Peter WilsonWhile summer seems like a long and distant memory, it’s time to turn over a new leaf – to orange! Whether it’s acidic, flaming, hi vis or russet, this versatile colour is the one to wear this season. Whether you’re heading back to school, or simply want to brighten up those darkening clouds, then orange is the colour for you!
Indicative of this time of year, oranges have been featured in many AW13 collections. At London Fashion Week, it appeared in many collections from arctic adolescence (Topman) to grown-up grace (Alexander McQueen). The dazzling colour was also featured in many collections at New York Fashion Week. Nautica (under the creative direction of Chris Cox) showed a departure from its usual red, white and blue palette as well as Michael Bastian and Billy Reid who made heritage Americana look fresh but cosy by combining muted jackets and bright fleeces together.
Timber Tops and Snug Sweaters
We all love our t-shirts (just look at those beauties below). But, unlike most of my fellow Geordies, I do feel the cold and believe it’s time for lots of shirts and even more sweaters. Many designers (Lou Dalton, for example) have recently favoured checks and tartan, especially in muted colours. However, here at MFM, we like to mix things up a little bit. While an orange-based tartan shirt might scream lumberjack to you, these stylish shirts will keep you on trend without making you look like a woodcutter from a fairytale story (unless that’s your thing). We also adore this array of orange sweaters. From Mr Porter to Lyle and Scott, there is knitwear galore to be had this coming season.
Big Fish, Little Fish, Boxy Coats.
Recently, boxy coats have surged onto the fashion scene with the focus on fiery fabrications and bulk, rather than tailoring and fit. While bigger is not always better, this seems to be the case for AW13 outerwear. However, I’d approach orange outerwear with a little more caution than possibly jumpers or trousers. For me, orange should be worn in casual styles such as parkas, ponchos or an over-sized Fisherman-style coat. As a colour that most of us are not used to wearing, it might still be too soon to wear certain shades of orange in formal coats and jackets. Besides, a more casual coat would be best suited for many autumnal pursuits like blackberry picking where getting your hands grubby is a must.
Making a Statement Downstairs.
Many men have also been playing with trouser colours, recently using chinos and jeans as the outfit’s statement piece. This should be encouraged (Hear! Hear!) as it’s always great to mix up a wardrobe that is predominantly comprised of jeans. Again, orange is in whether it’s cayenne or carrot, and you’ll be glad to know that it’s highly accessible from Harrods to New Look. The on trend colour can be paired with blue or grey knitwear and some sneakers or boots for a sleek and stylish look.
Fluorescent Feet
Out in full force, orange is also the colour to put on your feet this fall from high end designers (Agi and Sam, Matthew Miller) to high street department stores (Selfridges). If you prefer your clothes to be softer in tone, then these snazzy sneakers are a great way to incorporate the brighter hues of orange into your life; I, myself, prefer to wear more insipid colours, but when it comes to my feet, I say the brighter the better. Or, again, if bright just isn’t for you, add these Paul Smith driving shoes or tan-coloured loafers to any outfit. Your outfit will still pop!
Also, if you can’t get your hands (or feet) on a decent pair of wellington boots this season, you can camouflage yourself in the carrot-coloured leaves with these fun Mocks and puddle jump like no-one is watching!
Accessories
Now comes my favourite part. Going back to school screams two things to me – bags and stationery! Lovely, albeit not essential, why not treat yourself to something this term. After all, it’s a long way to go until Christmas. There’s also lots of other bits and bobs to choose from with this gorgeous Fossil messenger bag or, my favourite, this pocket pack set of Field Notes.
Autumn Awaits
Orange is on fire this fall from sketch to store to school. While it is an easy colour to integrate into your wardrobe, it can be more difficult with regard to texture as there are many varying wool weights, weaves and fabrics. I’d always choose orange for more casual styles, but for those of a more daring nature, it is a great colour to make a more formal outfit pop as it has so many shades from burnt tones to the more striking neon hues. Orange you glad it’s autumn? Us too!