Burnt Coral, Living Coral, any Coral - How to wear Coral outfits.

• The Hatista
• Colour Post
• December 6th 2020 / Revised: March 26th 2023

Pantone colour of the year in 2019 - Living Coral, was one of my favourite colours. Slightly more pastel than the Red / Orange Coral, but more vibrant than Peach. Warm and exotic but easy to wear. Forward two years and another coral - Burnt Coral makes the Pantone top 10 list of Colours for 2021. Burnt Coral is a little more pastel than Living Coral, but still friendly, invigorating, and lively. A pastel that doesn't look washed out, but rather begs to socialize. Fun and flamboyant Coral radiates warmth and energy. “It represents a feeling that’s out there in the zeitgeist,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. It offers a reassurance - a colour that is warm, natural and solid. A colour of escape that promises paradise, a colour you'd like to call home. "An animating and life-affirming hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge," say Pantone on their website.

Coral was once reserved for your Grandmas lipstick has now taken its place as one of the most versatile colours to have become fashionable in recent years. Initially to those not used to wearing coral, it may seem difficult to combine, but the truth is that there are numerous options to choose as it combines well with lot's of colours you already have in your wardrobe.

Coral can work, either as your main colour or as an accent. Here are my style tips on how to filter Coral into your outfits:

This post includes affiliate links - suggestions of items I've hunted out on the Internet for you. If you see anything you like, click the links and decide to buy the suggestion, then the retailer will give me a little commission (maybe even enough to buy a latte) to thank me.

Coral on Neutral Grey or Nudes

A transition that instantly brings some excitement to refined greys and beiges (including Metallic Gold, Rose Gold and Silver).

A great way to let the bold tones of your Coral piece stand out without competing with any other colour, is to pair coral with nude or grey neutrals. Your look will be clean and refined, but fun and punchy. Coral is great for adding a touch of cheerfulness to neutral dresses and lifts your spirits.

This colour combination is perfect if attending a wedding, and afraid that all over coral, even if mixed tones, will be to bright. Wear coral accessories (fascinator, headpiece or hat), matching your shoes and clutch, and pair with the Nude or Grey Dress that best compliments your skin tone. Both dark and light neutral shades team well with coral, so choose light or dark nude based on your skin tone. For help finding your correct "Nude" you can also read the post on wearing a Nude Dress.

Find it in your Florals

Graphic Floral Print dresses are always on trend. Floral dresses are the essence of feminine charm. Pantones Living Coral is a colour that you will find in 100’s of Floral prints. If you aren’t ready to wear this Coral tone on it’s own, then a bold floral print on a nude or white background is perfect. You can then select accessories in the Coral colour to wear with the outfit.

Remember: If choosing florals or other highly graphic prints, then select accessories in single colour. Don’t try wearing a busy, statement hat, and a graphic print. Allow just one of them to be the star.

Coral and Clean White

Coral and White outfits for the Kentucky Derby, Royal Ascot, or Summer Wedding Guests. Coral is a pretty colour, but also bright. Wearing with lot's of white stops you looking like a bright flame walking around, while the high contrast on the clean white lets the pretty coral elements shine their best. For more outfit ideas for the Kentucky Derby you can also read the post on Kentucky Derby Outfits, or for Royal Ascot you'll enjoy my post with lot's a lot's of ideas that all meet the strict dress code at Royal Ascot Outfit Ideas.

Coral and Purple

Pair Coral, with Ultra Violet Purple. Wearing purple and coral will make a bright summer wedding guest outfit, and perfect as an eye-catching outfit for the races.

Coral is flattering for all skin tones, and the deep rich tones of purple give it just the right amount of contrast to ensure it’s not too striking. Try a coral top matched with a bright purple bag or shoe and break it up a little with some gold accessories.

Coral in the Autumn

There is a Coral outfit for every season. You will see Coral in Nature in some form all year round. Coral pairs well and is fun with Chocolate, Browns, Toffee and Caramel in Autumn.

Pairing with any of these colours embraces Autumn, with the Coral still hanging on to Summer. Full of prep and spontaneity, these colour combos are the perfect mix of cool and warm, and keep colour in your outfit.

Living Coral with Sea Blues

Go back to coral’s aquatic roots by pair it with ocean blue or bright turquoise. This is my favourite combo for the races, as it's full of cheer. It's a colour combo that some may find too bright for wedding guests, but as an outfit for the Kentucky Derby, or Royal Ascot, this is a combo sure to get you camera time.

Living Coral and Burgundy (add Gold if wish, for more Romance)

There is a Coral outfit for every season. For Late Winter or Autumn my favourite is paired with Burgundy. The Coral keeps a summery feel, when going all bright is either too early, or too late in the year. These two colours are the perfect mix of cool and warm.

This combo has depth and demonstrates a playful flair.

Some Other Fabulous Coral items I've found for you:

Below is a Gallery of other Internet Finds for adding this Happy Hue to your wardrobe in small doses.