Three Ways: How to Wear an Orange Skirt

Feb 15, 2011

While I may love the idea of an orange skirt, putting together an outfit that makes an orange skirt work is harder than it looks.  I think I went through nine iterations of this post before I came up with three looks that I was happy with sharing.  Because when you have such a bold piece, it can be difficult to blend it into your wardrobe in a way that doesn’t look forced.

Polyvore Set Found Here.

When building an outfit with orange, there are several ways that you can go.  Initially, I thought about mixing in some eggplant, but then I realized that in a conservative work environment, earth tones would probably work best.  So for this outfit, I mixed in some natural tones (stone, white), chocolate brown and olive green.  The muted palette lets the orange skirt take center stage but keeps it from being overpowering.

Polyvore Set Found Here.

I’m not sure that this outfit is nice enough for a dinner date, but it would be great for dinner with friends or a birthday party.  I really like the cobalt with the orange, and not just because I’m a Broncos fan.  And while you could mix in nude accessories, I chose grey instead.  It feels a little dressier and cold weather appropriate.  

Polyvore Set Found Here.

If you’re going to wear a hooded pullover, you wanted to wear one that doesn’t make you look like the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man.  This fitted hoodie in oatmeal is perfect for a casual brunch outfit or just lounging around the house on Sunday.  I love that bag from Zara, it looks like vintage Coach.  Also, I worked in tribal jewelry because that’s a really big trend right now, and there aren’t many opportunities for a professional woman to wear it.

Three Ways

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  1. klm says:

    Belle – Where is the orange skirt from? I don't see the information on your Polyvore page (which I love.)

  2. Belle says:

    Anthropologie.

  3. klm says:

    Belle – Where is the orange skirt from? I don't see the information on your Polyvore page (which I love.)

  4. Belle says:

    Anthropologie.

  5. Katie says:

    As a fellow Broncos fan, I appreciate the second color combo 🙂
    I wouldn't have thought to pair a skirt like this with a hoodie. Thanks for the ever inspiring ideas!

  6. jasmine says:

    I admit that I have come to love orange over the past two seasons, but never as a skirt until this post. These are so much more than I feel I could have accomplished on my own. I have dark hair, but a fair complexion and anything with yellow tones can be tricky, but orange…just works. Thanks Belle.

  7. K says:

    Go Broncos! Didn't think I could show my love for the team while dressing up… thanks for the great idea!

  8. Kim says:

    Whattokeep, I have the same concern regarding the skirt. There's no way that it would be flattering on my hourglass shape. (And, of course, I recognize that Belle can't pick pieces that would be flattering on everyone, so this is more of an observation than a complaint about Belle's pick, which is lovely!) I am going to be on the lookout for a similar colored skirt.

    As of right now, I have a more coral-colored orangey skirt that I got from Boden that I have been looking forward to wearing this spring. Thanks to Belle's inspiration, I'm going to try to create a look similar to the Sunday brunch look. I love everything about it except the shoes. (And again, this is just a personal thing. Anything with a strap around the ankle makes my already short legs look even shorter!)

    I especially love the bag. I've been seeing so many cute cross-body bags lately!

  9. Belle says:

    Ladies-

    I'm on an hourglass shape, and when I tried the skirt on in the store it was really lovely. Here's why. It is so structured, that it looks like the skirt has volume, instead of your hips having volume. So it conceals by making it look like everything extra is material not flesh.

  10. KLo says:

    As a thick-waisted, no-hipped inverted triangle, this shape makes me look hourglass! So it's extra flattering 🙂

  11. whattokeep says:

    I definitely like orange right now, too. My only concern with the skirt is the pleats. I know it will make my waist look small, but will it make my hips look bigger? I'm a pear, and I definitely don't need extra inches there! What do you think, Belle?

    https://whattokeep.wordpress.com/

  12. lorrwill says:

    Bravo, Belle! You are going to get us all hooked on orange, aren't you?

    I was thinking that oyster or perhaps eggshell or sand would work and here you hit it with stone. Being in the same ball park as you makes me feel a little smarter. 😛

  13. RachelRemarks says:

    I am a recently converted orange lover as well. Orange with classic navy and bright white is one of my very favorite combos for summer, but I love it with turquoise touches as well, a la the Sunday brunch look. I wouldn't have thought of putting them together, thanks for the fab suggestion as always!

  14. Victoria says:

    what color hosiery would you pair with each of these outfits? they're great looks, but unfortunately it's not quite bare-leg season yet.

  15. L says:

    Love everything except the hoodie… maybe a simple crew neck tee? Thanks for the sets. I've really enjoyed your Polyvore sets! Keep them coming!

  16. klm says:

    Belle – Where is the orange skirt from? I don't see the information on your Polyvore page (which I love.)

  17. Belle says:

    Anthropologie.

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