The spring/summer season has traditionally provided the platform to demonstrate a wider, more vibrant colour palette than that of the duller, drearier winter months.
Although recent seasonal trends have put paid to the distinct palettes of summer and winter, the two seasons are far from on par when it comes to colour. With bold hues becoming an unmistakable part of the modern man’s winter wardrobe over the past couple of years, summer is looking to step it up a gear.

Orange was a favoured colour for the autumn/winter 2012 season, coming in both a muted burnt tone and a brighter, more conventional capacity. As we move into spring/summer 2013, the colour has lent itself to the warmer months once again and is set to build on its previous popularity.

Orange: On the Runways

Orange is an undeniably striking colour, and many of you will feel rather sceptical about its wearability. However, it is actually one of the more versatile statement colours you can choose, especially when utilised in a casual domain.
Whilst it looks great paired with neutrals such as navy and grey, don’t confine it to them. Orange can form a successful partnership with other colours, such as yellow, green or even purple, and works extremely well with bright/lighter blue tones – as seen in abundance at Salvatore Ferragamo (below top).
Orange also has a natural affinity for white, something Gucci (below bottom) demonstrated in an exemplary fashion. The combination of the two brighter colours is appropriate for the warmer months, with the zesty hue lending itself perfectly to Riviera inspired outfits.
Finally, Dries Van Noten (below middle) gave a convincing account as to why orange should be on your shortlist this season. The Belgian designer displayed the colour alongside another one of SS13′s big trends: camouflage, with the colour helping to add an additional standout layer to a print that is invading fashion from all angles this season.

How To Wear: SS13

Lookbook Inspiration

Look One: Formal Accent

Add a slice of orange to your formal looks through the smart use of accessories. A bold orange tie against the backdrop of a deep navy suit and crisp white shirt is a complementary combination that will subtly stand out. The neutrals, both dark and bright, allow the tie to pop and become a focal point of the look without overwhelming.
Finish off with tan leather shoes (to work with the navy and orange palette), a white pocket square and a document holder – this one in orange will pick out the tie without appearing obvious or over-done:

• Long Sleeve Shirt
• Asos Skinny Fit Suit In Blue Dogstooth
• Reiss Tender Heart Cloud Geo Silk Orange
• Allsaints Ravine Pocket Square Set
• Reiss Robinson Document Wallet Orange
• Reiss Bologne Toe Cap Oxford With Leather Sole Tan

Look Two: Smart-Casual Standout

Take a standout approach to smart-casual with a colourful vein running through your ensemble. Orange provides the lifeblood of this look, the trousers in particular making a bold statement.
The grey blazer helps tone down the trousers and also has a slight check, which does a good job of picking out the orange that is present elsewhere. Finish off with a navy tie, a bold pocket square and brown leather loafers for a smart-casual look that is bound to get you noticed:

• Topman Premium Grey Checked Heritage Suit Jacket
• Brooks Brothers Pin-point Non-iron Shirt 146408
• Turnbull & Asser Ribbed Silk Tie
• Reiss 1971 Frak Abstract Grid Polka Dot Pocket Square Orange
• Paul Smith Slim-fit Cotton-twill Trousers
• H By Hudson Tyskatu Brown Tassel Loafers

Look Three: Casual Accents

Integrate orange into your casual looks subtly via a coloured t-shirt. Choose a tone that isn’t overwhelming yet is strong enough to provide a pop of colour and an injection of panache. Rest assured that neutral tones are going to form the backbone of the look in order to help anchor the statement piece.
Start by pairing an orange crew neck tee with an olive bomber jacket – another on trend piece for this coming season. Dark, casual chinos and minimalist sneakers finish off this everyday casual look with aplomb:

• Reiss Bless Short Sleeve Basic Crew Neck Tshirt Orange
• Asos Bomber Jacket
• Allsaints Charge Chino
• Common Projects Achilles Low Sneakers

Look Four: Casual Statement

Bold orange outerwear will really bring your casual wear to life. A lightweight jacket is essential for spring and one that can fight the rain is absolutely perfect.
Dress the jacket up with a light blue shirt, off-white neutral chinos, brown Derbies and woven accessories. The woven accessories play on the nautical feel of the jacket whilst the light trousers have a Riviera/coastal appeal:

• Reiss 1971 Piccolo Linen Shirt Light Blue
• Topman Boxfresh Expedition Jacket
• Andersons Woven Wool Belt 142306
• J.crew 484 Brushed-cotton Trousers
• Miansai Woven-leather And Metal Hook Bracelet
• Mr Hare Mens Bernard Genesis Shoe

Key Orange Pieces

• Bellerose Steven Brick Linen Tee
• Reiss Piper Short Sleeve Loopback Polo Orange
• He By Mango Cotton Henley
• Hampton Wool Mix Jumper
• Reiss Mies Textured Pinapple Stitch Bleached Orange
• Uniqlo Men Cotton Nylon V-neck Cardigan
• Reiss Counter All Over Geo Print Shirt Orange
• Easy Fashion Microprint Shirt
• Orlebar Brown Fleming Slim-fit Linen-blend Shirt
• Gant Rugger Canvas Chino Shorts 147315
• Asos Slim Chino
• Afends Jeans Junky Skinny Fit Palm Inside Hem
• Pantone Orange Boot Socks
• Nixon Time Teller P Neon Wrist Watch
• Herschel Orange Little America Backpack
• Grenson Finbar Suede Shoes
• Car Shoe Suede Driving Shoes
• Reiss 1971 Nacano Soft Leather Brogues Orange

Conclusion

Although not currently as widespread as the blue colour trend that appears to have swept through the industry, orange is certainly going to make a splash over the coming months.
Through clever use in both a smart and casual capacity, the colour can act as a statement or an accent whilst retaining a strong level of versatility and wearability.
But now we want to hear what you think:

• Will you be investing in some orange pieces this season?
• How will you be styling it?
• Are you a fan of using orange as an accent or a statement?
• Or will you be avoiding this fruity hue altogether?

Let us know in the comments section…