Orange is often a color that is forgotten about or even avoided. I was convinced I couldn’t wear it in any form before my color analysis, but I am a believer now! It’s usually only associated with the fall-time, but it’s a versatile and beautiful color that us Soft Autumns can incorporate year round! However, this shade must be approached with caution…the natural warmth and boldness of orange can be too much for us.
Soft Autumns can wear orange nicely when it’s toned down, muted, and blended with softer hues like rose, brown, or peach. The key is subtlety. Our oranges must be dulled to take the edge off their intensity. Bright, clear oranges can overwhelm the softness in our features, but dusty versions with a warm, earthy base will harmonize with our palette.
Instead of thinking of orange in its purest form, think of it as part of a spectrum. Our oranges exist in a very small, specific part of that spectrum. When choosing an orange piece, look for those that feel cozy and quiet rather than loud or citrusy. If it reminds you of desert clay, autumn leaves, or spiced peach, it’s probably a good fit.
Here are a few oranges to consider:
Terracotta. This beautiful shade is a warm, earthy orange that looks like sunbaked clay with a touch of muted red, sitting somewhere between orange and brown. The color feels natural and often has pink or rose influences. Terracotta works well as a neutral for Soft Autumns, blending beautifully with the greens, reds, blues, and browns in the palette.
Soft Pumpkin. Does it get more autumnal than this? Soft pumpkin is such a fun color for Soft Autumns. It has that warm, golden glow you’d expect from pumpkin, but with the volume turned way down so it blends with our palette. It’s mildly rich without being loud and is on the opposite side of the spectrum as the orange found in a traffic cone! Because it leans slightly brown or peachy, it pairs perfectly with other Soft Autumn favorites like olive, camel, or muted teal. It’s a playful way to bring a little seasonal warmth into your wardrobe without stepping outside your palette.
Muted Rust. This hue is a go-to color for Soft Autumns who want something rich and cozy without going too bold. You can spot it by looking for a soft reddish-brown with a touch of orange. It’s not as sharp as true rust or brick red and it has a softness that makes it sit comfortably within the Soft Autumn palette. It sometimes even has a rosy undertone, which helps it blend with both the warm and neutral sides of Soft Autumn. Think of the color of fallen leaves or aged terracotta tiles—it’s warm, soft, and full of character without stealing the spotlight.
Oranges to Wear
Here are some oranges that may work for your Soft Autumn wardrobe. Notice how some of them border on being red, brown, or tan. I included a few lighter peaches as these can be good for those on the lighter side of the palette (they may not be great for all Soft Autumns).
Oranges to Avoid
Here are some examples of oranges to avoid. This color can be BRIGHT! The differences between a warm vs. a soft orange can be subtle. The biggest factor to consider is the intensity of the color.
