According to Welch, it’s actually easier than you might think — especially if you style the color in one of the three ways she recommends.
How to Wear Red
This article was co-authored by Hannah Park. Hannah Park is a professional stylist and personal shopper with experience in e-comm styling, celebrity styling and personal styling. She runs an LA-based styling company, The Styling Agent, where she focuses on understanding each individual she works with, and crafting wardrobes according to their needs.
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Red is a striking and classic color that can brighten up any outfit. It is the perfect choice for a date, a formal event or casual outing. Choose a shade of red that brings your complexion to life. Pair your red clothes with neutral colors for a formal look, or with clashing colors for a fun and trendy look. Add extra color to your outfit by wearing red accessories.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:
Wearing Red Clothes
- If you notice that your skin looks particularly good in a shade of red, you’ve probably found your best color match.
- Choose a bright shade of red if want to create a really sharp look.
- If you feel shy wearing bold red, look for black or white shirts that have red prints or patterns on them.
- Wear a red dress with a black or white blazer for a formal event.
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- Choose different shades of red to help break the outfit up.
- If you like to blend in with the crowd, you may want to pick a muted shade rather than a bold one.
- This style works best for block colours. Wear a top that is completely red or mustard, rather than a top that has a mustard and red pattern.
- Pair red with light blue to create a slightly less bold, but still trendy look.
- You may want to avoid this look if you are going to a formal work event.
- Create a formal look by wearing a grey or gold blazer over a deep red dress. Alternatively, wear a leather jacket for a street look.
- Wear black leggings under your red dress in winter to create a classy feel for work or going out.
- A deep red suit with a white dress shirt and black shoes would make for a stunning outfit.
- Try wearing a red jumpsuit or red overalls if you want a less formal option.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:
Choosing Red Accessories
- If you feel really adventurous, choose a pair of sunglasses with red tinted lenses.
- Search online for red sunglasses if you can’t find any at your local clothing stores.
- Choose a pair of shoes that show your personality and style. If you like to look feminine, choose something lacy or strappy. If you prefer to have an edgy look, wear a block heel or something shiny. If you like a grunge look, you could wear red skater shoes.
Add a red tie for a pop of color. If you want just a little bit of red in your outfit, choose a neutral-colored suit like tan or navy. Pair it with a white dress shirt and a red tie. Keep the rest of your accessories neutral so the tie is the star of your ensemble.
- Wear chunky red jewellery if you want it to stand out, or choose a smaller piece if you prefer a more subtle look.
- Wear a red topaz or ruby ring to create a classy look.
- Pair a bright red handbag with a navy and white outfit to create a nautical look.
- Wear a red backpack if you want to achieve a fun and on-trend style.
- Choose a scarf that suits your skin tone. This is extra important when choosing a scarf, as it so close to your face.
- If you don’t want to paint all your fingernails red, paint only your ring fingernails red and paint the rest of your nails a neutral color. This is an on-trend look that will make the red nails stand out.
- If you don’t like red nails, consider applying red nail art stickers. Place these over light-colored nail polish to add a splash of color.
- Experiment with different colours and pick one that brightens your complexion.
- Choose a pinker red if you want your teeth to look whiter.
- Stay away from deep red lipstick if you have thin lips. These shades can make your lips look thinner.
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Expert Q&A
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Question
Can anyone wear red lipstick?
Hannah Park
Professional Stylist
Hannah Park is a professional stylist and personal shopper with experience in e-comm styling, celebrity styling and personal styling. She runs an LA-based styling company, The Styling Agent, where she focuses on understanding each individual she works with, and crafting wardrobes according to their needs.
Professional Stylist
Expert Answer
Yes! Red is a daring color for lips, and it especially looks great on people with darker skin tones.
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Could I combine a brown dress with red shoes?
Community Answer
It depends on each piece, but generally, it would be a good pairing.
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Could l combine a red shirt and white pants?
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Yes, it’s generally a great pairing!
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References
- ↑https://40plusstyle.com/how-to-wear-red/
- ↑https://www.thetrendspotter.net/how-to-wear-red/
- ↑http://stylecaster.com/how-to-pull-off-clashing-colors/
- ↑https://www.thetrendspotter.net/how-to-wear-red/
- ↑https://www.thetrendspotter.net/how-to-wear-red/
- ↑https://40plusstyle.com/how-to-wear-red/
- ↑https://40plusstyle.com/how-to-wear-red/
- ↑https://40plusstyle.com/how-to-wear-red/
- ↑https://40plusstyle.com/how-to-wear-red/
- ↑https://40plusstyle.com/how-to-wear-red/
- ↑https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/best-classic-red-nail-polish-history
- ↑https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/makeup/lips/easy-tips-wearing-red-lipstick
Starting small with accessories
Don’t fret if your wardrobe isn’t full of trendy red pieces. As Welch said, it’s actually best to ease into the trend with beauty — like red lipstick or nail polish.
“That in itself is enough to add a pop of cherry red to any outfit,” she said.
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And from there, you can later add “one statement piece” in the trending red color.
“A great place to start is with a handbag,” Welch said. “We’ve been seeing so many people wearing lots of neutrals, so adding this one little pop of color can really make your outfit stand out.”
Sweaters and sneakers are your friends
As Welch pointed out, the red trend might look a bit different depending on where you live.
“If you live in New York City, then you’re probably seeing a lot of statement pieces like trench coats and leather jackets,” she said.
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But elsewhere, it might be too warm for outerwear or too casual for out-of-the-box pieces. So simpler classics are the way to go.
Welch highly recommends red sweaters and vibrant shoes.
“You could wear a pair of sling-back heels or pumps,” she said. “I’ve seen really gorgeous pairs of knee-high boots — leather in a cherry-red color.”
Red sneakers are another underrated option, Welch said, as most people opt for walking shoes in more neutral shades.
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“Anything like that is great to add to your wardrobe, because it just adds that touch of statement that you need,” Welch added. “It has a lot of power, but it’s also very understated, which I like.”
Don’t forget the power of a red dress
Welch said that while shopping recently, she noticed a surplus of red dresses.
“Obviously, red dresses are popular during the holiday season, but I am seeing more of that cherry-red color in satin and silk materials,” she said.
Red dresses, she added, are one of the most romantic ways to wear the color this season.
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“This red trend has come off the tail end of the romantic trend that we saw this summer — all the floral appliqués and flower chokers,” Welch said.
“So I think this is an evolution from the more masculine style that we’ve seen in the last two years,” she added. “All the suits and blazers, I personally love them. But I think we’re leaning toward a more feminine approach to styling.”
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