Pink and orange are both vibrant, energetic colors that add a fun pop of color to any wardrobe. However, some people wonder if these two shades can be worn together successfully. The short answer is yes! Pink and orange can absolutely be mixed and matched if done correctly. When styled properly, this color combo can look fashionable, creative and full of personality.
Complementary Colors
On the color wheel, pink and orange are considered complementary colors. This means they are directly opposite each other. Complementary color combos create high contrast, which allows each shade to stand out. The pink pops against the orange, and the orange pops against the pink. This contrast is eye-catching.
Create Visual Interest
Pairing pink and orange together adds visual interest to an outfit. If you wore all pink or all orange, it would be monotonous. But mixing these colorful shades keeps the eyes moving. The combination is playful and lively.
Try Different Shades
There are so many shades of pink and orange to experiment with. For pink, try a light blush pink, a vivid fuchsia, a neon pink or a muted dusty pink. For orange, test out a bright tangerine, a burnt orange, a peach orange or a deep pumpkin orange. Playing with different hues and tones creates depth.
Color Theory Guidelines
Follow these basic color theory guidelines when mixing pink and orange:
- Choose colors of similar intensities – Pair a bright orange with a bright pink for maximum contrast. Don’t match a pale orange with a neon pink.
- Use one color as an accent – Select one shade as the dominant color and use the other sparingly as an accent. Too much of both colors can be overwhelming.
- Add neutrals – Incorporate neutrals like white, tan, gray or black to tone down the look and provide balance.
- Watch the temperature – Orange is a warm color and pink can go either way. Stick to warm pinks and oranges for cohesion.
Different Ways to Style Pink and Orange
Here are some stylish ways to wear pink and orange together:
Colorblocked Outfit
Do a colorblocked outfit by pairing an orange top with pink pants or a pink skirt with an orange jacket. This looks graphic and modern. To make it work, choose colorblocked pieces in similar tones and textures. An orange sweater with a pink leather skirt would complement each other nicely.
Pattern Mixing
Mixing patterns featuring pink and orange is an easy way to combine the shades. For example, wear an orange printed blouse with a pink floral skirt. Or pair pink polka dot pants with an orange striped t-shirt. Make sure the patterns have a similar feel.
Monochromatic
Stick to different shades of pink paired with different shades of orange for a monochromatic vibe. This creates visual interest while still feeling cohesive. Try a peach orange camisole with a fuchsia pink skirt and burnt orange heels.
Pink and Orange Prints
Prints featuring both pink and orange are a simple go-to. Florals, paisleys and geometric prints in these colors effortlessly blend the shades together. You can find many dresses, jumpsuits, skirts and blouses with pink and orange prints.
Neutrals as a Base
Use neutrals like white, tan or gray as a base and add pops of pink and orange as accents. For example, pair a white dress with an orange belt and pink shoes. Or wear tan pants with a pink blouse and orange handbag. This prevents the outfit from feeling overly colorful.
Pink and Orange Color Combinations
Here are some specific pink and orange color combinations that work well together:
| Pink Shade | Orange Shade |
|---|---|
| Blush pink | Peach |
| Dusty pink | Coral |
| Light pink | Warm amber |
| Bubblegum pink | Tangerine |
| Hot pink | Burnt orange |
| Fuchsia | Pumpkin |
| Magenta | Rust |
| Neon pink | Bright mandarin |
Pink and Orange Outfit Ideas
Here are five head to toe outfit ideas combining pink and orange:
1. Peach & Fuchsia
– Peach orange camisole
– Fuchsia pink midi skirt
– Pink pointed flats
– Orange shoulder bag
2. Tangerine & Hot Pink
– Tangerine orange button up blouse
– Hot pink trousers
– Nude platform sandals
– Pink circular shades
3. Coral & Blush
– Coral orange sweater
– Blush long sleeve dress
– Tan crossbody bag
– Orange heels
4. Burnt Orange & Bubblegum Pink
– Burnt orange blazer
– Bubblegum pink cocktail dress
– Pink statement earrings
– Orange pumps
5. Pumpkin & Magenta
– Pumpkin orange jumper
– Magenta pink trousers
– Pink socks
– Orange sneakers
Tips for Pulling Off This Color Combo
Here are some top tips for stylishly wearing pink and orange together:
– Add neutrals like white, black or tan to balance the look
– Mix different shades and tones rather than brights with brights
– Use one color more dominantly and accent with the other
– Incorporate these colors in prints or colorblocked pieces
– Choose colors with similar undertones and intensities
– Add metallic pinks and oranges for extra glam
– Pair soft pinks with rich deep oranges for contrast
– Mix in complementary textures like leather with satin
Conclusion
Pink and orange may seem like an unlikely pair, but when styled properly they can look incredibly fashionable. Complementary on the color wheel, these vibrant shades pop against each other. Follow the color theory guidelines, experiment with different hues, and incorporate plenty of neutrals. The end result is a fun, lively combo that adds personality to any outfit. So don’t be afraid to play up this punchy pairing. Pink and orange most certainly can be worn together successfully.
