Style File: It’s the Time for Orange

Orange is definitely one of the most underrated colours, and whilst I realise this outfit kinda makes me look like I am dressing up for Halloween as a character from ‘Orange is The New Black’, I couldn’t be happier to be injecting a bit (or a lot) more orange into my wardrobe this autumn. I picked this dress up at the most recent Vintage Kilo Sale in Birmingham, and instantly knew I had to have it. One of the things I love most about those sales is that you can find really individual pieces that are just a bit more quirky than your average high street shop, and this certainly ticks all the boxes for a fun, wearable vintage piece. It’s the perfect time of the year to allow orange to have it’s moment and I for one intend to fully embrace it. Do you?

It has been a while since I have owned a shirt dress and I had actually forgotten how easy they are to style, that is once you have removed the rather large shoulder pads that someone from the 80s decided were a great idea. Never a good idea. Anyway, shirt dresses are definitely one of those items that you can just throw on and instantly look put together, and that is sort of what happened with this outfit really. I’ve officially decided that orange and black make the perfect colour combo and after throwing in a few metallic accessories this outfit has become my go-to outfit for those warmer autumn days. Yes, the warmer ones – we’ve got to be sensible there are bare legs involved!

One of my favourite things about this dress is actually that the length is perfect, even if it does mean bare legs. The bottom hem sits just above the ankle and this means that you can wear it easily with trainers, or dress it up with a pair of boots or heels & it will still work. Genius

So, incase you hadn’t already twigged,  I am a huge fan of shirt dresses and one of the things that makes them so great is that they are the perfect comfy clothing for around the house, but transition really well if you have to pop out into the world. The secret? Just add a belt. It adds definition and means that you don’t look (as much) like you are just going out in a giant orange potato sack with buttons. Although if that is the look that you are going for then, you rock it – I mean who doesn’t want to essentially dress as a giant pumpkin at this time of year? I know I do. Why not right?

‘Orange is the happiest colour’ – Frank Sinatra

As well as adding a belt to this shirt dress, I also decided to get layering – after all it is that time of the year – and so I put on my black, ribbed high neck top. I wear this top all the time and it is great by itself or as a layer for those chillier days, you may remember I featured it in this Style File in Spring. For me it is an absolute wardrobe staple and if you don’t own one I’d highly recommend getting your hands on one.

To finish the outfit off I popped on some black ankle socks & then pulled on my velcro Old Skool Vans, and that was the outfit complete. I love using trainers to make an outfit more casual, as you all know by now and these Vans are the perfect mix of sharp, smartness & practical trainer. Love them.

What’s your go to autumnal outfit, do you also like to dress like you are a pumpkin?

Love Holly x