Styling the colour red

What comes to mind when you think of wearing the colour red? Over the years I have heard from so many people that they don’t feel confident enough to wear red, that red is scary, that they don’t know what kind of red suits them, that they don’t know how to style red. When I think of the colour red, I think of passion, royalty and felinity. IT is also a colour of confidence in some ways but I think that that may be more so to the fact that there is the pressure to be able to wear red the ‘right’ way so to speak. Choosing the right colour can also feel a little overwhelming when there are so many shades to choose from.

I love the colour red and wish I myself had a better idea of how to style red items myself. I have seen all over socials that there is a trend of wearing red socks as a touch of red which I think is super cute and can elevate a cosy outfit by adding a touch of fun. Although this is a fun, fresh and gentle way to insert some red into your looks but what would be authentic to me would be something that looks a little more timeless. I still believe that if you are unsure on how to do so and truly want to inject this colour in your wardrobe, that it can be a little tricky and little confusing especially if you have a very specific colour palette running through your current wardrobe. 

I chose to style up some red pieces in ways that might inspire you to also create a timeless, classic and elegant way similar to how I would style up red items. My favourite and ‘safest’ pieces of red that make sense in my wardrobe are always knitwear and accessories. 

How to style the colour red

1. Find the shade that works for you

What worked for me over the years was trying different shades of red in a very gentle ways such as trying different shades of lipsticks and different shades of nail vanish. It may sound a little silly but it does really help because that way, you can try as many shades as you like with out making a wardrobe commitment. 

2. Figure out where you can interject some red 

Look in spaces in your wardrobe as to where you can inject this classic and timeless colour. Personally, I wouldn’t invest in items that can highjack an entire outfit or items that are in a style that may not have any versatility. Cute shoes, knitwear or a timeless styled dress could go a long way and could be something that could get a lot of wear. 

3. Look for inspiration before making a purchase

Its so easy to be tempted to go crazy when purchasing when a colour is trending, especially a classic colour like reds. Look for inspiration in many areas, including your own wardrobe, before making a purchase. This also helps with understanding if the colour truly is for you and if you will pull any items in this colour once it becomes an addition in your wardrobe

Red Ralph Lauren hat, Le Reduote jumper, Theory Jeans, Jigsaw coat, ASOS earrings, Ralph Lauren boots, Birkenstocks, Tory Burch bag, Holland Cooper gilet, H&M shirt

This is 100% something that I would wear to run errands, attend baby groups, or even go for a quick coffee whether that be solo or with friends. The best way to look effortless and timeless in my opinion when it comes to wearing bright colours is to go full matchy matchy! Now in order to do this in a way that looks chic, stick to the idea of using pops of colour to accessories. A red jumper over the shoulder and red hat is enough to create this look. Personally, I’d steer away from a red hat and red scarf combo unless both items are knitted pieces in the same knit type.

H&M blazer, Hermes neck scarf, Ganni black shirt, Arket skirt, Ottoman Hands earrings, H&M bag, H&M shoes, Ottoman Hands red and gold ring, Ottoman Hands plain gold ring, Mango velvet trousers

Sometimes less is more depending on the occasion. Have very subtle hits of reds can really go a long way and also complete an outfit with hardly any effort at all. Styling red this way is also a good way to introduce the colour into your wardrobe especially if this is the first time you are introducing the colour to an otherwise neutral toned wardrobe.

Chloé black bag, H&M jumper, COS pearl earrings, COS pearl and gold bracelet, Mango coat, H&M boots, Mango flats, COS studs, COS necklace, Amy Lynn dress, H&M cream skirt

Burgandy can be paired beautifully with other shades of red and really make for a truly classic outfit. To achieve this go with classic silhouetts like an a-line skirt or dress and finish off the look with a thick, tailored black wool coat..