K/R Blinded by the bright - can/should I wear this color?

So I found this deep pure orange Micheal Kors cardigan at a very very good price at TJ Maxx. I like this deep saturated orange, but I don't know that it likes me. I'm a winter/cool color wearer. I tried to adjust the color levels to be accurate, but basically if you see any cooler/redder tones on your monitor, they aren't there. It's straight up Micheal Kors orange (see the bag image below as an example of the true color I found online).

Pros: it will probably go with a lot of my neutrals: olive, blues, ink/navy blue, lavender, black, gray. In the photos I'm wearing it with gray and dark blue, and I'm wearing some makeup, so it's not likely to get much better tone-wise.

Cons: It's introducing a new color to a cohesively cool toned wardrobe. Also, recent experiments notwithstanding, I won't do bright with bright much if at all - it would get worn with pastels and/or neutrals.

Thoughts? What about the shape? Yay wear, nay pass

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11 years ago

Catnip

Veteran

I like the shape on you, and I like orange with navy or cobalt. The color looks OK to me on my computer, but I would have to see it IRL to know for sure if it looks really good on you. If it's inexpensive you could keep it and see how it works out. Otherwise, I would return it. I'm not sure at all how it would go with pastels... well, it might look OK with light blue.

This is a hard question to answer, but what do you see first when you look at yourself wearing the cardigan? The orange sweater or your face? I'm certainly no expert, but I think the answer is supposed to be your face.

columbine(erin)

It's hard to be certain of the color, but it seems to go nicely with the dark blue. I like the shape on you, it lays well. Since you got a good deal on it, it seems worth experimenting with a warmer color than you're used to. It might be fun with the olive you mentioned. That makes me think of California poppies.

Peri

I think it looks great! But I love color so I'm biased. How do you feel in it?

celia

I don't feel that the colour overpowers you but, then again, through the computer it is a bit difficult to judge.
I like the shape.
Do you feel like something different?

Ingunn

(website)

I actually like it a lot, and think it could turn out to be a fun unexpected piece that you end up wearing a lot. Your own high contrasts in hair and skin keep the orange under control, so I don't think it's wearing you, but I would need to see you IRL to be certain, of course. Orange is a surprisingly versatile color, I think. I'd give it a chance, if I were you. Fun!

Joyce B

I think it looks very nice, both the color and the shape. The only thing is that you need to feel confident when you wear an assertive color. It looks great on you but make sure you feel comfortable in it.

Anonymous

It is one of my favourite colours! I like it on you.

rabbit

Thanks for the advice all!

Catnip - I'll do the 'is it wearing me?' test, good point, and try it on with other colors to see how it works in practice rather than theory.

columbine - Yes, it is a little like California poppies, isn't it?

Peri - I feel pretty good, but I think I need to look at it on me without makeup some more.

Joyce - I'm okay with an assertive color as one part of an outfit, I might need to test drive it a bit more to be sure.

celia - I think it's more just liking the color than feeling the need for something different. But it does introduce a different element to my wardrobe, you are right.

Ingunn - I agree about the fun and versatile nature of orange. You do such a great job incorporating brights with neutrals in your outfits, it's inspiring.

Ceit - thanks! I was thinking of your WIW with an orangey top and blue jeans when I saw it on the rack

Suz

The outfit is great, and I really like the sweater. Plus, it would be a fun addition. As for whether the colour truly flatters, like the others, I find it tough to say. I think you do "stand up to it" and if your heart is saying yes, then it's a keep.

Jeanie

From my monitor this is a very flattering color on you. It is saturated like your hair. I like it!

adorkable

I really like both the color and the shape - but seconding what others have said about the caveats of monitors, blah blah.

Dee

I also quite like the color and shape, and can see it working well with the other colors/items in your wardrobe, based on your WIWs.

Deborah

I love it on you, both the style and the colour. My wardrobe is predominantly neutrals but I do love having one or two things in a solid colour when I feel like a change:) I think the colour is rather gorgeous on you and the shape of the garment is very current. Keep.

leopardluxe

I love it on you (but I admit to an inherent positive bias towards all shades of orange. It is my favorite color!)

I think cool toned people can wear warm tones. It's just a matter of what you pair it with. I actually wear a lot of my orange in that same shade with medium to dark gray. It's a gorgeous contrast that I thnk works well on both cool or warm skin tones.

Plus, hey, it's a score at TJ Maxx. Keep it and play around with it and different style pairings. I bet that if you were drawn to it initially you'll find some pleasant surprises as to what you end up pairing it with in your closet that you can experiment with.

And if you decide you hate it. Do feel free to send it my way. I lurrrrrv orange

Lot's of wisdom, thanks all, I'll keep it and experiment with it further.

Leopardluxe - yep, I definitely plan to wear it with those grays. And if it doesn't get worn, I'd be happy to pass it on to you

catgirl

It is definitely a strong color but I don't think it overwhelms you with your dark hair. It is high contrast though!

JAileen

I like the color. I'm not sure I like it on you. (You posted an outfit the other day that was fab fab fab!). Also, it looks a little like the SF Giants. If you are a fan, even better.

unfrumped

I think if looks good. It is " memorable" and maybe not as repeatable as opposed to a neutral workhorse, but that adds some fun and zest. I like the idea of using a less expensive find for that.

rae

Love! Big love. I think your fair skin and dark hair handle the bright color deftly. Do you feel good when you look in the mirror? If you're worried that the color isn't translating well, you could try a few pics in different lights, maybe outside?

Ha! JaAileen, no not a sports fan, thanks for your honesty

Una and unfrumped yep memorable and strong, which is great when you are feeling playful and energetic, not so good on tired days

Rae - the photo with the dark blue shirt is outside in daylight. I will take a mirror into my fenced backyard and do a test run there too, where the neighbors won't think I'm super vain I do feel good, but I'm juggling different style ideas/personas at the moment and trying to get a sense of which way to jump with new purchases.

Thanks again!

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