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Orange isn’t the colour that oft comes to mind when considering an outfit. Tricky to wear and oh so conspicuous, many people are put off by its sheer exuberance. It is a colour however, that comes in and out of fashion and rarely disappears completely in one way or another. Orange is back for spring/summer ’12 with countless designers choosing to dress their runway models in various shades of tangerine, amber and apricot.
Victoria Beckham went for a sporty look with a slim fitting orange dress, orange and navy short sleeved dress. Felipe Oliveria Baptista also went sports luxe with bright orange cycling shorts and matching jacket. Marc by Marc Jacobs showed sixties tangerine shift dresses and Matthew Williamson built orange into his grown up blazer looks. In fact orange was also evident at Ports 1961, Nanette Lepore and Jayne Pierson to name just a few.
If you choose the right shade, orange doesn’t have to be difficult to wear. Opt for warmer tones of amber and burnt orange rather than florescent shades to be kinder to the complexion. Dark or tanned skins can not only get away with brights, but look fantastic in them. The way to wear orange is colour blocking, don’t be shy. Try a shift dress like this elegant style by Coast, suitable for work or evening, it’s a 24-hour dress for £95. The bow detailing at the back keeps it modern and youthful.
An alternative way to wear the trend is through accessories – bags, shoes, belts, scarves and sunglasses. Not being directly next to the skin, you can go all out with the brights. This bag from Michael Michael Kors is a remix of the label’s much loved ‘Hamilton bag’. In tangerine ostrich effect leather, it costs £255 but will see you right through summer.
