Often, people wonder how a new “hot color” appears on the scene each season.  There is actually a lot of research behind it.  For example, The Pantone Color Institute, considered the leader in color forecasting, scours the world and considers what’s percolating in every possible industry.  In addition, psychology is also used.   Concerns and serious issues we’re all facing at the moment also plays a part in dictating color trend.  Therefore,  Pantone’s color Tangerine Tango, an upbeat orangey-red, will be the hot color for spring 2012.  Except to see this color in not only in fashion, but in beauty and home, as well.

While psychologically orange is a happy color associated with fun times, happy, energetic days, warmth and new beginnings, orange is not always a universally loved color.  It also isn’t a color most people love to wear.  Tangerine Tango, in particular, is a very flamboyant orange that has a lot of red in it.  People who don’t crave the spotlight usually stay away from colors like this.    So, what do you do if this color isn’t for you?

Well, obviously, if you don’t like it, don’t wear it.  However, if you’re someone who feels that this is a color that could grow on them over time, but you are  not exactly looking to dive in head first, here are some ways to embrace tangerine tango in small doses to refresh and revive what you already own.

A Tangerine Bag

Pop a look with some tangerine goodness with something like a handbag, like this one from MICHAEL Michael Kors.   It makes a head-to-toe grey outfit appear less dreary and tangerine is a great complement to a color like teal.  Love the whole look?  Shoes: also by MICHAEL Michael Kors, the pants from YOOX.com, cardigan from J.Crew, tank from Lord & Taylor, earrings by Michael Kors and peacock feather necklace from PinkMascara.com.

Tangerine Earrings

Pop a little basic dress, like this navy one (available at Bluefly.com), with some
tangerine earrings.  Not only will you address the tangerine trend sparingly, but you’ll add some warmth near your face.  Finish the look with a statement shoe, like this pair by Sam Edelman.

Tangerine Belt

Use a tangerine belt, like this one by MICHAEL Michael Kors to pop a colorless outfit.  Instead of using the belt that comes with this top from White House Black Market (that is then paired with a basic pair of leggings and boots),  you can sub in some color with the belt.

Tangerine Shoes

Nothing livens up a neutral outfit better than a pair of shoes in a pop color.  You can try tangerine, especially if you don’t like the color near your face but want to address the trend.  Here the shoes are partnered with a skirt by Alice+Olivia, a brown turtleneck available on Bluefly.com, belt from Anthropologie and a pair of earrings available at TopShop.com.

Tangerine Scarf

A tangerine scarf is a great way to wind some color around your neck.  Paired with your favorite cardigan, a pair of skinny jeans and a riding boot, you can look trendy and stylish at the same time!