After two years of lockdown, there is a joyous optimism around dressing up again. Party and occasionwear are more ostentatious than ever, holiday clothes are more considered, and our everyday wardrobe is more colourful than ever before. To put it simply, now is the time to dress in a way that makes you feel your happiest. Fashion can be a powerful mood booster, after all. It turns out this summer's hero colour, bright orange, is a powerful tool when it comes to dopamine dressing.
Clementine, tangerine, marmalade or carrot, whatever delicious shade you want to call it, bright, zesty orange is having a moment. It might not be an obvious choice, or even something already in your wardrobe, but this uplifting, citrus shade truly suits everyone. The Who What Wear office has already been charmed by the orange pieces popping up on the high street, but there is also plenty of inspiration on the autumn/winter runways.
Think dresses, coats, jumpsuits and suiting in every shade of sunset orange, and you'll be on the right track. Michael Kors's pencil dresses (and matching shoulder-robed coats) brightened up the runway, while Alexander McQueen's puffball-skirted dresses were a bright break in the midst of plenty of black leather.
And if you were wondering how such a bold runway trend would translate to everyday life, look no further than Lily Collins. Confirming that hot orange is now a bona fide trend that comes A-list approved, Collins's Gabriela Hearst suit set the tone for a summer of sunny delight.
So scroll on to see our picks of the chicest ways to try your hand at Aperol spritz dressing and why everyone from fashion editors to influencers is obsessed with it right now.
Shop Our Favourite Orange Pieces (and See How We're Wearing Them)
Style Notes: This bold dress is an outfit in itself. Whether an ankle-grazing maxi or a playful mini, there is no need to over-accessorise. Simply let the dress do all of the talking.
The perfect summer party dress. Just add an Aperol spritz.
Why stick to just one citrus colour? Pair orange with lime green or fresh yellow for a cool combination.
These earrings will go with almost anything in your summer wardrobe, guaranteed.
This best-selling dress is back in stock, so act fast before you miss out on this flattering midi.
We're still raffia-bag obsessed, and this chic version works for the evening, too.
Orange works particularly well with colours with warm undertones, so when it comes to metallics, gold is our first choice.
Instead of white, try summer's cotton dress in an unexpected shade of tangerine.
Block heels are the most comfortable way to do strappy sandals.
Style Notes: If you're uncertain about how to do head-to-toe colour, the easiest way to try the trend is by buying into separates. Break up the colour with neutrals like white, black or beige (our particular favourite colour pairing), and look out for gold details or accessories to lift the look.
The chain detail elevates this top from an ordinary tank to our next dinner-date purchase.
Balance a cropped top with a tailored wide-leg trousers.
Our favourite thing about these slides? The artisan detail/ The cotton is hand-dyed by craftsmen in Burkina Faso.
The perfect white tank doesn't exi…
Wide-leg devotees, we just found your new summer style.
The pointed slingback is the chicest shoe to pair with wide-leg trousers.
COS shoulder bags are always a reliable investment.
Whether it has sharp sleeves or fluid draping, an orange shirt will work with almost anything. Add blue jeans for the weekend, clean tailoring for work or a midi skirt for dinner and drinks. Either way, this shade is sure to invite compliments.
Embrace Jacquemus's Grecian draping for hot weather. The loose fit will keep you cool.
Move over, mini. It's time for longer hemlines to have their moment in the sun.
Olive and orange are another colour combination to add to your must-try list.
We're still obsessed with co-ords for an easy to throw-on outfit option.
Loose-fitted and wide-leg trousers are a great alternative to shorts when the sun starts to set.
Flatforms are at the forefront of the Y2K revival, and it's a trend we're happy to embrace.
Accessories in citrus brights are the antidote to the Monday blues. Swap your usual black or brown everyday tote for a tangerine shoulder bag, and start your week with a dose of vitamin C.
One of our most coveted bags in a fresh colourway.
When a clutch feels a little outdated, try a mini top-handle bag as an eveningwear option.
Cinderella party shoes for when you plan to stay out way past midnight.
All of the cool factor of Loewe's basket bags in colour-pop sandals.
A statement-making pair of sandals if ever we've seen one.
Mix and match your shades of orange with a deep, red-orange hue like this.
Next up, stay ahead of next season's trends with Autumn/Winter 2022: The 15 Fashion Looks You Need to Know About.
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