Let orange put some zest into your wardrobe
ORANGE, a colour that’s been stuck in the sartorial wasteland since the Seventies, is back after appearing all over the catwalks in shows such as Christopher Kane and Paul Smith. On the High Street, Topshop and Whistles are reporting soaring demand, with some shops even opening up waiting lists for must-haves like the orange dress here by Hobbs (left). So can you pull off this bold shade — or will you look like an EasyJet air hostess? ALICE OLINS gives it a go.
MARMALADE MANIA
Silk high neck dress, €336, hobbs.co.uk Pointed courts, €225, reiss.com Suede saddle bag, €62.50, asos.com THIS dress was such a sellout last month that it had to be reordered and a second batch has just hit shops nationwide. The colour is OK, but the shape, with its high neck and long hemline, means you are almost entirely covered in orange, which is not a look I aspire to.
DRESS TO IMPRESS
Belted V-neck dress, €263, libbylondon.com Patent courts, €229, lkbennett.com YOU need to be quick if you want this one; there are still a few up for grabs. Otherwise it’s on pre - order ( t hat’s a waiting list in nonfashion speak).
As more of a jeans and j umper girl, I found the cut of this dress, a little too, er, Kate Middleton for my liking. Having said that, the neat navy belt gave it a bit of oomph and the orange didn’t shriek at me when I looked in the mirror.
MOVIE STAR SHEEN
Cashmere body, €307.50, net-a-porter.com Satin pleated midi skirt, €76, topshop.com Peep-toe sandals, €337, lkbennett.com THIS skirt is pretty fantastic; the finish has a slight sheen which makes you feel like a Fifties movie star and the shade of orange won’t scream at people from the other side of the room. It’s sold out in size 4, but for the rest of us normal-sized people i t’s still available. This orange skirt is a keeper.
GREATEST CAPE
Wool cape, €209, boden.co.uk Cashmere crew neck jumper, €161, thewhitecompany.com Jeans, €49.95, zara.com Leopard courts, €337, lkbennett.com THE nicest thing about this Boden cape is not the orange colour, it’s the fabric — a lightweight wool blend. Thankfully, it also comes in two other colours — navy with a grey edge or beige and yellow. The latter has just enough of a colour punch to feel unique, plus you won’t attract any carrot jokes, which you might do with this one.