But Orange is Not My Color!

Now that 2012 is in full swing we have a new color of the year to celebrate. Tangerine Tango has been named by Pantone as THE color of the year. While that’s great news for all the autumns and some of the springs out there, that leaves many of us (summers and winters) out in the cold.

Orange is a brilliant color, bursting with energy and excitement! I personally love orange and have a favorite painting in my kitchen in this hue. Yet when it comes to wearing orange, I have to admit that this color really isn’t for me. Love it as I do, it really does nothing for my skintone and just completely washes me out.

I work with many women who are confused when it comes to color trends. After all, if it’s a trend, everyone should be able to wear it, right? WRONG! While there may only be one color of the year, there are multiple colors that are ‘hot’ each season. If the color of the year isn’t for you, please do not EVER feel compelled to wear it – period. Instead, turn your attention to some of the season’s other muses. The colors shown in the Pantone swatch are; Tangerine Tango, Solar Power, Sodalite Blue, Cabaret, Starfish, Margarita, Sweet Lilac, Driftwood, Bellflower and Cockatoo, and offer many wonderful alternatives to orange with just as much punch.

Cabaret, for instance, is a gorgeous shade for those of us with more cool coloring. I recently painted my office in this hue (more to come!) and love the blue undertones of this bold pink. Bellflower and Cockatoo offer gorgeous pops of color that would work well against most skintones and add a jolt of excitement to your basic black, white or other neutral.

If you do love orange and want to wear it, I recommend starting small. This color is rich and intense, and unless you have mocha skin or a killer tan, could wash you out if you’re not careful. Instead, ease it into your wardrobe little by little. An orange handbag. An orange tank layered under your favorite sweater for kick. Orange in your accessories. Then see where this color takes you. If you love it and it works for you, then let it become your signature color! If not, find something else that will be your personal color for the year and build your wardrobe around it.

My best advice when it comes to color and any other trend is to not let fashion dictate what you wear. Don’t ever wear something because you feel you ‘should’ but instead wear it because you love it! Learning to wear color with confidence can be easy and fun if you let it. The key is to trust yourself. Know what works for you and wear what makes you feel not just good, but great! Because when you feel great you can’t go wrong!

Want to discover your very own unique style and what colors look best on you? Contact me to set up a Find Your Style Inquiry session and learn how my StyleFinder™ System can help you to dress for who you truly are, in all aspects of your life. Michele@onechicmama.com or 919-828-7529.