How to wear orange? 7 color combinations to get you started!

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.

how to wear orange | 40plusstyle.com
colors to mix with orange | 40plusstyle.com
orange blue and black color combination | 40plusstyle.com
orange combined with pastel colors | 40plusstyle.com

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.

How to wear orange for women over 40 | 40plusstyle.com

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.

Melinda (above) shows off one of the easiest color combinations to wear – orange with white.

Recreate her look with this similar dress, sneakers, scarf and handbag.

Orange outfits on the spring and summer 2020 catwalks

Orange outfits on the spring and summer 2020 catwalks | 40plusstyle.com

Rejina Pyo – Valentino – Balmain

There was plenty of orange on the runways at spring and summer fashion week, from peaches to flame orange. Here is how the designers interpreted the trend.

Here are 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.

The perfect orange dress

This orange dress from French Connection could be ideal if you have an hourglass figure as the belt will ensure you show off your waist.

French Connection knit dress | 40plusstyle.com

French Connection knit dress

The perfect orange maxi dress

This belted dress by NICHOLAS 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.

NICHOLAS ribbed belted maxi dress | 40plusstyle.com

NICHOLAS ribbed belted 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 cut loose and has a drape detailing which is perfect for a casual look. It would style well with black or white bottoms.

Marks & Spencer satin shirt | 40plusstyle.com

Marks & Spencer satin shirt

The perfect orange top

The styling for this orange blouse from Joie has a little twist thanks to the cuff detailing on the sleeves.

An orange top would look lovely with white jeans and metallic accessories for summer.

Joie silk blouse | 40plusstyle.com

Joie silk blouse

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.

ACEVOG drape cardigan | 40plusstyle.com

ACEVOG drape cardigan

The perfect orange jacket

Do you already have a denim jacket in your closet? Instead of traditional blue, how about opting for a burnt orange?

This denim jacket from Liverpool would look stylish worn over a white or black dress for summer.

Liverpool denim jacket | 40plusstyle.com

Liverpool denim jacket

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.

This sweater by Halogen is a woolly stretch-knit pullover that is designed with a v-neck and an easy fit.

Halogen v-neck sweater | 40plusstyle.com

Halogen v-neck sweater

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 Wit & Wisdom. Either way, these will be the hero piece in your outfit.

Wit & Wisdom ankle pants | 40plusstyle.com

Wit & Wisdom ankle pants

The perfect orange jeans

This pair of jeans from Tinsel is designed with comfortable stretch and could flatter you from day to night. They’re more of a soft peach than an orange so if you don’t want to go too bright, they could be a good choice.

Tinsel crop flare jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Tinsel crop flare jeans

The perfect orange skirt

This skirt from Vero Moda has a flattering bias cut and is also made with recycled fibers.

Vero Moda skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Vero Moda skirt

The perfect orange shoes

Shoes can be a stylish way to transform an outfit.

This pair of loafers from Steve Madden are lightweight, flexible, and will add a pop of color to your existing outfits. They would look fantastic worn simply with a pair of skinny jeans and a white shirt.

Steve Madden loafer flat | 40plusstyle.com

Steve Madden loafer flat

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.

This tote from Longchamp is casual enough to use everyday and would look great with jeans and a striped sweater.

Longchamp tote | 40plusstyle.com

Longchamp tote

Make a statement this season by knowing the handbag trends of SS 2020.

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.

1. Pair orange with neutrals – white

how to wear orange and white | 40plusstyle.com

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.

Kylie (above) shows off a perfect pairing of orange and white.

Steal her look with this similar tank top, pants, sneakers and earrings.

Pair orange with neutrals - white | 40plusstyle.com

Blank NYC moto jacketMadewell t-shirtVero Moda skirtNaturalizer loaferALLSAINTS shoulder bag

2. Pair orange with neutrals – beige

wear an orange skirt with a beige jacket | 40plusstyle.com

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.

Bev (above) shows how to wear an orange maxi skirt with beige for the perfect vacation outfit.

Recreate her look with this similar tank top, blazer, wide leg pants, sandals, woven handbag, sunglasses and earrings.

Pair orange with neutrals - beige | 40plusstyle.com

BB Dakota asymmetrical jacketStateside v-neck teeTommy Hilfiger stripe crop pantsFranco Sarto sandalAntik Kraft woven straw bag

3. Pair orange with neutrals – black

an orange print shirt with black pants | 40plusstyle.com

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.

Monika (above) wears an orange print shirt, which she matches with her bag.

Check out these orange tie neck blouse options from Allegra K and ACEVOG that you can pair with these similar trousers, pumps and handbag.

Pair orange with neutrals - black | 40plusstyle.com

Caslon roll tab knit jacketAll in Favor ribbed twist front topWit & Wisdom ankle pants27 Edit loaferHobo leather toteGorjana stone charm huggie earrings

4. Pair orange with neutrals – gray

wearing orange with gray | 40plusstyle.com

Another fantastic way to wear orange is with gray.

Claudia (above) makes sure her look is bang on-trend by wearing her gray suit with sneakers.

Get her look with this similar shirt, plaid blazer and pants, sneakers and necklace.

how to wear orange with a gray coat and pants | 40plusstyle.com

Ted Baker London wrap coatMarks & Spencer satin shirtEnglish Factory belted crop trousersNaturalizer loaferALLSAINTS shoulder bagLizzie Fortunato mosaic hoop earrings

5. Orange with cobalt blue

pairing orange with blue | 40plusstyle.com

Pairing orange with cobalt 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.

Oxana (above) teams her orange with blue and leopard pring.

Steal her look with this similar pocket tee, skirt, belt, jacket, flats, handbag and sunglasses.

Orange with cobalt blue outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Mark + James by Badgley high/low scuba shirtdressBCBGeneration slide sandalDMIX crystal box clutchIsabel Marant stone drop earrings

6. Orange with baby blue

a retro-style blue and orange outfit | 40plusstyle.com

You don’t have to choose a darker shade of blue with your orange. Baby blue looks just as beautiful.

Carin (above) opts for a retro style, complete with a playful turtle-shaped bag.

Get her look with this off the shoulder top (plain option), similar skirt, sandals, headband and rattan bag.

Orange and baby blue outfit combination | 40plusstyle.com

London Fog trench raincoatMadewell plaid tie front topFRAME skinny jeansVince Camuto espadrille sandalKurt Geiger London round crossbody bag

7. Embrace the purple-orange clash

wearing orange with purple | 40plusstyle.com

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 (above) teams her orange and purple with a white tee and tan boots.

Check out this similar cardigan, pants, mules, necklace and earrings.

Embrace the purple-orange clash | 40plusstyle.com

Halogen v-neck sweaterWASH LAB skinny jeansEvolve sandalMichael Kors hobo bagNakamol Chicago geometric linear earrings

8. Orange with green

If you love a natural style, you could choose a muted olive green to wear with your orange.

Orange with green outfit | 40plusstyle.com

L’AGENCE denim jacketChelsea28 floral dressTeva strappy sandalTed Baker London croc embossed crossbody bagBP. hoop earringsBourbon & Bowties bangles

9. Orange and pink

pink and orange outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Whether you choose a paler shade of pink or a shocking shade, pink with orange can be an unexpected, yet beautiful combination.

Kim (above) opts for a playful take on wearing orange with her fruit-print dress.

Check out this printed dress with pink and orange print that you can wear with this similar denim jacket, sneakers and sunglasses.

Pink and orange outfit combination | 40plusstyle.com

Lulus wrap topTinsel crop flare jeansAmalfi by Rangoni sandalHobo leather clutch Alexis Bittar drop earrings

10. Embrace orange prints

wearing an orange printed jumpsuit | 40plusstyle.com

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.

Sarah looks fabulous in this orange printed jumpsuit.

Check out this similar jumpsuit, bolero, pumps, headband and sunglasses.

Orange printed dresses and skirts | 40plusstyle.com

Eliza J floral high/low maxi dressROTATE python print midi dressTanya Taylor floral pleated midi skirtAlcea Rosea plaid a-line skirt

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.

Stylish orange accesories | 40plusstyle.com

André Assous espadrille sandal Oldstone Quality fedoraBobbi Brown lipstickBase Coat nail polishMadewell plaid scarfCult Gaia pyramid top handle bagMe&Hz tassel earringsZENZII resin link necklaceTory Burch T-logo braceletNixon watch, 40mmRay-Ban wayfarer sunglasses

Here is the list of the best accessory trends for spring and summer 2020.

The orange color combination ideas from above put together in one capsule.

An orange capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

Want to know how to wear other colors too?

I have created several color guides for popular colors right now:

Do you plan to wear orange this coming season and which color combination is your favorite?

Continue reading:

  1. Spring 2020 Color Trends: All The Best Colors To Wear This Spring And Summer
  2. How To Wear Yellow And Brighten Up Your Day!
  3. How To Wear Gray: Color Palettes And Ensembles For You To Choose From!

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How to wear orange | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Anita

The post How to wear orange? 7 color combinations to get you started! appeared first on 40+ Style.