The Orange Dress Trend

Trendspotting
The Little Orange Dress

Firstly, I must admit that my least favourite colour is orange. The only thing orange that I own is a pencil, and that wasn't by choice. Secondly, orange, in it's brightest, boldest form is a Huge trend for the upcoming season. Sigh...I'm either going to have to embrace it or put on a pair of dark sunglasses to avoid the orangy glare.

Runway

 Orange dresses made a citrusy splash all over international runways for Spring 2011. The preferred shade by designers was tangerine. Silhouettes were kept simple, without many coloured accessories.

Celeb Style

Reese Witherspoon wears a Hanii Y mini with ruffled collar. Nude Christian Louboutin wedges accompany her dress.
Eva Longoria was spotted in a $35 apricot egg-shaped dress from ASOS, which she paired with matching Brian Atwood pumps. 
Kristen Cavallari glows in Miami, wearing a simple shift dress in fiery orange by Diesel. Her nude sandals are by Sergio Rossi.
Cheryl Cole wears a 3/4 sleeved version of the Little Orange Dress with pockets, which is by Giambattista Valli. Her T-bar sandals are by Giuseppe Zanotti.

Jessica Chastain wears a nectarine orange sheath dress by Bottega Veneta. She spiced it up with a stunning pair of pink & red sandals.
Katie Cassidy in a fruity mango shade, wears a fitted mini by Hervé Legér. Snakeskin Jimmy Choo pumps and clutch accessorized her look.
Emma Stone proves that redheads can also wear orange. Her short-sleeved Luca Luca dress is worn with peachy suede pumps by Brian Atwood.
Kate Bosworth wears a pair of black ankle boots and black sling bag with her persimmon shift dress, by Calvin Klein.

Get The Look

If you find that you're pro-orange, here are a few pretty dresses that you can add to your spring wardrobe.

1. The Office Dress. A tailored cotton sateen dress with pleated collar and cap sleeves. It's nipped in the waist with a matching belt. Wear it with high nude or animal print heels. $105 or R765 from Oasis
2. The Designer Dress. A silk shirtdress featuring epaulets on the shoulders and a tie-up belt. Wear it alone or over a pair of skinny jeans. This 'Jafartha' minidress is by Diane von Furstenberg. $385 or R2747 from Nordstrom
3. The Retro Dress. A youthful take on the orange trend with a 50's style fit and flare mini. This structured skater dress can be paired with black accessories for a retro-rock inspired look. $95 or R678 from Topshop
4. The Weekend Dress. A comfy and casual dress by Whistles, with round neck, 3/4 sleeves, pockets and a gathered skirt. It has a waffle-weave cotton finish. It can be worn with a blazer or leather jacket, fedora and ankle boots. £95 or R1102 from Asos
5. The Girly Dress. A sleeveless deep coral dress with ruffle tie-up neck and ruched waist. Wear with a pretty pair of gold heels and a clutch bag. £12 or R145 from Dorothy Perkins
6. The Everyday Dress. A simple silk-crepe summer dress that can be worn on any occasion. This House of Holland dress has an asymmetrical hemline and a digital Harris tweed print. Belt it, wear it with a printed scarf, wedges, flats or heels. £195 or R2262 from Asos


Tips on wearing the trend

*An orange dress paired with orange accessories is a recipe for a satsuma-like disaster. Stick to neutral shoes, belts and bags in brown, black, white or tan. For a refreshing twist, add purple, pink or turquoise. 

*To choose the correct shade of orange for your skin tone; hold the dress up to your face, if it brightens your complexion, that's the colour for you. It if leaves you looking pallid and dull, try a different shade.

*A fake orange tan + an orange dress = the human carrot.

*Gold jewellery adds a glamorous touch.

*Orange dresses in a luxurious fabric and sophisticated design can replace your LBD for stylish summer nights. 

*Make up should be kept minimal; neutral toned eye-shadow, sienna blush and a light coloured lipstick or gloss.