In days gone by, I steered clear of wearing orange. In part at least, this is because my younger brother’s childhood depictions of my hair involved orange crayon. At that tender age, I didn’t like being a redhead and I positively hated being called a ginger. Consequently, for decades, my sartorial choices included nothing that might emphasise my colouring. Of course, more than 30 years on, I couldn’t be happier with my hair colour. After the highlighted outer layers went too blonde during last year’s glorious summer, I asked my hairdresser to match it to the much darker colour underneath. My natural colour which I love, because it’s different, it’s distinguishable and it’s me.
To this day though, I still don’t have many orange clothes. Perhaps it’s just semantics and you’ll say that this dress is orange, but I prefer to describe it as coral. In fact, I shall say it is Living Coral, because that’s the Pantone Colour Of The Year, a colour we can expect to see a lot throughout 2019. Either way, it’s a shade that appeals to me and one that casts a warm, flattering glow on the skin.
The dress is by Needle and Thread, a brand that has long had me enraptured. Its signature ethereal ruffled lace, the dainty embellishment and the exquisite embroidery are everything my romantic eye is drawn to. I bought it in the sale and it’s now out of stock, but have a look at the website and you’ll see what I mean. Their bridal gowns are also in my thoughts…
But enough daydreaming. for now at least, and back to this Living Coral dress.
A floaty, delicate dress like this needs footwear to ground, but not overpower it. Black is too harsh and animal print makes it all seem a little too busy; I want the dress to be the star of the show. These delicious burgundy stretch ankle boots, (also a sale purchase and still available at the time of writing), work beautifully. Mulled wine is the perfect colour to complement Living Coral.
The Perfect Pair
What colour eyewear works with Living Coral?
Animal print, especially tan leopard, works beautifully with all orange and spice shades. For a head-turning, contrasting combination choose cobalt blue. It sits opposite orange on the colour wheel so the juxtaposition is particularly striking. If metallics are your thing, choose rose gold or copper.
I chose a tonal shade which is, I concede, undeniably orange. This frame is called Simo by Feb31st. The slightly upswept shape works for me and like the boots, it serves to complement rather than overpower. It’s lightweight and comfortable and I can’t decide whether to have sunglass lenses or varifocal lenses put in.
Get This Look...
As you say this is not a colour that suits everyone. I think it looks great with the boots. You must have been frozen when you took these photos. It’s jumper and jeggings for me just now. Regards – Jill x
Author
Oh thank you Jill. It was a little windy but we were only out for a few minutes! I got wrapped up warm after that! xxx
What a pretty cute dress, super colour and it looks great on you. I spy the o2 great backdrop of the Thames. Both my sons work on it! x Jacqui Mummabstylish
Author
Thank you Jacqui! Yes, our hotel overlooked the O2 and we went over on the cable car which was fab! xxx
If I saw this dress anywhere, I’d say, “OMG that is so LIZ!” and send you a photo! You do romantic dramatic dresses like NOBODY else. I adore the bright coral colour on you as well, and how clever to put it with those boots. I’d never have thought of that. Fantastic look lady; these photos and the light are spectacular. Well done, Insta-husband Ian!
Author
Thank you Lisa. Yes, it’s very me isn’t it!!!! And tes, my wonderful Instagram husband is such a treasure xxxx
WOW – that dress is absolutely gorgeous on you, Lizzy. You look like a Glamazon!!! I LOVE it. It’s the kind of dress I’d be instantly drawn to in the shops. The boots are fab too. As are the glasses.
Hugs
Suzy xx
Author
Oh wow! Thank you Suzy! Hugs to you too and have a lovely weekend xxx
Liz this colour AND of course this dress look incredible on you… I love the styling with boots rather than heels, makes it a lot less girly and more edgy! Plus adding the coral frames, that’s just perfection <3
Author
Thank you Catherine. Yes, I agree. Heels would have been too girly and twee. The boots ground it a little don’t they. I always think of you when I see shades of orange. You are Pantone Living Coral personified! xxxx