Why terracotta is the colour of the summer - and how to wear it

Orange might not be a colour you've previously considered incorporating into your wardrobe. Its boldness can be a little intimidating, after all. But Pinterest has witnessed a 95% increase in saved images for the search term 'terracotta' in the last 6 months, indicating a surge in popularity for the earthy hue.

Terracotta's allure isn't a perplexing one. Somewhere between burnt orange and chalky red, it is in summer what brown is in winter: chic, grown-up and modern. Not to mention that similar shades like cinnamon, rust and brick are all far easier to wear and more universally flattering than their brighter, nearly-neon counterparts. 

Here are 5 tips to keep in mind, if you're planning on adding these dusty hues to your sartorial repertoire.

Go tonal 

Terracotta and its cousins lend themselves very well to tonal dressing. Pair rust with a brighter shade of orange, à la Tibi spring/summer '18, if you dare, or alternatively tone it down by teaming it with chocolate brown or pastel pink. 

The key is to keep skirts and dresses below the knee, and silhouettes languid. Anything too short or too tight will detract from the colours' understated appeal.

Pair it with blue

Blue and terracotta, as proven by both Australian actress Nathalie Kelley (see lead image) and Victoria Beckham, is a match made in heaven. In the same way that pale pink looks lovely with red, and lilac lends itself well to navy, light blue (think cerulean, powder and baby), is ideal paired with a rich shade of orange.

Summery accessories are you friend

Given that terracotta, rust et al are fairly grown-up hues, you can afford to go playful with accessories, particularly in the height of summer. Think shell necklaces and earrings, tasseled sandals, pom pom-laden straw bags and statement cat eye sunglasses. The combo of scorched orange and jazzy accoutrement is spot on for summer in the city.

Adhere to a utilitarian aesthetic

Terracotta is for orange what khaki is for green. It's grown-up, yes, but also allows for a laid-back cool ensemble that's stylish and also just the right level of polished. 

What's more, like khaki, it lends itself well to a utilitarian aesthetic; oversized cuts, XL pockets and shirts buttoned all the way up to the top.

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Invest in outerwear

While the current heatwave means that shopping for outerwear is likely not something at the forefront of your mind, lightweight jackets and coats in a variation of terracotta are a worthy investment. Not only are they impossibly chic, but they won't look out of place over a floaty maxi dress in summer once the evening chill sets in, and will really shine come September. 

5 of the best terracotta pieces to buy now

Mansur Gavriel triangle leather tote, ￡615, Matchesfashion.com

Blood orange linen apron, ￡69, Toast

Trench coat with contrasting belt, ￡19.99, Zara

Fluid drawstring dress, ￡99, Arket

Geometric earrings, ￡12.99, Mango

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