After two years of lockdown, there is a joyous optimism around dressing up again. Party and occasionwear aremore ostentatious than ever, holiday clothes are more considered, and our everyday wardrobe is more colourful than ever before. To put it simply, now is the time to dress in a way that makes you feel your happiest. Fashion can be a powerful mood booster, after all. It turns out this summer’s hero colour, bright orange, is a powerful tool when it comes to dopamine dressing.
Clementine, tangerine, marmalade or carrot, whatever delicious shade you want to call it, bright, zesty orange is having a moment. It might not be an obvious choice, or even something already in your wardrobe, but this uplifting, citrus shade truly suits everyone. The Who What Wear office has already been charmed by the orange pieces popping up on the high street, but there is also plenty of inspiration on the autumn/winter runways.
Think dresses, coats, jumpsuits and suiting in every shade of sunset orange, and you’ll be on the right track. Michael Kors’s pencil dresses (and matching shoulder-robed coats) brightened up the runway, while Alexander McQueen’s puffball-skirted dresses were a bright break in the midst of plenty of black leather.
And if you were wondering how such a bold runway trend would translate to everyday life, look no further than Lily Collins. Confirming that hot orange is now a bona fide trend that comes A-list approved, Collins’s Gabriela Hearst suit set the tone for a summer of sunny delight.
So scroll on to see our picks of the chicest ways to try your hand at Aperol spritz dressing and why everyone from fashion editors to influencers is obsessed with it right now.
Style Notes: This bold dress is an outfit in itself. Whether an ankle-grazing maxi or a playful mini, there is no need to over-accessorise. Simply let the dress do all of the talking.
Style Notes: If you’re uncertain about how to do head-to-toe colour, the easiest way to try the trend is by buying into separates. Break up the colour with neutrals like white, black or beige (our particular favourite colour pairing), and look out for gold details or accessories to lift the look.
Whether it has sharp sleeves or fluid draping, an orange shirt will work with almost anything. Add blue jeans for the weekend, clean tailoring for work or a midi skirt for dinner and drinks. Either way, this shade is sure to invite compliments.
Accessories in citrus brights are the antidote to the Monday blues. Swap your usual black or brown everyday tote for a tangerine shoulder bag, and start your week with a dose of vitamin C.
Next up, stay ahead of next season’s trends with Autumn/Winter 2022: The 15 Fashion Looks You Need to Know About.
