#trend: tangerine dreams

At first we thought that we invented the idea of "tangerine dreams," but Wikipedia told us that it's also a German electronic band (a few youtube videos later, we decided that they're actually pretty good). Even though we didn't coin the term, you heard it here first: Tangerine is the new mint green. It's still day one of New York Fashion Week and we've already seen it worn as head-to-toe looks and spring makeup. From the flirty cocktail dresses at ERIN by Erin Fetherston to the Mad Men-inspired circle skirts at Tanya Taylor, the sheaths (and sunglasses!) at Rachel Comey to the sporty stripes at Lauren Moffatt, we saw lots of orange. The color is a bold one--don't get us a wrong--but the great thing about it is how little else these outfits needed to look complete.

For a lighter tangerine touch, try something on your face, like the light balm used on lips and cheeks at Erin Fetherston. MAC makeup artist, Lyne Desnoyers, told us about the custom orange colors she made for yesterday's spring '13 presentation. "It's going to be an interesting family of colors to follow for this spring/summer, which is in the oranges—from the brights all the way to the tangerines."

We'll keep you posted throughout the week, but we've got a few pointers if you want to start planning your spring looks now. It sounds weird, but tangerine makes for a pretty bright eyeshadow.

Makeup artist, James Kaliardos (he created the soft '60 graphic eye for MAC at Richard Chai this morning) agrees, "The trend for spring '13 is using color, like an orange eye or lip—using color in a way that is unexpected, but subtle."

That's the key. It's one of the only colors that is bold and statement-making, but super pretty and feminine at the same time. Another couple of bonuses: It flatters a lot of different skin tones and it's a good go-to if you're in a rush or don't feel like wearing a ton of makeup. Throw on a bright orange cheek or a matte orange lip and you're set.

Orange you glad we're reporting all of the New York Fashion Week Runway Trends? Follow our #NylonFW coverage on the site, on twitter, on Instagram and on the town—we're everywhere.

Erin by Erin Fetherston, Spring 2013

Erin by Erin Fetherston, Spring 2013

Tanya Taylor, Spring 2013

Lauren Moffat, Spring 2013