All About The Color Orange

I’ll admit – orange hasn’t traditionally been my favorite color. The only shade of orange I would wear would be the burnt orange variety, thanks to my University of Texas roots. Conversely, my mom’s favorite color is orange, because of her Oklahoma State allegiance. Now, that is an altogether different shade of orange! In fact, their tagline is “America’s brightest orange.”

As I mentioned in this month’s Letter from the Editor, this flamboyant color is more polarizing than most – people tend to love it or hate it. There’s something about that notion that makes us love this color even more because, as you know, we’re all about living a bold, colorful life, and when you live bold you also live confidently and self assured.

Whatever your feelings about the color orange, there’s no denying that orange is one of the most dynamic colors out there. It’s a combination of red, which is bold and powerful, and yellow, which is joyful and happy. It’s attention grabbing, stimulating, and vivacious. And for all those reasons and more, orange is a color worth investigating further.

So, let’s dive into everything about the color orange! Whether you’re wondering about the history of the color orange, what color goes well orange, how to style an orange dress, or anything else about the color orange, we have ya covered!

Facts About the Color Orange

Before we get into how to wear orange, let’s take a moment to explore the history of the color orange, shall we? Did you know…

The term ‘orange’ was first used in the 1500s, and it was taken from an Old French word ‘orenge,’ which was in reference to the fruit of that same color and name.

Orange is the easiest color to see in low / dim / dark lighting. This is why life jackets, life boats, traffic cones, and other safety related items are typically this hue.

The color has been known to be a popular one in restaurants to encourage the feeling hunger and contentment. It’s an appetite stimulator.

In Feng Shui, orange represents fire.

Biblically, orange is associated with saints and represents strength and courage.

Nobility were the only ones during the Elizabethan Era who could wear orange.

Some facts found via Ten Random Facts, Bourn Creative, and The Fact Site.

5 Ways to Wear the Color Orange

Now that we’ve discussed the meaning behind the color orange, let’s talk about what we’re all here for today…how to wear the color orange! I’m sure you recall our article on creative ways to wear burnt orange (if not, check it out here!), but as you can see, now we’re talking all about orange from ROYGBIV.

You might wonder what on earth do I wear with orange? What other colors go with orange? Below you’ll find five gorgeous ways to wear orange, so keep on reading…

1. Wear Orange with Gold

Orange and gold is an elegant and beautiful combination. When wondering what jewelry and accessories to pair with this vivid hue, opt for gold over silver. It adds a richness and complements the color incredibly well. As well, consider an orange skirt with a gold top, perhaps (or vice versa). This is also a great combination if you’re still a bit hesitant about wearing orange because you can partner it with a neutral such as gold rather than something else bold.

2. Wear Orange with Denim

Along the same lines of wearing orange with gold, pairing the color with denim is also another way to “ease” into the world of orange. Whether an orange sweater or top or jacket or even one with another color, such as Carrie’s above, throwing on a pair of jeans with it is a no brainer and always cool.

3. Wear Orange with Bright Pink

Now, if you’re ready to dive in head first or you’ve already dabbled with denim and gold, as mentioned above, and are ready to take a bigger leap, pair your orange with bright pink. It’s nothing short of feel good fabulous and totally bold and stylish. Bottom line, it’s fun!

4. Wear Orange with Leopard

When it comes to mixing prints with orange, we immediately jump to leopard. The tan and black shades pair perfectly with orange. The colors in a leopard print are neutral, so leopard can really be seen as a neutral, and for that reason alone, it’s a show stopping combination.

5. Wear Orange with Cobalt Blue

Orange and blue are complementary colors, and thus, they of course look great together. Above Carrie wore her bright blue bag as her added pop of color, and it makes the perfect statement. These two colors balance each other out so well, and we have fully embraced this pairing.

Find details of Carrie’s looks here: Eileen Fisher dress in Austin, Texas / Tibi sweater with L’AGENCE jeans / Elizabeth and James asymmetrical stripe midi dress / Demylee x J.Crew leopard blazer and orange sweater with Spanx leggings

Our 30 Orange Favorites

A few more things

Orange you glad you read this article? Sorry – lame joke! But seriously though we hope you found these tips on wearing the color orange helpful.

1. What are your thoughts on orange? Love it? Hate it? Let us know in the comments below.

2. Be sure you’ve checked out our Color of the Month boutique with even more of our orange favorites (apparel, accessories, home decor, and more).

3. Have a great day!