As a fashion expert, I’m often asked what colours go best with orange and white outfits. Both orange and white are bright, vibrant colours that can be challenging to pair. However, with some thoughtful coordination, they can look amazing together. In this article, I’ll discuss the colour theory behind orange and white and provide concrete recommendations on how to style these shades in your wardrobe.
The Colour Meanings of Orange and White
Before jumping into specific colour pairings, it’s helpful to understand the symbolic meanings and impressions of orange and white. This provides useful context for why certain shades complement each other.
Orange is associated with energy, warmth, enthusiasm, creativity, and vibrancy. It evokes feelings of confidence, sociability, and adventure. In colour psychology, orange promotes social interaction and connection. At the same time, it can also represent caution and stimulation.
White is linked to purity, cleanliness, innocence, and blankness. It gives an impression of freshness and simplicity. In design, white creates a sense of space and brightness. It also represents perfection and spirituality across many cultures. From a mood perspective, white can denote calmness and tranquility.
With their uplifting and optimistic tones, orange and white make a lively colour combination. Orange injects vibrancy while white balances with its airy brightness. When styled thoughtfully, they exude a fun, relaxed, and casual vibe.
Best Colour Matches for Orange Clothes
Orange makes a striking accent colour that instantly energizes an outfit. When deciding what to pair with orange clothing, consider shades that complement its warmth and intensity. Here are some of the best colour matches to try:
White
Crisp white is a popular neutral that allows the orange to take centre stage. The clean backdrop of white clothing sets off the boldness of orange. All-white outfits also gain extra flair with orange accessories or prints. For example, an orange belt over a white dress or orange sneakers with a white jumpsuit.
Light Blue
Soft pastel blue has an airy quality that cools down fiery orange shades. Blue represents trust and stability, which works nicely with energetic orange. Try light blue jeans, shirts, or jackets with orange pieces. An orange skirt with a baby blue blouse is one option.
Grey
For a more subtle pairing, match orange with neutral grey. Different grey tones like charcoal, slate, or heather grey complement orange without overpowering it. Grey provides versatility in both casual and business attire. Pair an orange blazer with a grey dress for the office or orange shorts with a grey tee for weekends.
Yellow
For a high-energy duo, orange and yellow are perfect partners. Both are lively warm hues that uplift the spirit. Shades like mustard, lemon, or sunflower yellow pop against orange. Just keep the rest of the outfit simple since these colours are so bold. An orange top with cropped yellow pants or a yellow sundress with orange sandals.
Brown
Earthy brown shades like tan, mocha, or chestnut enrich orange with a subtle dose of contrast. Browns are calming neutrals that tone down the orange brightness. Mix orange with different brown pieces like jackets, pants, or boots. Or try an orange patterned blouse with brown trousers.
Peach
Softer peach shades blend seamlessly with orange to create a warm, coordinated look. As cousins on the colour wheel, the hues are made for each other. Try wearing peach with a darker orange or orange sherbet shade. An orange maxi skirt with a peach coloured top is a great combo.
Black
For dramatic contrast, pair vivid orange with classic black. The depth of black clothing and accessories makes the orange pop even more. Black is also slimming and frames orange in a flattering way. Style options include an orange dress with black tights, orange heels with a black jumpsuit, or orange earrings with an all-black outfit.
Best Colours to Wear with White Clothes
Crisp white clothing serves as an ideal canvas for showcasing accent colours. Here are some of the top shades to mix and match with white pieces:
Orange
As discussed above, vibrant orange is a perfect match for white. It injects bold energy into an all-white outfit. Both casual and dressy looks benefit from this colour combo. Try an orange handbag with white jeans and top or orange wedges with a white sundress.
Red
Red makes a striking contrast against white. Different red shades like crimson, cherry, or fire engine enrich the white background. Red also symbolizes love, passion, and excitement which complements pure white nicely. Options include a white jumpsuit with red heels or white pants with a red blouse.
Royal Blue
Bold royal blue shades lend vibrancy to white outfits. The classic combination feels both nautical and stylish. Use royal blue accessories like belts, shoes, or scarves to accentuate a white dress or pantsuit. Or try a royal blue jacket over a white sundress for extra flair.
Emerald Green
Vibrant emerald green looks upscale and elegant against white. The cool green tone stands out against white’s airy neutrally. Fashion-forward options include an emerald green skirt or blouse with white shorts or pants. Or white jeans with emerald green heels.
Pink
Pretty in pink takes on a romantic vibe with white. Soft blush pink or neon fuchsia both complement a white outfit. Pink handbags, shoes and jewelry make fun accents for a white dress or jumpsuit. For daytime, try white shorts with a pink tee.
Yellow
Sunny yellow brings cheerfulness to white looks. Pastel yellow, daisy yellow, or mustard yellow all make bright complements. Keep it casual with white jeans and yellow tee or dress it up with a white suit and yellow heels.
Grey
Light grey and white is a versatile colour pairing suitable for any occasion. Different hues like pearl, light heather or dove grey contrast softly against stark white. Grey provides flexibility for both dressy and casual white outfits.
Black
A classic combo, black accessories or details pop against a white background. Black trims, belts, or shoes frame white in a sophisticated way. The contrast is extremely slimming as well. Try a white dress with black piping or a white jumpsuit with black wedges.
Tops, Bottoms, and Accessories for Orange and White Outfits
When building orange and white outfits, consider how to break up each colour between tops, bottoms, and accessories. Keeping some colour consistency helps the overall look flow seamlessly. Here are sample pieces to mix and match:
Tops
| White | Orange |
| – White blouse | – Orange tank top |
| – White button-down shirt | – Orange t-shirt |
| – White t-shirt | – Orange blouse |
Bottoms
| White | Orange |
| – White jeans | – Orange shorts |
| – White trousers | – Orange pants |
| – White skirt | – Orange skirt |
Accessories
| White | Orange |
| – White handbag | – Orange handbag |
| – White shoes | – Orange shoes |
| – White belt | – Orange belt |
| – White hat | – Orange scarf |
Use these building blocks to create stylish orange and white outfits. Some examples include:
- White pants + Orange blouse + White shoes
- Orange skirt + White tank top + Orange heels
- White dress + Orange belt + Orange handbag
- Orange shorts + White button-down + White hat
The options are endless for crafting fashionable looks in these colors!
Seasonal Considerations for Wearing Orange and White
Beyond color combinations, it helps to consider seasonal suitability when planning orange and white outfits:
Spring
The brightness of orange and white suits the blooming spring season. Try lighter shades like pastel or coral orange. Pair with icy whites or soft grey-whites. Florals, stripes and gingham prints with orange accents work well.
Summer
Sunny and vibrant orange hues feel right at home in summer. Go for color-blocked solids or mixed orange prints like floral, paisley or geometric. Bright whites keep the look light and breezy for hot weather.
Fall
Deeper orange tones like burnt orange, pumpkin and rust work for fall. Pair with off-whites like cream or ivory. Add fall textures like knits, denim and suede. Include layers like white jackets over orange dresses as temperatures cool.
Winter
Rich citrus orange shades pop against winter white backdrops. Lean into crisp winter whites mixed with warm orange knits, boots, and accessories. Velvet orange dresses or coats also complement winter elegance. Finish with furry white hats, gloves, and boots.
How to Make Orange and White Outfits Work for You
Orange and white can be styled in endless combinations for any season or occasion. Keep these tips in mind to choose colors and pieces that complement your individual style and body type:
- Consider undertones. Choose orange and white shades that flatter your skin’s undertones for a cohesive look.
- Use colors strategically. Use white pieces to balance and frame bold orange accents.
- Add shapes. Incorporate different silhouettes, textures and layers to create visual interest.
- Accessorize intentionally. Use accessories in one color to tie disparate orange and white pieces together.
- Aim for contrast. Add contrasting colors like black, navy or grey for a more striking combo.
- Know color placement. Use lighter shades like white on top and darker shades like orange on bottom for a slimming effect.
With a thoughtful approach, orange and white can be an energetic, yet balanced color pairing. Experiement, have fun, and express your personal style.
Conclusion
Orange and white make a bold fashion statement when paired creatively. By understanding their complementary natures, best color matches, seasonal considerations, and styling strategies, you can craft harmonious orange and white outfits for any occasion. Always keep your own coloring and body type in mind as you explore different combinations. With an artistic eye, orange and white can become signature shades in your wardrobe.
