50 shades of orange

If runways are any indication, orange is fashion’s favourite shade right now and it is even going to replace black as the ‘power colour’

Once avoided for the fear of its clashability and the potential of being mistaken for a member of the Holland football team or a worker with his hi-vis on at a building site, orange or tangerine and its vivid shades are quietly becoming fashion’s favourite shades this season. More importantly, it’s been claimed that the shade may be replacing the quintessential black as the new ‘power colour’, as well.

“The hue is popping up in all shades from tangerine and sherbert to bright, punchy hues like mandarin and apricot. One of the most prominent hues hitting the runway is a deep, cinnamon colour that has sexy and warm undertones,” asserts designer Neeta Lulla. “No matter what the shade may be, the good news is that oranges are being used in everything from chic menswear-inspired suits to swingy dresses,” she adds and says, “A dose of orange in your wardrobe is like a sartorial Prozac — happiness on a hanger. It has got a bad rap for being ‘difficult’ to wear but once you start exploring its many shades, you’re sure to find something between DayGlo and rusty terracotta that suits your complexion. Temper a vivid orange with grey or pair a coral tone with white for a fresh, modern look.”

But why are we being drawn to this colour, which was once avoided for safer shades such as black Designer Mandira Bedi says, “There is certain exoticness to this shade and besides us, many other cultures are now embracing different shades of orange too. We are so much more attuned to other cultures that embrace colour.” She adds, “The easiest way to work the trend into your wardrobe is with suede; there’s no shortage of the fabric on the high street both in its faux and original form. Outerwear in warm cinnamon shades are an investment buy but to incorporate the colour more sympathetically, opt for accessories.”

Whereas designer Pria Kataaria Puri suggests, “Earthy shades are ideal to mix and match but if that’s a little adventurous, separates can easily be paired with more modest basics.” Designer Archana Kochhar agrees and adds, “The hue can work with brighter colours (too) by creating the coolest colour combo consisting of hot pink and burnt orange — which goes to show that no matter how moody the hue is, a punchy pink pairs well with it.

Talking about its wearability with regards to changing seasons, designer Farah Sanjana points out, “Orange might be a colour more traditionally associated with the summer months. But this season, it’s been reworked for colder climes. Brighter shades of tangerine and coral are a good fit for when the mercury rises and for Fall it’s all about earthier shades; think warm and comforting hues of terracotta.”

For men, orange has become the new pink, says designer Ridhi Arora. So, if you are bold enough to try it then there’s no better colour to inject a bit of warmth into a dull, grey day than a hint of orange, she suggests. “From burnt orange, citric orange, rust, tangerine, amber, carrot to ginger, pumpkin, apricot, coral, papaya, vermillion, cinnabar and peach — you have a huge colour story to narrate your sartorial take on the trend. However, if you’re not bold enough to wear orange knitwear or trousers, you can always wear a splash of colour in socks, tie or pocket-square,” she concludes.