Seven winter inspirations for 2012
Brittany Sammy
Contributor
With the new year and the cold season, there’s nothing like a new winter colour palette to brighten our days. And nothing is brighter than Tangerine Tango, a colour voted on by the fashion-conscious and executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute, Leatrice Eiseman.
Eiseman and her colour-curious gurus define this reddish-orange combination as “sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it.”
It’s a curious thing to give a colour so much attention, but Tangerine Tango has already been seen in runway previews from Ellie Tahari to Charlotte Ronson. When it comes to what to watch out for this winter, here are some wonderful inspiration pieces that will have you seeing (and feeling!) orange.
- Colour-accented shoes bring flare to otherwise drab outfits. – Brittany Sammy
Orange-embellished shoes
Orange embellishes day-to-day footwear and really makes your feet stand out. From a tangerine toe to a bit of a stripe, the punch of colour will go with just about any outfit.
Our inspiration pieces are a patent flat, a stripy runner, and a multi-coloured polkadot, which allow you to really embrace the new year one step at a time.
For those who are a tad resilient to the new fad, I say let the punch of colour speak for itself. Shoes are a great way of adding some colour into a drab winter ensemble. Also, a coloured pump (preferably orange), adds more dimension to your figure by adding a few inches to your height. An orange-embellished number with a more muted outfit makes a great “power piece” within your outfits.
Found at GEOX, Foot Locker, and Nine West
Orange cotton jackets
Instead of going for the average Canadian winter jacket (a puffy Canada Goose, or a politically correct pea coat), let’s brighten up our wardrobes and the hazy winter days with a punch of tangerine goodness like our inspiration jacket.
This is a very simple cotton, warm, and winter-friendly find, which gives you no excuse to not try it out. Also, the asymmetrical cut is great for every body type because it follows the natural shape of the body. With the weather getting ever so chilly, the collar and cuffs add for extra winter-wind protection. The simple cut, collar, and cuffs are always in style, which allows you to not only take it into 2013 but also use it as a statement piece when you decide to just throw on a sweater and pair of tights this winter.
Similar pieces found at The Bay, H&M, and Banana Republic
Orange nail polish
This is a very easy way to embrace the new year without breaking the bank or investing in a piece that you feel is not right for you: nail polish.
The colour orange has been proven to make you happy because it is such a fun and “passionate” colour. Plus, colour from your hands to your toes is a great way of dressing up without actually putting on a ball gown. This little indulgence will have you smiling all the way to final exams, and the best part? It is easy to put on, and easy to take off.
Found at Sephora, and American Apparel
The orange leather bag
Also, like your nails and shoes, having a punch or even an embellishment of orange can really spruce up your outfit without being too forward. So, if you’re not a fan of colour or just the colour orange, this is a good way to test your theory. Plus, your new purchase will last your forever. Leather is a great investment because it’s so durable. The winter weather also has an interesting effect on leather: it makes it look a bit more rustic and worn, which is super edgy and a great way to stay current.
Found at H&M, Coach, Forever21, and Aldo Accessories
- Orange jewellery shows off your classic style – Mark Grant
Orange jewellery
Bring on the fun and find yourself some great orange pieces that will have you swooning.
Just by grabbing a few bangles, some glistening orange earrings, possibly an orange pendant necklace, your outfit stands out. Don’t be afraid to layer your orange pieces with other colours, especially blues since they are a great complement to orange. If you’re going to wear a charming orange pendant, make sure it’s your focus and commit to it.
Girls don’t really know this, but when your pieces all match—the earrings, necklace, bracelet, and ring—it shows your understanding of classic style. Mixing and matching is great, but when it comes to colour I think it’s loud enough to wear simple matching pieces to make a statement. And, if you are going to mix it up, don’t forget to also mix different textures and material because it’s a great way of adding dimension to an otherwise “flat” ensemble.
Found at H&M, Forever21, Bitter Sweet, and Aldo Accessories
Cashmere and cotton toppers
Wearing an orange top, whether it’s a sweater, tee, or simple shirt, not only makes you stand out, but adds a bit of a natural glow to your face. The colour just makes you radiate with confidence and highlights your great skin.
The colour works as a concealer because it brings out the positives and flattens unwanted skin dilemmas. The go-to fabric is cotton, but if you feel like treating yourself you can always go for a fuzzy, comfy cashmere.
Cashmere and cotton are great for those winter days and nights because the natural fabrics keep the heat in, and the texture is smooth against your skin. Cashmere is a great way to feel comfy and presentable since the fabric tends to be clingier than cotton, so it’s a great way of showing your curves without actually showing skin. Cotton, on the other hand, is great because you can easily layer an orange top and a muted sweater without feeling like you’re drowning in clothes.
Found at Gap, Forever 21, and H&M
- Orange scarves and gloves always brighten your complexion. – Mark Grant
Orange scarves and gloves
The best part about wearing scarves, hats, and mitts with the luminous Tango Tangerine colour is that it makes you feel the warmth of summer. Wearing this colour around your face really brightens your complexion and your attitude. The orange scarves, hats, and mitts are a simple way to add flare to your outfit especially during chilly Canadian winter nights. So bundle up in your favourite new orange mitts, scarf, and hat on those winter mornings, and it might put some pep in your step.
Found at The Bay, H&M, and Gap
This is the year of bright colours and taking risks. Orange is a great way to stand out and embrace the winter weather, so don’t forget to dress orange.
