Orange is a fun, bright color that can liven up any outfit. However, it can be tricky to find pieces that complement an orange item without being too matchy-matchy. The key is to look for colors that sit next to orange on the color wheel, like yellow, red, pink, purple, and blue. Neutrals like black, white, gray, and brown can also be easy to pair with orange. The shade and saturation of the orange piece will impact what colors look best with it. Lighter, muted oranges go well with soft pastels, while bold oranges pop against deeper tones. With some thoughtful coordination, you can put together stylish orange outfits.
Best Colors to Match with Orange
Here are the top colors that look great when paired with orange:
Yellow
Since yellow sits next to orange on the color wheel, it naturally complements it. When you wear orange and yellow together, they create a bright, cheery look. Pale yellow works well with soft peach-toned orange while golden yellow pairs best with terra cotta orange. Try an orange top with a yellow skirt or pants. For a neon style, match a tangerine orange shirt with lemon yellow shorts.
Red
Red is another vibrant option when you want to match orange. Crimson red and vermillion orange is a bold combination. For softer contrast, wear peach orange with cherry red. Red shoes, handbags, and jewelry pop against an orange dress or top.
Pink
Pink has a romantic vibe that balances out orange’s high-energy hue. Soft pinks flatter light tangerine while hot pink complements vivid orange tones. An orange sweater worn over a blush pink dress is an elegant look. Or pair orange pants with a pink button-down shirt.
Purple
Purple works surprisingly well with orange because it sits opposite it on the color wheel. Deep purple makes burnt orange hues look richer. Light lilac or lavender softens bright citrus orange shades. Wear an orange coat over a purple dress or mix orange and purple prints in one outfit.
Blue
Cool blue contrasts nicely with warm orange. Pale orange complements light and medium blues while bold shades of cobalt, navy or turquoise match bright saturated oranges. Try wearing an orange blouse with a navy pencil skirt or pair orange chinos with a light blue button-down shirt.
Green
While green and orange are complementary colors, pairing them can be trickier. Stick with muted greens like sage, olive and khaki with softer oranges. Or go for bold with kelly green and citrus orange. An olive green jacket with an orange tee and jeans can work for casual looks.
Neutrals
Don’t underestimate neutrals when building an orange outfit. Crisp white, soft gray, warm brown and classic black act as balancing colors that tone down orange’s intensity. Try a preppy look with an orange sweater vest, white collared shirt and gray trousers. Go mod with an orange shift dress, black tights and boots.
Outfit Ideas to Match Orange
Here are some chic outfit formulas for wearing orange:
Orange top + blue jeans + neutral shoes
This casual combo works for everyday. Pair a tangerine tee with medium wash denim and white sneakers or booties. Or try a burnt orange button-down with dark wash skinny jeans and brown oxfords.
Orange dress + pink cardigan + nude heels
Feminine and flattering, this look goes from desk to dinner. A peach shift dress with a blush cardigan and neutral pumps is ideal for work. For evening, don a satin tangerine frock with a fuchsia bolero and nude sandals.
Orange skirt + purple top + yellow accessories
Make a bold color statement mixing complementary shades. An A-line burnt orange skirt with a lavender blouse and lemon earrings and handbag oozes retro flair.
Orange pants + red sweater + brown jacket
Upgrade your casual Friday vibe with this punchy mix. Pair red wine pants with an orange cable knit sweater, topped with a chocolate brown bomber jacket.
Orange coat + black dress + red heels
Be eye-catching by topping little black dress with a stand-out orange coat. Add red stiletto pumps and clutch for head-to-toe impact.
| Orange Item | Matching Colors |
|---|---|
| Light peach orange | Soft pink, lavender, pale yellow |
| Bright tangerine orange | Lemon yellow, fuchsia, turquoise |
| Burnt orange | Red, purple, teal, olive green |
| Dark terra cotta orange | Mustard yellow, cobalt blue, forest green |
Tips for Wearing Orange
Follow these handy tips when putting together an orange outfit:
– Stick to 2-3 colors in one look – orange plus 1-2 coordinating colors
– Use lighter shades of orange for spring and summer, go deeper in fall and winter
– Add pops of orange to neutrals like black, white, gray, tan, cream
– If mixing patterns (like florals, stripes, checks) make sure orange color ties them together
– Accessorize with orange handbag, shoes, jewelry to pull look together
– For work, pair with classic pieces like blazers, button-downs, tailored pants or skirts
– Avoid wearing head-to-toe orange which can be overpowering – incorporate other colors
– Look for orange in interesting prints and textures like sherbet stripes, watercolor florals, ikat prints
– Orange on bottom with neutral top creates balance
– Neutral on bottom with orange top makes it focal point
Conclusion
Orange is a vibrant, happy color that’s fun to incorporate into your wardrobe. With its energizing hue, orange conveys confidence, creativity and charm. By choosing the right color pairings that complement orange, you can develop stylish head-turning looks. Colors like yellow, red, pink, purple and blue accent orange well. Neutrals also create balance. With a few simple guidelines, you can feel fashionable and fabulous in orange.