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 2023 catwalks
There was plenty of orange on the 2023 runways, from peaches to flame orange. The majority of designers who used orange opted for very bright shades. Below is how designers interpreted the trend.
Alberta Ferretti – Akris – Molly Goddard
Find more inspiration on this season’s color trends and fashion trends.
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 COS trapeze dress below features an elegant one-shoulder detail and an asymmetric hem, which creates a sense of volume and movement. You can enhance your waist by wearing it with a belt.
COS Twisted Asymmetric Trapeze Dress
The perfect orange maxi dress
The COS scarf 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.
COS Dolman Sleeve Maxi Scarf Dress
Boma @mrs.gaf above chooses a floor skimming orange dress worn with white shoes.
Recreate her outfit with this similar dress (another option here), sandals, bag (another option here) and necklace.
orange t-shirt dress
For a more casual choice, you could opt for a T-shirt dress. You could wear day-to-day with sneakers and a denim jacket. Or, you could easily dress it up for evening with a blazer, heels and a statement necklace.
Boden Jersey Midi T-Shirt Dress
printed dress
jumpsuit
Or, how about an orange jumpsuit? This Boden jumpsuit (below) would look beautiful with metallic shoes and accessories, or with a white or black blazer and matching shoes.
Boden Sweetheart Wideleg Jumpsuit
Jumpsuit from QUARZIA (similar options here and here), sandals from FLY London (similar option here), hat from Brizza (similar option here), similar sunglasses and earrings
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 Massimo Dutti is made from linen, making it perfect for warmer summer days. As it is an oversize style, it could double up as a swimsuit cover-up, or you could wear over your leggings.
Massimo Dutti Oversize Linen Shirt
printed shirt
Rails Jamie Stripe Short Sleeve Shirt
The perfect orange top
This top from Treasure & Bond has a sweetheart neckline, which adds a point of difference.
An orange top would look lovely with white jeans and metallic accessories for summer.
Treasure & Bond Cotton & Linen Square Neck Top
Dayle @artfulcitystyle above (read her style interview here) wears her orange top over her stripe pants, and adds statement jewelry to finish off her outfit.
Get her look with this similar tunic, wide pants, wedge sandals and necklace.
printed top
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? The COS linen T-shirt (below) should keep you cool and stylish.
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 jeans and sneakers or a leather or pleated skirt.
The J.Crew sweater below would look good layered over a white shirt.
J.Crew Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
orange blazer
For a smart option, an orange blazer could be a good jacket choice. The Treasure & Bond blazer (below) could be styled simply with a white t-shirt and jeans. Or, you could wear over a black dress.
Treasure & Bond Linen Blend Blazer
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 long hem of this cardigan will add flattering drama to any of your outfits.
Bluetime Maxi Open Front Cardigan
Greetje @no_fear_of_fashion above (read her style interview here) shows how you could wear an orange cardigan with your white jeans.
Steal her look with this similar top, cardigan, jeans and espadrille sandals.
The perfect orange jacket
Do you already have a moto jacket in your closet? Instead of traditional black, how about opting for orange?
The Liverpool jacket (below) would look stylish worn over a white or black dress for summer.
Liverpool Classic Denim Jacket
the perfect orange jeans
This pair of jeans from Liverpool (below) is designed with comfortable stretch and could flatter you from day to night. You could wear with a long white shirt.
Liverpool Gia Glider Crop Skinny Jeans
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 Reiss. Either way, these will be the hero piece in your outfit.
Reiss Hollie Creased High Waist Wide Leg Pants
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.
printed pants
The perfect orange skirt
This wrap skirt below ….. You could wear with a white shirt for a dinner date.
The perfect orange shoes
Shoes can be a stylish way to transform an outfit.
The Naturalizer sandals (below) will add a pop of color and an on-trend element to any look.
Naturalizer Vera Ankle Strap 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.
See by Chloé Mara Leather Saddle Bag
Jona @the50plusgirl above chooses an orange floral shirt with her jeans, and matches it to her orange tassel bag.
She is wearing a printed shirt from Tablots. Check out this similar pair of jeans, bag and sandals to complete the look.
Make a statement this season by knowing the handbag trends of SS 2023.
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.
ANINE BING Quinn Blazer – Boden Sweetheart Wideleg Jumpsuit – Anne Klein Matilda Strappy Sandal – COACH Hayden Quilted Crossbody Bag – Joya Love Beaded Earrings – Kendra Scott Clove Multistrand Necklace
Shan @teachingonthegc above chooses a great look for summer, with a pair of orange print pants and matching espadrilles.
Check out this similar tank top, pants (another option here), espadrille sandals and crossbody bag.
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.
Treasure & Bond Linen Blend Blazer – J.Crew Shrunken Orange Graphic T-Shirt – J.Crew Kate Four-Season Stretch Straight-Leg Pants – Boden Classic Espadrille Wedges – See by Chloé Mara Leather Saddle Bag – Joya Love Beaded 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.
Rails Jamie Stripe Short Sleeve Shirt – Zella Studio Luxe High Waist Pocket Leggings – Longchamp Medium Le Pliage Green Recycled Canvas Shoulder Tote Bag – Tory Burch Claire Ballet Flat – Kendra Scott Clove Multistrand Necklace – Kate Spade New York Imitation Pearl Raffia Hoop Earrings
Nikki @40notfrumpy above shows how you could update your favorite little black dress by wearing with an orange bag and shoes.
Recreate her outfit with this similar dress (another option here), sandals and handbag.
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.
CHARTOU Notched Collar Oblique Zip Suede Moto Jacket – COS Twisted Asymmetric Trapeze Dress – Papillio by Birkenstock Soley Ring Buckle Wedge Sandal – Aimee Kestenberg Mini All For Love Convertible Leather Crossbody Bag – Joya Love Beaded Earrings
5. 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.
Mango Printed Bow Dress – band of the free Suly Raffia Square Toe Sandal – HOBO Adalyn Framed Leather Crossbody Bag – Panacea Raffia Fringe Drop Earrings
Kim @kimair above (read her style interview here) wears her orange blazer with bright pink pants. She adds another pop of color with her red bag, and keeps her shoes neutral.
Steal her look with this similar blazer, pants (another option here), sandals and earrings (another option here).
6. Orange with NAVY blue
Pairing orange with navy blue can bring out the best in both colors. Adding orange accessories to navy blue can make a dark shade look more summery.
COS Halter Neck Maxi Dress – Mephisto Belona Slingback Sandal – Longchamp Medium Le Pliage Green Recycled Canvas Shoulder Tote Bag – Kurt Geiger London Fabric Link Chain 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.
COS Asymmetric Gathered Midi Dress – Naturalizer Vera Ankle Strap Sandal – See by Chloé Mara Leather Saddle Bag – Joya Love Beaded Earrings
Melanie @melanie.rae.miller above opts for an orange tiered dress with turquoise.
Recreate outfit with this similar halter dress, sandals and clutch (another option here).
8. 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, a black bag 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.
Treasure & Bond Cotton & Linen Square Neck Top – Mango Floral Print Culotte Pants – Sam Edelman Ethyl Low Top Sneaker – Massimo Dutti Leather Multi-Way Crossbody Bag – Kate Spade New York Imitation Pearl Raffia 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.
COS Oversized Linen Shirt – Reiss Hollie Creased High Waist Wide Leg Pants – Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pump – Massimo Dutti Leather Multi-Way Crossbody Bag – Massimo Dutti Gold-Plated Choker Necklace
Sharryn @thestylishwoman above (read her style interview here) shows how you could wear a lime green shade with orange. She teams with metallic shoes.
Check out this similar shirt, pants, sneakers, handbag, necklace, earrings and headband.
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.
COS The High Line T-Shirt – J.Crew Shrunken Orange Graphic T-Shirt – Boden Slash Neck Midi Dress – Karen Millen Print Wide Leg Waist Tie Jersey 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.
TAKEASY Genuine Leather Italian Tote Bag – RF RIZIR FASHION Statement Seed Bead Necklace – BaubleStar Crystal Drop Earrings – Gossifan Wide Brim Felt Fedora Hat – SOJOS Round Polarized Sunglasses – SPOMUNT Leather Belt – Cindy & Wendy Large Pashmina Scarf
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 to create different outfits.
shop the items above here:
Orange outfits inspiration from earlier capsule wardrobes
Below are a few more example of orange inspired outfits. While 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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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! 😉