The color red is one of the most powerful hues you can wear. Its brightest shade is bold, beautiful, and attention-grabbing. In fact, studies have found that red can make you seem more attractive and confident.
Who Looks Good In Red?
A major part of my job as a personal stylist is teaching my clients what colors flatter them best. In terms of red, here is what I am often asked…
- Does red look good on pale skin? If you have red or bright pink undertones in your skin it is best to avoid the brightest shade of red, like the color I am wearing above. Not all pale skin has these red undertones, but those with fair skin that blush easily tend to have red/pink undertones.
- Does red look good on cool skin tones? If you do have red or pink undertones — sometimes referred to as “cool undertones” — opt for darker shades of red like burgundy next to your face. But bright reds can still be in your life! Just wear them away from your face. Try red nail polish, a red shoe, a red handbag, or red pants or shorts instead.
- Can blondes wear red? Yes! But the shade of red you look best in depends on the shade of your hair color. For instance, bright blondes, like Reese Witherspoon look amazing in reds from scarlet to burgundy. If you have dirty blonde hair, brighter and deeper reds won’t look as amazing. The contrast between a bright or highly saturated color and a muted hair color can make a person look very dull. If you have medium blonde hair or light brown hair, stick with more muted or earthy red shades like rust.
What Colors Go With Red
Red is extremely versatile! A true red goes with just about everything: navy, baby blue, purple, pink, white, sunny yellow, beige, emerald green, brown, and more. You can even mix and match different reds together. The only thing you need to watch out for is pairing super bright reds with more muted earth tones, but sometimes, even that can look amazing! I am hard-pressed to find a color that does not go with red.
How To Wear The Color Red – Styling Red Outfits
Because red is so attention-grabbing, you want to make sure you’re creating the right impression with your outfit. For example, a structured red dress or suit says, I’m powerful. A sweet, flared red dress says, look at me, I’m friendly. A bold red slip dress says, sexpot, while a bright red shirt dress says, I’m competent. A red summer dress says, I’m fun — and so on. When choosing your bright red look be prepared for attention and select the red garment that gives you the kind of attention you’re seeking. As you can see my first bright red dress is structured, yet creative and flowy. I was going for the powerful creative look.
Red outfits can also be worn year-round. I love a bold red coat in the winter, bright red dresses and shorts in spring and summer, and a red pant come fall. For more red outfit ideas, keep scrolling to view my favorite red garments right now…
Milly Feather Cuff V-Neck Sweater
As I mentioned in my post on My Favorite Statement Sweaters, my clients are LOVING this sweater. The red shade is particularly yummy.
Available at Milly and Bloomingdale’s.
Sizing: P-XL
Material: 89% wool, 10% cashmere, 1% spandex
GABRIELA HEARST Kant Belted Double-Breasted Leather-Trimmed Wool Coat
I adore a bold red coat in winter. Not sure you want to splurge on a designer coat? Check out my article on designer winter coats that walks you through how to decide if the investment makes sense for you.
Available at NET-A-PORTER.
Sizing: XS-L
Material: 100% wool; trim: 100% leather
English Factory Party Glitter Sweater
Available at Anthropologie and Belk.
Sizing: XS-L, 1X-3X
Material: 92% acrylic, 8% polyester
Simon Miller Wallis Knit Fringe Dress
Available at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Farfetch, and Garmentory.
Sizing: XS-XL
Material: 65% viscose, 35% nylon
Michael Costello x REVOLVE Harlow Sequin Pants + Blazer
Available at Revolve (pants + blazer)
Sizing: XXS-XL
Material: 100% polyester
Free People FP Movement Inspire Layer Top
This red top falls under the category of cute loungewear you can actually wear outside your house!
Available at Nordstrom, Dillard’s, and Free People.
Sizing: XS-XL
Material: 100% cotton
Dress the Population Catalina Fit & Flare Cocktail Dress
Available at Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Amazon.
Sizing: XXS-XXL
Material: 97% polyester, 3% spandex
Spanx AirEssentials Maxi T-Shirt Dress
Available at Spanx.
Sizing: XS-3X, runs slightly large for a relaxed fit
Material: 47% modal, 46% polyester, 7% elastane
AQUA Button Front Midi Dress
Available at Bloomingdale’s.
Sizing: XS-XXL
Material: self: 100% lyocell; lining: 100% cotton
Lovers and Friends Cynthia Tee
You may recognize this red top from my post on My Favorite Casual Summer Tops. This thin and lightweight top goes with anything high-waisted, and the red hue is fun and feisty for dressing up or down.
Available at Revolve and Lovers & Friends.
Sizing: XXS-XL
Material: 95% viscose, 5% elastane
A.L.C. Isabel Cotton Midi Dress
Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, FWRD, Revolve, and A.L.C.
Sizing: 00-14
Material: 96% cotton, 4% elastane
Reiss Millie Peaked Lapel Blazer
Available at Nordstrom.
Sizing: 0-14
Material: 51% wool, 46% polyester, 3% elastane
Reiss Millie Pleated Wool Blend Pants
Available at Nordstrom.
Sizing: 2-14
Material: 51% wool, 46% polyester, 3% elastane
Ramy Brook Hallie Sleeveless Handkerchief Hem Dress
Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Ramy Brook.
Sizing: XXS-XXL
Material: 100% polyester
Rothy’s The Point
Rothy’s makes one of my all-time favorite flats. They’re comfortable, machine washable, and I adore the pointed toe. The bright red hue is one of their classic colors and is so perfect for adding a pop of red to an outfit. See how I styled these flats and read my full Rothy’s review, here.
Available at Rothy’s and Amazon.
Sizing: 5-13M
Material: 100% rubber
Alice + Olivia Maryann Tie Shoulder Denim Minidress
Available at Nordstrom.
Sizing: 0-14
Material: 92% cotton, 6% elastomultiester, 2% elastane
Faithfull The Brand Madella Midi Dress
This has been one of my go-to dresses this summer that I’ve been wearing on repeat for all of my local adventures.
Available at Revolve.
Sizing: XS-XXL
Material: 100% cotton
Photos by Dayley Photography
Makeup by Antonella Annibale
A big thank you to Pigment for allowing us to shoot at their incredible boutique!
