by Kimberley Heit

Created on: January 18, 2012   Last Updated: January 22, 2012

Pantone has long been hailed as the authority on what colors will be popular for a particular season. For spring 2012 Pantone predicts that Tangerine Tango will be the most popular color. This color is also the Pantone color of the year.

According to Pantone “Provocative Tangerine Tango, an enticing juicy orange, is a vivacious and appealing refresher to enliven anyone's outlook this spring.”

This fits with Pantones overall goal regarding their spring color palette. Pantone says “the spring 2012 fashion color palette aims to provide consumers with a sense of energy, optimism and the promise of a brighter day.” In other words the colors are aimed at creating a more positive feeling during this time of financial uncertainty.

Tangerine Tango sits alongside other uplifting colors like; Aqua, Purple, Fuchsia, and Yellow in the color palette. When it comes to neutrals Beige, warm Gray and Navy are pegged to be the most popular hues.

The Spring/Summer 2012 runway collections were awash with Tangerine colored clothes and accessories. Designers such as Derek Lam, Botega Veneta and Marc by Marc Jacobs readily used the color in their collections.

Botega Veneta featured Tangerine colored dresses including a floor length chiffon evening gown, skirts, and accessories like a satin clutch, leather handbags and suede moccasins. 

Derek Lam mainly focused on tangerine dresses and knitwear. With one of the most eye catching Tangerine pieces being a floor length maxi dress in all Orange.

Marc by Marc Jacobs showcased a Tangerine shift dress, tops and skirts. Including a skirt with origami inspired folds.

When it comes to chain stores expect to see Tangerine utilized in feature tops, dresses and swimwear. Many stores are also likely to integrate Tangerine as one of the colors in their printed styles like stripes and floral prints. In addition you will find Tangerine colored accessories.

If you want to look really on trend Pantone recommends that you wear tangerine with hot pink and purple. If you’d like to inject this color in a more subtle way, try pairing it with neutrals like Brown and beige, or perhaps a denim piece.

Alternatively look for an accessory in Tangerine like a belt, handbag or pair of sunglasses. An accessory can provide you with an affordable way to try a trend.

The great thing about Tangerine being the predicted color of the year is that it should go on to be popular for not only summer, but fall and the start of winter.

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