This ensemble was inspired by an outfit in Zara’s Summer lookbook that combines a pair of rust culottes with a light blue cropped pullover and gold sandals. The outfit itself is trendy, comfy and fab, AND the colour combination opens up a myriad of outfit possibilities.
Shades of orange combined with shades of blue are very complementary. Feel free to tweak the shades of blue and rust to suit your tastes. Think orange, peach and coral for the rust component; and sky blue, mid-tone blue or faded denim for the light blue component.
I’ve started the ball rolling with four renditions that range from dressy to casual. I’ve used solids, but by all means use a patterned piece that works with the colour palette.
1. Rust Culottes & Blue Pullover
Here are the exact pieces that the Zara model is wearing. An untucked top worn with culottes needs to be quite short to create structure. Or partially tucking the front would work if a full tuck is not your thing. As an alternative, wear the rust culottes with a white top and faded denim jacket.
2. Orange Skirt & Denim Shirt
Create a modern juxtaposition by combining an orange lace skirt with a light blue denim or chambray shirt. A solid orange skirt will do just fine if lace is not for you. Tuck in the top to showcase the waist and add heeled footwear or dressy pointy toe flats. A white bag is a great finishing touch.
3. Rust Ankle Pants & Drapey Top
Combine rust or orange ankle pants with a soft light blue drapey top. A pair of orange or rust jeans works well too. A denim shirt, light blue silk blouse or tee can substitute the top if arty-farty drape is not your thing. Complete the outfit with heels or flats. Remember that ankle strap footwear is a natural pairing with ankle pants.
4. Faded Denim Flares & Coral Top
This version turns the formula on its head. Combine faded blue jeans with a top in a shade of orange and add gold shoes. Complete the look with a white, gold, tan or cognac bag. I’ve chosen a ‘70s cowgirl look here, just for fun. Flares, a drapey top or ‘70s inspired blouse, platform sandals and a Stetson.
A tan or off-white topper works well if you need an extra layer. I’ve kept the footwear gold because a warm metal works particularly well with an earthy rust. But don’t let that stop you from choosing silver, taupe, cognac, white or nude-for-you footwear instead. Add jewellery, headgear, watch and eyewear as desired.
