“Blondes can’t wear orange”

  /  
September 29, 2017
Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

 

“You’re blonde. You can’t wear orange.”

“You should wear something a little more conservative.”

“With your body type, you should really wear something that is more fitted.”

“Ladies should carry a purse. A backpack is not a purse.”

“You would look so pretty with a little blush on.”

“You should really wear something that accentuates your figure more.”

 

When I saw this video, the first thing I thought was how I’ve been told all of the things I’ve just listed (and more) over the years. A few months ago, I purchased my first orange top which I’m highlighting in this post. I’ve been averse to orange my entire life because I’ve always been told that blondes shouldn’t wear orange. I saw it in the store, and immediately loved the warm, autumn tone and high neckline. It comes in four colors: white, black, pale olive, and burnt orange. But did I consider the color I loved? No. I immediately went for the black – black is safe, right? After holding up each of the colors to my body, I settled on trying on the black and the olive. I went back into the dressing room, tried on both of them, and thought, “yeah, they’re nice”, but I couldn’t stop thinking about how much I liked the orange, and wished that “I could pull that off”. How many times do women say the phrase, “I wish I could pull that off”? It was in that moment that I realized that I was letting something external to myself influence how I dressed. Well, I wasn’t going to let that happen. So, I tried it on. Obviously I loved it, bought it, and now have been photographed in it.

The point I’m trying to make is that, I had to convince myself to dress the way I wanted to. Not the way fashion empires have been telling women with my body type, and coloring to dress. Additionally, without even realizing it, I managed to create this negative bias against orange (and other colors/styles) because of what others have told me. What I hope that all of you take home from this post is that you can dress for your body type (or hair color, or skin color, etc.), or not. The idea is that you shouldn’t feel pressure to it, one way or the other.

There’s a great line from the song “Blue Jeans” by Jessie James from the soundtrack of Confessions of a Shopaholic:

 

“Don’t matter what you’re wearin’
it’s about the way you wear it.”

 

It isn’t about what you’re wearing. It’s about the way you wear it. Be who you are. Dress for your body type, or not. Life is too short. Rock the orange shirt.

 

 

Photography: Lyons Wood Photography
Clutch: Ann Howell Bullard

WORK WITH ME

VIEW & ADD COMMENTS +

You’re rockin’ that blouse! When I read the headline ofd your story, I was highly irked. Sooo fed up with other people attempting to tell me what I can and cannot wear. And, for the most part, I don’t make a habit of reading fashion articles. Maybe that’s part of the reason I never realized blondes “shouldn’t wear orange”. I also find that humorous as I too, am a blonde and I’ve always thought I pull off orange exquisitely…still do!!

Right? I mean, who cares? Wear what you want!

Digging the color. And it goes SO well with your hair. Anyone that says otherwise is either blind or doesn’t have any GOOD fashion sense.

I think they mean real blondes. Like Norway blondes. People with pale skin.

That’s definitely true!

how do you like yout satan repatch. the puppy travels all over the coty.

Work it girl! This top looks great on you

-xo, Azanique | http://www.lotsofsass.com

What a great post!!” Love your confidence!

That color looks awesome on you!

Orange looks amazing on you!! Definitely keep wearing it!

I love those shoes and clutch! Super cute!

Liz
http://Www.lizzieinlace.com

This color looks great on you. You totally rocked it!!!

You look so great in orange!! Love those pics with the car too!

-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com

You look amazing in orange! I’ve been looking for a good orange top for the season!

You look so good in this color- it actually inspired me to search it for myself!

That’s so crazy!! You look AMAZING in orange. Such a cute outfit girl.

Kileen
cute & little

That color looks great on you and I am loving those shoes!!

xoxo brandi
http://www.BrandiSoileau.com

One of my favorite pairs from last season. The color is everything!

I love the message you are sending in this post! It is all about how you feel and feeling good in what you wear! This color looks good on you!

http://www.rdsobsessions.com/2017/09/10-things-you-might-not-know-about-me.html

Thanks so much! So glad you enjoyed it!

Agree with all that you’ve said! I see people of all ages, skin colors and sizes looking beautiful and it certainly isn’t about what color or size they’re wearing. It’s nice to see that slowly, more brands are starting to get it. You look absolutely gorgeous, especially in the photo in front of the car!!

I absolutely think that brands are starting to get it. Seeing diversity in fashion has been so encouraging!

you look fabulous!! what a perfect piece for fall!

Thanks Maria! And, I know, right?! Madewell for the win 🙂

Girl this color is EVERYTHING on you! You should wear it all the time!

xo Laura Leigh
http://www.louellareese.com

Hahaha, I plan to! I’m obsessed!

You can definitely wear orange! Love that burnt orange on you!
xo Jessica
http://www.whatsfordinneresq.com

Jessica! Thanks so much girl!

NIcole, first of all this post is amazing and I think so many of us can relate. You look stunning in that orange top and cheers for not listening to what people say. Keep it up lady, kuddos for ya!!

Thank you so much Karina!!! I think we all struggle with the balance of listening to others and making sure those opinions don’t overpower our own.

I love the burnt orange shade, it looks great on you!!

Uhm, what? You look AMAZING in orange! I love how you styled this look and that clutch is so fun!
xoxo,
Amy | Pastel N Pink

Thanks Amy! Isn’t the clutch, clutch? 😉

That color looks amazing on you!

Thanks Margret! I hope all you ladies are fearless with your fashion!

You look great in orange!

Girl, thats such a great color on you!

Thanks girl! I’m kind of obsessed with it now!