While browsing through the fashion side of the internet, I’ve been seeing shades of orange light up the Spring/Summer 2025 collections. Amid mocha, powdery pinks, sage greens, and bright tomato reds, tangerines seem to be experiencing an uptake in fashion trends.
The gentle, soft, butter yellow was the popular color last 2024. But now, it’s time to match your Aperol Spritz with the clothes on your back.
I’ve always loved the color orange. It’s the color of the most vitamin-C rich fruit, every rabbit’s favorite vegetable, and spooky Halloween pumpkins. It oscillates between yellow (my favorite color) and red (my other favorite). And while some may not be too fond of the shade, regardless of personal tastes, orange seems to scream joy, warmth, and enthusiasm. On the psychology side of color theory, orange is linked to optimism, adventure, and creativity. So it’s really no wonder the color is stealing the spotlight, especially when our screens seem to be overflowing with bad news.
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Orange you glad this hue’s in season?
Coincidentally, I was rewatching the 2001 film “Legally Blonde” last Sunday afternoon when the ever-bubbly, fashion-forward Elle Woods ironically said, “Whoever said orange was the new pink was seriously disturbed.”
But fashion trends this 2025 beg to differ.
The S/S 25 runways are awash with the color in New York, Paris, London, and Milan. Dries Van Noten took to silky, asymmetrical silhouettes that flowed in all directions with dramatic effect. Meanwhile, Loewe sent out a structured orange dress, meticulously embroidered with hundreds of sequins.
Bottega Veneta has also taken the orange memo seriously—recently releasing a literal orange-shaped purse that opens in four slices. Each slice has a zipped compartment, made in their signature Intrecciato nappa leather.
Mix and match with style
So what’s the verdict on orange? Right now, you either love it or you hate it. After all, the color could be difficult to wear and pair. But in a tropical country like ours, where the sun’s out most of the time, who cares? Match the light!
While wearing the citrusy shade is a no-brainer at the beach, you can incorporate orange into afternoon brunch outfits for the city, or throw on a bright blazer as an accent for work. Blend in the orange with softer hues, or go all the way with full saturation for that modern, edgy look.
But if you’re not gutsy enough to go for a total tangerine ensemble, consider the range of orange’s inner hues and how they can work for you.
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A dark orange closer to brown feels more serious for tailored trousers or a structured midi dress. Burnt orange, which leans closer to red, is great as a statement piece. Coral rests in the middle, like a warm pink or salmon hybrid, and pairs well with white denim or flowy skirts. Apricot, a neutral hue near yellow, works well with breezy linen ensembles. And finally, peachy shades are easy to style for romantic day looks, too, with sundresses or blouses.
(Hot tip: Maybe don’t go for a full orange jumpsuit even if you’re a fan of the Netflix show “Orange is the New Black.”)
So bid farewell to your pale pastels. And start to say your goodbyes to Mocha, the Pantone of 2025. Fresher, vibrant tones are here to stay. And like the happy, zesty vibe of orange, be ready to wear it with a smile on your face.
So whether it’s a soft coral or a bright burnt orange, wear it like you mean it. Maybe even Elle Woods might be tempted to swap the pink for a juicier tangerine.