How to Style Orange and Black
Style

How to Style Orange and Black (beyond Halloween!)

Welcome back to the Velvet Runway, and this post about How to Style Orange and Black beyond Halloween.

Orange and black might traditionally scream “Halloween,” but this dynamic color combo can work beyond the spooky season if you know how to style it. With the right choices, orange and black can give off a vibe that’s bold, sophisticated, and modern.

Whether you’re aiming for casual cool or polished professional, here are some fresh ideas to help you incorporate these standout shades into your wardrobe.

Orange and Black OOTD

How to Style Orange and Black

How to Style Orange and Black

Kylie Jenner says orange is the new black, so who am I to argue? I fell in love with this orange lace skirt across a crowded Zara, and then had to figure out how to style it!

Orange is not the easiest colour to wear as it can be quite bright and overpowering and the colour doesn’t suit every complexion. To make it easier to wear orange, a skirt or trousers are a good idea, as the colour is then further away from your face.

How to Style Orange and Black

I personally love the colour combination of orange and black, despite the obvious link to Halloween. Clearly, the trick is to keep the look classy and elegant; so avoid a bright ‘pumpkin’ coloured orange shade and a pointy hat!!

I chose to pair this skirt from Zara  (no longer available on line, but still in some stores) with a black silk top from Banana Republic (last season)  and a black suede jacket from Sud Express (no longer available)

Tips for How to Style Orange and Black

1. Balance Boldness with Neutrals

If you’re worried about orange and black feeling too loud, bring in a few neutral elements. Black acts as a strong anchor, while orange is the pop that adds warmth and personality. Start with a black base—a black top or trousers—and add an orange accessory like a scarf, belt, or bag. The result is subtle but stylish.

How to Style Orange and Black

Example: Pair a black top and jeans with an orange blazer. The orange will add just the right amount of energy to an otherwise classic outfit.

2. Try Monochrome with a Pop of Orange

If black is a go-to for you, layer a monochrome black outfit with just a touch of orange. This look works well for professional settings and can be easily dressed up or down. Consider a classic black suit with an orange statement handbag, or a black dress with orange heels.

Orange handbag with a LBD

Example: A sleek, black pencil dress paired with orange pumps or a clutch can be eye-catching yet elegant, perfect for a night out or a creative work environment.

3. Leverage Patterns and Textures

Patterns can make orange and black feel less like a Halloween costume and more like high fashion. Look for prints that incorporate both colors, like plaid, florals, or animal print. Texture can add even more sophistication—think leather, silk, or tweed in black, with orange accessories or accents.

Example: Wear a black leather skirt with a plaid orange-and-black scarf. Or, try an orange knit sweater with black jeans and black leather ankle boots.

4. Use Orange as an Accent Color

One way to make this combination feel approachable is by using orange as an accent. This could be an orange beanie in fall, a set of orange earrings, or even a pop of orange eyeshadow. Accessories are an excellent way to embrace the color without overwhelming your outfit.

Orange Earrings

Example: Try a black turtleneck with an orange statement necklace or earrings and black pants for a chic and modern look.

5. Experiment with Shades of Orange

Orange doesn’t have to mean bright and neon; it comes in a range of shades that can feel more refined. From deep burnt orange to peach, selecting the right tone can make the pairing with black feel sophisticated and chic.

Burnt orange coat with black sweater

Rust and pumpkin shades work particularly well with black, especially in fall, while coral can add a fresh twist in warmer seasons.

Example: A burnt orange coat with black jeans and a black turtleneck creates a cozy, on-trend look that’s perfect for fall or winter.

6. Layer Up for Fall with Black and Orange Outerwear

Cooler weather is ideal for layering, and black-and-orange layers can be incredibly stylish. Try a black coat over an orange sweater, or an orange jacket over a black dress. Add a scarf with both colors or a pair of black-and-orange gloves to tie it all together.

How to Style Orange and Black

Example: Layer a black sweater under an orange jacket or coat, and finish the look with black boots and a slouchy bag.

7. Pair with Denim for a Casual Look

Denim can help tone down the boldness of black and orange, creating a casual yet chic look. A pair of jeans with a black top and orange accessories is a quick way to style this color combination without feeling over-the-top.

Example: Style blue jeans with an orange tee and a black leather jacket. This relaxed outfit is perfect for brunch, casual outings, or weekend adventures.

8. Go All Out for a Bold Statement Look

If you’re feeling adventurous, try a head-to-toe black-and-orange look. This works best when you mix shades, textures, and layers, so the look feels intentional rather than costume-like. A black dress with an orange belt and jacket, for instance, can be stunning and high-impact without overwhelming the senses.

Example: Try a long, flowing black dress with an orange belt and chunky orange earrings. Add orange shoes or a bag if you’re really leaning into the look.

Final Thoughts about How to Style Orange and Black

Orange and black can be stylish, fun, and wearable beyond Halloween! By balancing neutrals, incorporating textures, and playing with shades, you can make these colors work for any season or occasion. So next time you’re shopping or digging through your closet, consider pairing these unexpected colors for a look that’s uniquely yours.

How to Style Orange and Black

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Look good, feel good, live your best life 🙂

With love,

106 Comments

  1. Julia,
    That skirt is fantastic, love the color and length! Breat color combo!
    xx, Elle
    http://www.theellediaries.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Elle! xx

  2. Love this orange/red lace skirt!!!
    xx

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Marcy xx

  3. Stacy says:

    Love this look! I love lace skirts too, and you definitely managed to pull off without the color combo without it looking like a costume! Gorgeous! Adore the shoes too!!

    x

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Stacy xx

  4. This is a gorgeous skirt! And the orange is such a soft, deep hue that it looks nothing like Halloween. So I think it pairs beautifully with black. I agree with you that a bright pumpkin orange with black looks too Halloween. I prefer bright oranges paired with other brights like yellows and blues. But I think you styled this skirt perfectly. You look amazing!

    I would love for you to join my On the Edge of the Week Link Up which goes live every Thursday at 5:00 p.m. EST.

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com/on-the-edge-of-the-week-link-up-5-and-tee-shirt-winner/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Shelbee xx

  5. I love orange but I have to agree with you that this color is tricky to pull off. But trust me, you look super lovely and glowing in this skirt. I am really inspired by this combination 🙂

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much 🙂

  6. What a beautiful and chic look, Julia. Your rust lace midi skirt and black clog sandals are both gorgeous. You look fabulous!

    Welcome by and join my latest style linkup with your fabulous style. A new linkup is live every Thursday!

    http://eleganceandmommyhood.blogspot.com/2016/07/thursday-moda-20-with-red-stripes-and.html

    Thanks and have a great weekend! Ada =)

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Ada!

  7. Beautiful lace skirt. Goes really well with all black ensemble, brilliant find!

    http://www.busyandfab.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much xx

  8. Sophia says:

    Love that skirt, and it looks perfect on you! xo, Sophia

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Sophia xx

  9. Maria says:

    Color combination is very beautiful.

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Maria xx

  10. Loving orange and black together!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you! Me too xx

  11. I know I always have that in the back of my head when I combine those two colours but it’s key to learn how to do it. I always find you in Zara piece…do I hear a fave store??

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Rania. Zara is definitely one of my favourite stores and I especially love it in the sales x

  12. molly says:

    Such a pretty look!

    Xx
    Molly

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Molly xx

  13. Justina says:

    This skirt suits you so well, very elegant!

    With love,

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much xo

  14. Such a gorgeous skirt? Love the lovely color in combo with the lace! Xx

    http://www.thefashionfolks.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you xx

  15. Siffat Haider says:

    Loving this lace skirt on you, the colour is so perfect for the summer!
    xo
    Siffat
    http://icingandglitter.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Siffat xx

  16. That is a really lovely skirt! Gemma x
    http://www.jacquardflower.uk

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Gemma xx

  17. Love that beautiful skirt.. you look so pretty in this outfit! xoxo, Neha

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Neha xx

  18. Amazing outfit, you are looking so lovely!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much xx

  19. Adelis says:

    Yes, i want to wear black and orange, and it is so beautiful

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much xx

  20. That skirt is divine! Love how you styled it!

    xoxo
    Rina
    http://www.andshedressed.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Rina xx

  21. Great pics!!!

    Have a nice day!
    Photographer Gil Zetbase
    http://www.gilzetbase.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Gil! Have a great day too!

  22. Love the pair babe! And you’re so gorgeous!

    Elisha | http://loveelisha.net/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Elisha x

  23. Hira says:

    So good to see you again !
    you look so cute !This lace skirt is pure love …
    Thanks for posting .
    Look forward to your next post

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Hira xx

  24. Filipa Jackson says:

    Adoring this look babe, amazing

    Filipa xxx
    PlayingWithApparel.com | Instagram

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Filipa xx

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Adi xx

  25. Love this look, the lace skirt is stunning! Also loving those shoes! xo

    http://www.rachelnicole.co.uk

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Rachel xo

  26. Orange is such a beautiful color on you! Love this outfit <3 xo, sharon

    http://www.stylelullaby.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Sharon xx

  27. I love your skirt! It’s perfect for the summer 🙂

    http://WWW.MARIANNYC.COM

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Mariann xx

  28. Tamara says:

    Beautiful skirt! You look so lovely!

    XoXo,

    Tamara

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Tamara xx

  29. Nada says:

    wonderful look 🙂
    NEW POST : THE COLORFUL THOUGHTS

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you 🙂

  30. Camila says:

    Julia, you look absolutely wonderful. I love the combination that you made and that skirt is so gorgeous!

    My Vogue Style

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Camila xx

  31. CHIC. LOVE THIS SKIRT

    NATALIEOFFDUTY.COM

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much xx

  32. Love black and orange together, even when it isn’t Halloween. Love that lace skirt!

    http://www.thebeautybeau.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Candace xx

  33. I’m loving your orange and black pairing, beautiful! That skirt is so lovely and perfect for summer! Thanks so much for sharing and I hope you’re having a great week so far!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    http://www.thestylecontour.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Jalisa! Hope you have a great weekend xx

  34. The skirt is so beautiful! I love the details!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Violette xx

  35. The brighter the better! ha ha! You look gorgeous! have a great day!
    xo Yvonne

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Yvonne! Have a great weekend xx

  36. Lizzie says:

    This skirt is just lovely, such a gorgeous colour!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Lizzie xx

  37. Amy says:

    What a gorgeous skirt! I really like burnt orange, but I don’t have any in my closet.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Amy! Neither did I until now! xx

  38. REBECCA says:

    That skirt is super lovely!!!

    Check out the 1st installment of my festival style campaign with UK-brand BOOHOO at the blog – I’m sure you’ll love it!

    Rebecca

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Rebecca! Will definitely check it out! xx

  39. I need more orange in my closet! Your lace skirt is so pretty! Perfect styling!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Jill xx

  40. You look amazing, love the photos ♥

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much xx

  41. Hayley says:

    Love the skirt, it looks gorgeous!

    X Hayley

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Hayley xx

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you ladies! xx

  42. Your hair looks soooo gorgeous here!! And I love those shoes!! Great outfit! 🙂 xx

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much xx

  43. oh that skirt is super pretty

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Michèle xx

  44. Kavya says:

    Lovely combo babe! That orange lace skirt is so pretty! You look so beautiful! 🙂

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Kavya xx

  45. I loved this post my dear, keep up the good work!!!!
    With love, Hadasah
    http://www.styletolove.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Hadasah xx

  46. I love this color combination, the skirt is lovely!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Darina xx

  47. Meghan says:

    Such a great color combo. Loving the skirt!

    Meghan

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Meghan xx

  48. Absolutely love this skirt!! I agree with you I love orange and black together regardless of the Halloween connection haha! Great look Julia!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Kathryn xx

  49. I’m digging this lace skirt, lady! Pretty!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Ashley xx

  50. Elise says:

    Your skirt is so beautiful! I love the lace and the burnt orange colouring is so pretty! I adore your sandals and top too! Gorgeous outfit 🙂

    El xxx

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much El xx

  51. Love orange….so much so that it dominates my wardrobe

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Hilda! It’s a great colour x

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