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 2022 catwalks
Max Mara – Etro – Michael Kors
There was plenty of orange on the runways at 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
This orange dress from Amazon (below) could be ideal if you have an hourglass figure as the belt will ensure you show off your waist.
JASAMBAC Belted Bodycon Pencil 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.
Georgette @grownandcurvywoman above (read her style interview here) looks great in her ruffle maxi dress.
Recreate her outfit with this similar dress, camisole, slippers, rattan bag and earrings.
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 Mordenmiss is made from linen, making it perfect for warmer summer days.
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 LARACE tank top (below) features a flattering asymmetric hem.
orange t-shirt
Looking for an orange t-shirt to go with your jeans? I like the twist hem detail on the Sanctuary top (below).
Sanctuary Slow Tide Twist T-Shirt
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.
The crop sweater (below) would look good layered over a white shirt.
ZAFUL High Neck Lantern Sleeve Crop Sweater
orange blazer
For a smart option, an orange blazer could be a good jacket choice. I like how the Cicy Bell open front blazer (below) has been styled simply with a white t-shirt, jeans and gold jewelry.
Susan @susan_unefemme above (read her style interview here) looks stylish in her orange blazer, t-shirt and jeans.
Get her look with this similar top, blazer, jeans, woven bag 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
The perfect orange jacket
Do you already have a moto jacket in your closet? Instead of traditional black, how about opting for orange?
The Karen Millen jacket would look stylish worn over a white or black dress for summer.
Karen Millen Leather Buckle Detail Moto Jacket
The perfect orange jeans
This pair of jeans from FRAME (below) is designed with comfortable stretch and could flatter you from day to night. Wide leg jeans are particularly on trend right now.
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 Boden. Either way, these will be the hero piece in your outfit.
Jamie @moreturquoise above (read her style interview here) looks incredible in her orange pants and white shirt, which she styles with Burberry and Chanel accessories.
Steal her look with this similar tee, pants, sandals, bag and bucket hat.
The perfect orange skirt
This skirt from Kate Kasin has good reviews from women who say the ribbing means it doesn’t show any lumps or bumps.
Kate Kasin Wrap Front Pencil Skirt
The perfect orange shoes
Shoes can be a stylish way to transform an outfit.
The espadrille sandals (below) will add a pop of color and an on-trend element to any look.
Franco Sarto Clemens Espadrille Wedge Sandal
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.
Kate Spade New York Voyage Medium Satchel
Make a statement this season by knowing the handbag trends of SS 2022.
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.
Lock and Love Open Front Blazer – Lafayette 148 New York Perla Reversible Silk Blouse – Boden Wide Leg Linen Pants – Franco Sarto Clemens Espadrille Wedge Sandal – Lisianthus Wide Brim Fedora Hat – Kendra Scott Tassel Bolo Necklace
2. 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.
Emms @beautifuleveryday_uk above teams her orange summer dress with a straw bag.
Check out this dress from Maggy London that you can wear with this similar pair of sandals, tote and sunglasses.
JASAMBAC Belted Bodycon Pencil Dress – Naturalizer Banks Pump – AllSaints Colette Leather Crossbody Bag – MUYAN Acrylic Chunky Necklace – gelanmeng Teardrop Hoop Earrings
3. 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.
Karen Millen Sporty Trim Knitted Jacket – Theory High Waist Wide Leg Pants – Naturalizer Karina Pump – Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack – Cult Gaia Valence Leather Wrap Hoop Earrings
4. 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.
Fonda @savvysouthernchic above wears a navy blazer over her orange top.
Get her look with this similar top, blazer, trousers, mules and belt.
Fraiche by J Flutter Sleeve Faux Wrap Maxi Dress – Franco Sarto Clemens Espadrille Wedge Sandal – Kate Spade New York Voyage Medium Satchel – Jerollin Multilayer Seed Bead Necklace – gelanmeng Teardrop Hoop Earrings
5. 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.
Karen Millen Leather Buckle Detail Moto Jacket – VIISHOW Maxi Dress – Franco Sarto Clemens Espadrille Wedge Sandal – HOBO Rachel Leather Frame Wallet – gelanmeng Teardrop Hoop Earrings
6. 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.
You could also opt for paler peachy oranges and lilacs together.
Tanasha @prettytallstyle above wears an orange suit and styles with her purple clutch bag.
Recreate her outfit with this similar blazer and pants set, top, pumps, clutch and earrings.
JSCEND 3/4 Sleeve Open Front Cropped Cardigan – Zella Drawcord Waist Tiered Maxi Dress – Sam Edelman Bay Cutout Slide Sandal – Obosoyo Straw Crossbody Bag – Kendra Scott Tassel Bolo Necklace
7. Orange with baby blue
You don’t have to choose a darker shade of blue with your orange. Baby blue looks just as beautiful.
Karen Millen Leather Signature Moto Jacket – Lafayette 148 New York Perla Reversible Silk Blouse – Alice + Olivia Athena Tapestry Print Wide Leg Pants – Franco Sarto Clemens Espadrille Wedge Sandal – HOBO Rachel Leather Frame Wallet – gelanmeng Teardrop Hoop 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.
Dayle @artfulcitystyle above (read her style interview here) opts for her signature oversized pants and top in orange and pink.
Recreate her outfit with this similar tunic, pants, sandals, necklace and bracelets.
The color combining has already been done for you below with the knit top below.
Karen Millen Mono Lace Embroidery Knit Top – Kate Kasin Wrap Front Pencil Skirt – Paul Green Cayanne Leather Peep Toe Sandal – Michael Kors Large Sinclair North/South Perforated Leather Tote – Cult Gaia Valence Leather Wrap Hoop Earrings
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 like in the outfit below.
ZAFUL High Neck Lantern Sleeve Crop Sweater – Treasure & Bond Drapey Classic Shirt – Karen Millen Soft Twill Wide Leg Pants – Naturalizer Karina Pump – Michael Kors Large Sinclair North/South Perforated Leather Tote – Cult Gaia Valence Leather Wrap Hoop 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.
Ted Baker London Darcila Front Print Surplice Top – Karen Millen Sporty Trim Knitted Jacket – Eliza J Scarf Print Crêpe de Chine Fit & Flare Maxi Dress – Alice + Olivia Athena Tapestry Print Wide Leg Pants
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.
Dreubea Tote – Jerollin Multilayer Seed Bead Necklace – Cindy & Wendy Cashmere Scarf – Me&Hz Colorful Layered Tassel Earrings – Lisianthus Wide Brim Fedora Hat
The orange color combination ideas from above put together in one capsule
Below, you can see the outfits from above together in one capsule. You can see you could easily change the looks around the create different outfits.
shop some of the items above here:
Orange outfits inspiration from an earlier capsule wardrobe
Below is an earlier capsule. While many of the items are past season, it should still provide lots of inspiration for your orange outfits.
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 2022 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 Tanasha @prettytallstyle
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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! 😉