Mandarin Orange

I don’t know how it took me so long to warm to it, but mandarin orange is officially my colour of the summer. The juicy vibrant tone is literally like a jolt of cheeriness, and surprisingly, it goes with so many different shades. Whether it’s paired with coral for an exceptionally bright look or with neutrals, like I’m wearing here, it adds the perfect bit of warmth. Bonus: it also makes for a great lip colour, so I can indulge in a matchy-matchy look by pairing my lipstick with my outfit.
Though this punchy tone can be a bit intimidating at first glance, it’s actually an exceptionally easy bold shade to work into outfits. Take baby steps: start by pairing a breezy, juicy-hued tank top with some denim cut-offs and if you take to the colour (and you most likely will – it’s flattering on almost every skin shade), start accessorizing with touches of the colour. It was a particularly popular shade this season, so you’ll undoubtedly see wedges, espadrilles, handbags and jewellery awash in mandarin orange. 
Mandarin orange looks particularly fresh against summer neutrals like white or navy, but I’m equally as fond of it when paired with icy blues or peachy corals. I’ve also found that for whatever reason, mandarin orange always feels ever so slightly retro to me—it makes me think of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. I like to play up that vintage vibe by working it into ladylike, femme silhouettes that were popular during those bygone decades. For example, here I’ve very deliberately channeled a ’70s vibe: with navy as a grounding foundation for the pop of mandarin orange, I’ve focused on ’70s silhouettes (the strong blazer, flirty romper) and incorporated retro accessories, like these Baroque-inspired strappy heels and this vintage, ladylike purse. I have an exciting weekend planned this upcoming week (I’m off to Portland!) and I know I will undoubtedly be working this fresh and fun tone into a ton of different looks. Whether it’s a favourite orange-hued maxi that I’ll use to stroll around the city while taking in all the sights or an adorable mandarin bag that will be my night-out companion, I will be having a very orange weekend.
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17 Comments

  1. 6.3.13
    Elisabeth said:

    I looove mandarin orange! My take on it, or coral, you'll find in this blog post: http://dragonflyelisabeth.blogspot.fi/2013/05/it-is-almost-impossible-to-watch-sunset.html.

    xxx
    E from Helsinki
    http://dragonflyelisabeth.blogspot.fi/

  2. 6.3.13

    I was JUST going to say — this color looks amazing on you and is definitely your color! Wear it more, lady. xo

  3. 6.3.13
    Kate W said:

    I love the burst of sunny orange against the black shorts and jackets, such a great outfit and perfect for summer weather!

  4. 6.3.13
    Gabriele said:

    love the orange top.. perfect outfit!! love everything about it.
    xx

  5. 6.3.13
    Naomi said:

    Love the outfit! Navy and bright orange are so fun together, and those shoes! Swoon~

    The Occasional Indulgence

  6. 6.3.13

    Yes, mandarin orange is definitely your color! You look so great in it! It brightens and warms your skin!
    ~Sara

  7. 6.3.13
    Petra said:

    gorgeous style. You look stunning in this orange top with the black shorts.
    happy monday.
    xo, Petra

    if you get a second take a look on my new outfit post http://www.sweetsoflife86.blogspot.com

  8. 6.3.13
    Heidi said:

    Such a pretty color on you and LOVING those shorts! xo Heidi http://fabricandfrosting.blogspot.no/

  9. 6.3.13
    Emma said:

    I love this orange and navy combo instead of black or white

    emmastyleguide.blogspot.com

  10. 6.3.13

    i love this outfit, the fabrics look stunning.. is it silk, cupro? I just wanna reach out and touch it!
    xo, aiyanajane || http://www.citystylecountrysmile.com

  11. 6.3.13
    Faith said:

    i love everything about this look … you look fabulous. love the orange and navy together.

  12. 6.3.13
    Stefani said:

    Extremely chic! Love the whole look and your heels are perfect!
    xx

  13. 6.3.13

    I'm glad you've warmed up to this tone, because it looks aaaammmazing on you. Love it with these shorts and amazing heels! Such a fantastic combination 🙂
    xJennaD

  14. 6.4.13

    Love this color on you!! and the pairing of blue and orange is a perfect match for you!

  15. 6.4.13
    Marisa said:

    Looks like we're going to be in Portland at the same time! Maybe we'll run into each other this weekend 🙂 Loving the orange on you too. I grew fond of it last year and have incorporated the colour into my life through clothes and make-up.

    Marisa
    http://style-rhapsody.blogspot.com

  16. 6.4.13
    Anca said:

    This color looks amaazing on you!!! I haven't seen many people who can pull it off but boy oh boy you do!!!

    http://www.101FashionStreet.com

  17. 6.4.13
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