Orange and grays looked great, as well as the blue and purple combination.
I have a darkish red hair and blue eyes, regularly getting compliments on my hair from strangers, I find. ( KUDOS to my long-time hairdresser!!)
Anyway, certain shades of orange are tops on my list, for sure. I absolutely ‘relish’ using color in my dressing and I have about 20 colors of shells or camis for starters, then accessorizing with jewelry and scarves, as this can really stretch my wardrobe. I will look forward to finding time in my busy life to read all the ‘color’ articles. Thanks!
Great to read you enjoyed this Barbara. Thanks for your feedback!
I have a very light color peach blouse can I wear a light blue sweater with it
Yes that should be ok.
I have orange arm sleeves cool dri sun protectors spf 50, I have short sleeve polos in dill green, slate blue, french blue (bright), deep eggplant, purple, brick red, butter yellow, true navy, fall brown. Will the orange go with all of them?
The sleeves you get on Amazon.com, they are better than wearing the whole shirt.
I also have white and black arm sleeves.
I live in the Key West Florida (100 miles from the mainland & 90 miles north of Havana, Cuba) where the sun burns you at 8am till sunset around 6:30- sevenish. Florida is brutal with the humidity and merciless sun, not all plants can grow here.
I absolutely love this post. It gave me so much inspiration. I have noted it all down and I am going to experiment (about the first time in my life haha).
Thank you very much for all this work.
Very very useful
Great to hear Greetje!
fabulouse post!!!
i used to hate orange until a few years ago….. but the new shades – coral, peachy or burned tones – changed my mind 🙂
and i look forward to summer to test some of your exiting suggestions!
xxxxx
Wonderful. The orange dress in your post of today looks beautiful!
Orange is one of my favourite colours!
Thank you for more colour mixing inspiration.
I am a fan of mixing it with other reds/oranges/yellows as well as blues and neutrals BUT I have never mixed it with a teal/green combo.
That needs to be remedied!
XXX
Samantha
Wonderful Samantha. I look forward to seeing it!
i like orange. Can i combine orange, green and red as my wedding colors?
Sure. It would be unconventional but a lot of fun!
Hey.. Wearing a subtle grey shirt with a blue jeans and carrying a neon orange hand bag.. Paired with a light orange scarf… Isn’t a fashion disaster right?
No that should be ok!
Glad I tumbled along this site. Lol, I have an orange summer dress and was kind of confused on what color shoes I should wear. So far I have navy blue and darkish grey.
I’ll try orange with army green n probably with one other color I don’t yet.I love combining colors
Nice! I especially LOVE that orange sweater you picked out. The construction on it is awesome. I too am looking forward to getting some orange pieces. I’m trying to branch out of my blacks and grays. LOL I came in via the IFB Links a la Mode.
Hi Carol. Thanks for commenting! Yes that IS a great sweater, isn’t it? I’m just going to settle for t-shirts as it’s too hot for jumpers here. Still need to wear my new orange T…
I love orange too. I have a very bubbly perosnality and it suits me perfectly plus with all the different shades available surely there is one to suit all.
Yes, it’s a great color for extraverts. I’m a bit more introverted, so more challenging for me…
I LOVE orange! Such a fun, mood-boosting color!
http://woodstockwardrobe.com/
I agree. It’s hard to wear orange and be very sulky!
Hi, I found you on IFB’s Links a la Mode. I’ve always loved orange. I love all the ways to combine it into my outfit without looking over the top. Great post:)
Thanks Audrey
to be honest, I’m not a big fan of orange. But as you said, there are many hues, one can choose from. I always prefer more peach-y and coral-y hues for summer, as in the winter I don’t own anything in orange! Currently I own a couple of summer orange tops (one of them has a super flattering cut), which I usually pair with light grey or white shorts and with jeans (the easiest combination!!!)
Orange is a lot more challenging than other color eg. red, but you’re right, it would look great with blue jeans!
Loving these gorgeous color combos! Congrats on making links a la mode 🙂
Thanks Aqui!
Love orange! But,only have an orange blouse that i enjoy wearing with a brown skirt. I’ve alway’s found it difficult pairing orange with other colors..
It is difficult. I’m going to try my luck with it today…
I have just got orange trousers for my holiday l am a a 68 year old lady and my friends are daring me to wear them l have a yellow top which is plain or a white top with assorted panel of flowers down the side of the top or a patterned teal blouse black marking
Great post! I’ve only worn orange to ball games (college color). I always complained to hubs how difficult it was to come up with outfits with orange! Now it’s fashionable, and who knew it could be worn with so many colors! Thanks!! I’ll be styling in ORANGE at the next ball game!
It’s certainly not the easiest color to style if you want to look chic. I’m going to give it a go as well in the next few days!
Orange and white! Texas fight!
Orange is one of my go to colors. It looks very good on me, so I have several shirts, and neck ties, and even a bow tie, where orange is prominently displayed. I also have two sets of bright orange socks.
Great! You will love all the new choices in the shops then!
I plan to wear orange in one of my next posts so thanks for the inspiration.
Excellent! I look forward to seeing it.
I like orange, but so far I’ve just worn it during spring and summer. I’m a bit particular about not wearing too many colors at once and I don’t feel comfortable mixing brights (although I absolutely appreciate the look on others), but I think orange looks great with white or offwhite, beige/stone and navy.
Yes, you’re right that you do need to careful and not look like a clown. I’m sure I’ll wear it with white mostly but am still going to try and mix it with other colors as well!
I love orange! It is such a happy color. I like it with navy blue and with a bright cobalt blue. I like it with hot pink and with yellow. I would wear it with the right shade of purple. It is great with gray. This Summer I will wear it with white.
I have an orange Kate Spade purse, an orange dress, orange sandals, a tangerine tunic, a RL orange print blouse, and I just got tangerine and leopard RayBans and a tangerine belt. I also like it with dark or light denim. I wish I could find a pair of orange pants – can’t wait to see yours. 🙂
Will have to see what I can pair it with. Possibly white, maybe purple or maybe even bright red if I’m in all a really daring mood… We’ll see. Will have to shop my closet!
I love mixing orange with teal. Or as an accent with black and white. Have to have the white or it looks Halloweenish – like someone Heather already noted. See here for summer version of teal and orange with denim. http://fashionforward40.com/2011/traverse-trip-we-arrived/
Oh you look absolutely fab in that outfit!
I’ve had a “thing” for orange for a while. Currently there’s a purse, sandals, a leather skirt and a black and orange print scarf in my closet. I don’t like wearing orange with black as in the US it says “halloween”, but I do like pairing it with brown in the fall. I’m not sure how to mix it in with spring colors, but I’m pondering the problem at the moment. For years and years I’ve loved orange mixed with pink, but that is quite a statement!
Orange is the national color of my home country holland, so I should really own more of it but I don’t. I should really post a picture of a really funny picture of my whole family in orange, with an orange bike, during the soccer championships (when basically the whole of holland was orange….)
oh my god! that seem adorable! orange is one of my favourite colors and family is always a top priority for me, just imagine how thrilled i was as i read your comment! 😉