Ways To Wear Orange - What Colors Go With Orange

The color orange gets a bad rap, and that’s a shame!

Let’s discuss How to Wear ORANGE for both warm and cool undertones.

On this page:

• Your perfect shade of orange
• Colors to wear with orange when you have warm undertones
• Neutrals to wear with orange when you have warm undertones
• Colors to wear with orange when you have cool undertones
• Neutrals to wear with orange when you have cool undertones

Your Perfect Shade of Orange With Warm Undertones and Cool Undertones

If you have warm undertones, then orange is easy to wear for you. From peach to rust, you have lots of shades, and oranges go easily with other colors in your palette. Choose shades of oranges with more yellow and brown in them; Peach, Apricot, Orange, Tomato Red, Rust. If your coloring is fair/light, seek lighter versions of peach and apricot. For softer coloring, choose shades that are softened with beige or brown. 

If you have cool undertones, then wearing orange may not seem like an obvious choice, but it can work. Choose orangey shades with more pink and red in them; Warm Pink, Salmon, Coral, Tangerine, and Pumpkin. If you are light in your coloring, look for lighter versions of warm pink and salmon. For soft coloring, look for grayed shades of the above.

Colors to Wear with Orange - Warm Undertones

Pair your warm oranges with lighter or deeper oranges or analogous colors to orange like yellows and reds, which are found next to orange on the color wheel. For a contrasting look, go to the complementary colors to orange, which are blues or greens. Complementary colors are found on the opposite side of the color wheel. Sharp vibrant purple with a hint of warmth can work too, especially for redheads.

Neutrals to Wear with Orange - Warm Undertones

For your neutrals, mix in sand, camel, warm navy, and warm brown. You can pair orange with light, medium, or deep neutrals, depending on the depth of your coloring.

Colors to Wear with Orange - Cool Undertones

If you have cool undertones, pair your orange with pinks or bright yellows (analogous) or the complementary colors across the color wheel, which are blues and greens. For you, a cool purple will also work as a contrasting shade. 

Neutrals to Wear with Orange - Cool Undertones

For your neutrals, mix in white, gray, mushroom, cocoa brown, and cool navy. Choose your neutral based on your depth of color.

Let’s bring on the oranges for Spring! It’s a great way to brighten up your look and stand out from the crowd.

Want more inspiration on wearing orange? Check out Part 2 of Ways to Wear Orange coming later this month!

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Gail Scott

Gail Scott

Gail Scott is Creative Director for Style and Beauty. She is a makeup expert and personal stylist. If you would like professional advice with Gail, please sign up for her exclusive 2-hour 1:1 session. Or schedule a 15 minute Style Chat with Gail to ask your questions.