Orange in fashion
As some countries loosen coronavirus restrictions, various fashion lines are now expressing a universal longing for life and joy in the form of one colour: orange. Here’s how and why experts say the new trend tone is being used
Vivacity, optimism, vitality: Hardly any other colour gives off such positive vibes as orange. We’re all looking for that kind of energy at the moment, so it’s no surprise that orange is in fashion.
The Pantone Colour Institute has even included two orange tones in its fashion trend report: marigold, an orange with golden undertones, and orange ochre, a more brownish variant. Together with other bright hues, they speak to our longing for the carefree joy that the colour gives us.
From a fashion perspective, however, orange can be a tough one because it’s also used as a warning colour and really sticks out. The key is getting the right combination.
THE EYE-CATCHING MIX
If you like to stand out with your outfit choices, you can’t beat orange. This works “especially well in combination with other bright tones,” says Maria Hans, a stylist from the German city of Hamburg. She recommends mixing a warm pink or bright apple green with orange.
Haute couture brand Valentino has opened the way for a more unusual colour combo at recent shows, by mixing orange with a lilac shade.
And delicate pink, the second big trend colour right now, also looks really hip with orange.
THE EXCITING MIX
But who says you have to mix colours? “Orange comes in many, very different variations,” says fashion consultant Milena Georg.
By combining several shades of one colour, you create excitement through the various fabrics — for example, a silk top with a linen skirt. Materials that are a little coarser will look more subdued, while smooth fabrics are more luminous, creating a fun contrast.
THE SUBTLE MIX
It’s possible to soften the effects of orange by combining it with neutral colours such as grey or pastels like light blue, says Hans.
However, she adds, these shades should be used for the bottom piece — i.e. skirts or trousers — because orange gives the skin a warm tone.
Toning down orange makes it possible for it to be worn in the office, especially if your workplace is conservative.
Shopping consultant Ritchie Karkowski says sand, persimmon or a classy-looking dark blue would pair well with orange. “Beyond that, you shouldn’t necessarily reach for a particularly bright orange when heading to work, but instead a more subtle variation,” he says.
One example of an office-appropriate way to include orange in your outfit is an orange blazer. Pair it with a cream-colored top.
Another subtle way to incorporate orange is with a summer dress in which the colour appears only in the pattern, or through accessories.
(copyright: dpa)
“SAND, PERSIMMON
OR A CLASSYLOOKING DARK BLUE WOULD PAIR WELL
WITH ORANGE. BEYOND THAT, YOU
SHOULDN’T NECESSARILY REACH FOR A PARTICULARLY
BRIGHT ORANGE WHEN HEADING TO WORK.” —RITCHIE KARKOWSKI,
SHOPPING CONSULTANT