The Barbiecore era has passed and in its place is a more mature yet equally as striking shade. A year on from Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Valentino Pantone-approved pink reign, the likes of Fendi, Valentino, Gucci, Stella McCartney, The Row, and David Koma are bathing their autumn/winter collections in red. Acting as an antidote to the almost ascetic minimalism connoted by the quiet luxury trend, the indomitable and immutable shade provides a hit of dopamine amongst the swathes of creams and beiges that typically appear come the cooler months.
Historically associated with passion and power, red acts as both a mood brightener and a sartorial association of dominance. While on the runway, the head-to-toe red approach is standard, translated to the street it’s more commonly appearing in subtle pops; whether it be a handbag, sweater, socks and stockings, or shoes.
Unlike item-based trends (think Miu Miu’s tiny hotpants), colour trends are easy to incorporate into your sartorial rotation regardless of your style. And none more so than red, which almost functions as a neutral in itself, pairing easily with muted shades like black, grey, camel, white, navy, and brown.
How to wear the red colour trend
Keen to embrace the vibrant side of life this season? Here are four ways to incorporate red into your everyday outfits.
1. Dip your toe in
If you’re hesitant to go completely monochromatic, footwear (and its associated accessories) is the easiest way to work the colour into your wardrobe. A pair of red Adidas Sambas or Gazelles can be paired with casual denim outfits or be used to dress down tailoring. For a more elevated tone, look to Mary Janes or pointed-toe slingback kitten heels; team them with a mini skirt suit during the day or a little black dress at night. Alternatively, the easiest way to work red into your outfits is in the form of accessories. Team red socks or stockings (keep them sheer to avoid veering into overtly preppy territory) with black loafers, pointed-toe pumps, or Mary Janes.
2. Rug up with a red sweater
It’s winter in the Northern Hemisphere, making it the ideal time to sartorially combat the onset of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) with a little dopamine dressing. Swap your sad beige and cream knits for a red iteration; pair with black tailored trousers or perhaps a pleated grey mini skirt. And, if all else fails, you can always fall back on a trusty pair of denim jeans.
3. Opt for red and black
A failsafe yet impactful colour combination, red and black outfits convey power with a hint of sensuality. Avoid darker tones like burgundy and opt for a brighter red (think tomato or fire engine) to provide a fitting contrast against the black.
4. Add red accessories
Red accessories are an easy way to add interest to an otherwise neutral wardrobe. Handbags run the gamut of the red spectrum — darker hues like maroon and burgundy convey an elegant tone, while shades like scarlet, fire engine, and candy apple red are a touch more playful. For those in the throes of winter, an oversized red scarf adds practicality and style to cold-weather ensembles.
Words by Arabella Johnson
