Like most fashion trends, the influx of orange dresses onto the red carpet started on the runway. Models for Luca Luca, Costello Tagliapietro, Marc by Marc Jacobs and more all walked the runway showing off bright frocks in a solid-orange color. And, just a few months later, celebrities like Lindsey Vonn and Miranda Kerr show up wearing similar dresses.

Here's the thing about this trend: I absolutely love the color orange.

I love eating oranges. I love orange things like basketballs, flowers and pumpkin pie. Orange is a bright, fun color associated with bright, fun things. All that to say...pulling off an orange dress is very hard to do. The wrong color orange can wash out your skin and make you look pasty and sick.

So is this tall fashion trend one worth following? Maybe.

Here's What Works: The right orange for you will depend heavily on your skin tone. Brighter colors in hues like red-orange and tangerine often work best, while the pale sorbets and "just plain orange" colors are more difficult. If you have a more olive complexion you may be able to pull off burnt orange.


Here's What Doesn't Work: This trend will not work if you don't like the color orange. Sounds like a no brainer, right? But, lots of people try the "in" trends without really acknowledging the fact that it may not be the right trend for them. If you hate orange, please don't wear orange. You'll hate every minute of it and it'll be clear that you're uncomfortable.




How to Make it Work for You: Have at least two people with you when you try on orange dresses. You want multiple opinions regarding the shade of the dress and how it looks against your skin. Dressing room lighting is tricky, so friends' opinions are going to be your best resource when choosing the right color.


Adding Accessories: Break up the color a little! Orange is such a bright, bold color that it can completely overtake you. Add a neutral-color belt, a beige scarf or other bold accessories to the outfit to help offset the color slightly.

Other Tips: Avoid maxi- or midi-lengths when choosing orange dresses. You want to show off some leg to keep the fabric from completely overwhelming you.


Trend Alert Grade: B-