No matter what direction the fashion trend goes, one fashion rule stays constant: color always makes a statement. And this year is the year of orange— especially when it comes to the marriage mart of 2024!
The burnt orange shade is a muted, medium-dark shade of orange. This earthy tone can attract attention perfectly without overstepping the bride’s importance, which makes it a top pick for bridesmaid dress colors. But it can be tricky to understand how to style a color this bold.
For that, we’ve researched, analyzed, gathered, and put together this comprehensive guide on how to style your burnt orange bridesmaid dress so you look like the stunning bridesmaid you deserve to be. Ready? Let’s begin with the basics…
We know burnt orange can be quite a bold decision to take. It’s certainly not everyone’s cup of tea, so styling it can be quite terrifying. But if you embrace this color, you’re welcoming an electric and bold hue into your wardrobe and your wedding party.
Here are some colors that complement burnt orange and can be included in your styling endeavors:
In terms of makeup, neutral and warm eyeshadow shades like bronze, copper, and champagne can complement the burnt orange shade without overpowering it. They’re also universally flattering and can bring out warmth.
Peachy blush and lipsticks are your best friends when it comes to pairing up with a burnt orange bridesmaid dress, and you can top the makeup off with a soft eyeliner look that enhances your eye shape!
Not sure what to do with your hair? Loose waves and soft curls are the way to go! This hairstyle adds a romantic and soft touch to balance the boldness of the dress color. But if you’d rather have your hair tied up for this big day, a low bun or chignon can appear effortlessly elegant and allow your dress’s neckline and details to shine.
Because the color orange itself is on the warmer end of the color spectrum, any accessory with a warm hue will complement the burnt orange shade of your dress. This means that dainty gold jewelry, golden or bronze clutches, and hair combs will add a little extra sparkle and complete the look without creating an ugly contrast.
Now, let’s talk bouquets and floral accessories you could add. Having a burnt orange bridesmaid dress is already a bold color choice so you’ll have to carefully craft a complementary bouquet arrangement. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Focal flowers: Cream and ivory flowers like white roses, peonies, or lisianthus offer a softer, whimsical, and romantic center for the bouquet.
Secondary flowers: Add peach and blush flowers like garden roses, dahlias, or ranunculus to add a touch of soft depth to your bouquet. The light colors add a ruffled, vintage appearance with their layered petals.
Textural flowers: Anchor the color scheme of your bouquet by adding a bold choice of burgundy and deep red flowers such as calla lilies, burgundy dahlias, or scabiosa.
Foliage: Top it off with accents of eucalyptus, ruscus, and ferns to add a rustic and fresh contrast that completes your bouquet perfectly. These options will create a sense of fullness in your bouquet and look perfect with your burnt orange dress!
A bridal party shines its brightest when you add personalized embellishments to make a bridesmaid dress your very own. You can add subtle and delicate beading or sequins to add texture and interest to your dress.
Adding lace in the bodice or sleeves is also an excellent option because it softens the look and adds a romantic touch to your bridesmaid's looks. Or, you can add a contrasting sash or belt to define your waist and add a visual interest to your appearance.
Nude peep-toe heels are a versatile pick for burnt orange bridesmaid dresses because they don’t distract from the dress and elongate the legs to look attractive. But if the wedding is outdoors, consider shoes with a stable heel— block heels or wedges— to stay comfortable and stylish at the same time.
For bridesmaids looking to have a cohesive and coordinated appearance, you could opt to go for matching burnt orange heels for a monochromatic effect. Or, you can add a touch of sparkle by picking metallic gold or bronze heels, especially if you’ve added shiny embellishments to the dress.
Color theory plays a major role in styling your outfits and the rule doesn’t change for bridesmaid dresses.
Lighter/pale skin tones: For these skin tones, light-colored accessories and jewelry work best. Pair your burnt orange bridesmaid dress with silver, gold, or rose gold jewelry with soft-colored gemstones. A vibrant choice of shoes can also give you a wow factor and contrast beautifully against your fair tone.
Tanned/darker skin tones: For darker skin tones, gold is the ultimate accessory you should pair with your burnt orange bridesmaid as it brings out the warmth in your skin color without creating an ugly contrast. You can also create a striking look by pairing your dress with vibrant gemstones like black onyx or green emeralds!
One of the top reasons the burnt orange shade is one of the top bridesmaid dress choices is its versatility. The color makes for an excellent dress choice that is just as stunning as a daytime dress as it is for nighttime!
Here is how a burnt orange bridesmaid dress can be styled for different wedding times:
Daytime weddings call for an elegantly casual look and your burnt orange bridesmaid dress could offer just that! Keep your make-up natural and fresh with neutral and soft tones, while putting your hair in a soft romantic updo or loose waves. You can even add fresh flowers to your up-do if it’s a spring wedding!
In terms of shoes, you should opt for nude or tan peep-toe heels or sandals— or you could go for comfortable block heels and wedges! If you’re wearing a burnt orange bridesmaid dress during the daytime, make sure your jewelry is gold and light on the eyes, such as:
When the sun sets, it’s time to turn up the glamour! Styling your burnt orange bridesmaid dress for an evening wedding can be so much fun. Start with some bold make-up… think smokey eyes, dramatic eyeliner, or a deep red lip for that wow factor. Go for a sleek and sophisticated updo, glamorous curls, or a polished chignon to add a touch of elegance.
As for shoes, this is your chance to shine – literally! Opt for metallic heels in gold or bronze, or go classic with black stilettos. Strappy heels and elegant pumps all work just as well with the color so you can pick whatever fits your comfort zone.
Complement the dress with statement jewelry like chandelier earrings, a sparkly bracelet, or a stunning necklace that adds a touch of sophistication. A chic clutch in a metallic shade or embellished with rhinestones can also make a great accessory.
Don't forget about the layers! A stylish shawl or bolero jacket can offer warmth and style during cooler evenings. But if you’re looking for a pop of color, a contrasting wrap in a deep burgundy or rich purple can also look incredible against the burnt orange dress.
Styling a burnt orange bridesmaid dress can be a daunting challenge. For a color that speaks for itself so vividly, it can be tough to imagine a complementing accessory choice. But in this blog, we’ve explored and laid out every way you can style your burnt orange bridesmaid dress and look the best on someone’s big day!