‘Hi fashion team, I really want to look stylish this winter and need some help. Normally I just get by in oversized knits, jeans and puffers but I want to make an effort this year. I’ve seen lots of orange pieces around and I feel like I could buy a few to make all my outfits look brand new, but I’m not sure what to buy and how to wear it. Please help!’
Isla from Norbury
There’s nothing wrong with that knit + jeans + puffer combo, IMHO, but it’s easy to turn that into a polished look for autumn and winter. I’m a winter gal and dressing for cold weather is my forte, so you’re in safe hands.
By night this season, fuchsia is the shade to know, but by day, it’s definitely PSL (that’s pumpkin spice latte, naturally). Orange is all over the high street this season, so you won’t be short of pieces to buy, but you’re right to consider which pieces you actually need and will wear, which is what shopping smart is all about.
It sounds like you’re a casual dresser but keen to look a little smarter, and since wearing colour is a new venture for you, I’d recommend sticking to classic buys. It’s all too easy to feel uncomfortable if you go for an entirely new shape and colour – think a tangerine dress when you’re used to wearing neutral tailoring, – so easing in is key here.
Best orange pieces to buy now
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Cardigans and knits should be your starting point: they’re a style you wear most days, so an orange version should blend into your existing outfits easily.
With a bright colour like orange, it’s worth thinking about which shade suits you best beforehand, particularly if you’re keen on a jumper, scarf or coat which will be worn close to your face. It’s for that reason accessories are a great entry point.
Those with darker skin and hair can go bright or deep: think tangerine and carrot shades, then rust and burnt orange. Shades closer to brown – like spice or dark amber – will suit blondes more than zingier options.
It’s a shade that works year round: come warm weather, it’s a summery and easier to wear alternative to yellow, but for now, it nods to autumn, and works beautifully in the traditional colour palette of camel, chocolate, navy, grey and cream. So chic. It’ll bring your older looks up to date, and (quite literally) will add a zing without feeling OTT or out of place.
These are the It orange pieces on the high street now, so read on for my tips on how to introduce them to your winter capsule wardrobe easily…
How to wear orange this season
The apricot trouser suit
OK, granted this is ambitious if it’s your first foray into orange but look how chic! I’d wear this with a ribbed grey roll neck and my Veja trainers for a smart casual workwear look, but the jewel toned shade makes it ideal for eveningwear.
Forgo any base layers and wear the waistcoat on its own with strappy platforms and a beaded bag. This is an ideal look for winter weddings if you’re not into dresses, and you’ll get tons of wear out of this suit as separates, too.
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The burnt orange wool coat
This burnt orange number looks a little more subdued IRL and works as a chic finishing touch to those oversized knits and jeans combos you turn to. See it as the smarter version of your puffer and wear it in exactly the same way.
When I’m out and about on the weekend, I love wearing a tailored coat over my tracksuit and Birkenstocks looks: it just makes them feel less like loungewear.
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The chunky tangerine knit
This expensive-looking pumpkin knit is one of my favourite high street finds this autumn. The bright shade is grounded by a classic silhouette so it’s way easier to wear than you might think.
The styling here is *chef’s kiss*: silky skirts really complement chunky jumpers, and I love the texture clash with leather boots. If you want a more low-key look, blue jeans and snake print ankle boots are the pairing to know.
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The pumpkin slip dress
I may or may not have this slip dress in two colours, that’s just how good it is. The spicy cinnamon shade is a new autumn colour and so delicious IRL. It’s crying out for some gold platforms and a cream blazer for a wedding guest look, or with tons of jewellery and strappy mules for your office Christmas party.
By day, re-style it with a chunky cream cardigan on top, or a polo neck underneath.
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