If you're wondering how to wear red, you may already be aware that it is this season's hottest hue. First spotted on the runways of Gucci, Valentino, and Prada (amongst countless others) back in February, it was immediately clear that firey tones would be cropping up everywhere with the turn of the weather - and this bold colour trend is finally here.
The 'pop of red' styling trick took over street style snaps during fashion month of September, and it's already set to be one of the biggest autumn/winter fashion trends for 2023. The idea is that you can elevate any outfit by adding a hint of red to it, whether that be through accessories, footwear, or even outerwear, to break up the typically inky autumnal fashion colour palette. Red leather jackets were a notable Paris Fashion Week street style trend, whilst red accessories cropped up regularly in Milan Fashion Week street style shots, proving the popularity of this simple yet statement look.
Although you might already have several red items in your wardrobe, it can be challenging to figure out when and where to include them in your outfits. A standout colour that will attract attention, it has to be slotted in carefully. We've broken down our top five ways to incorporate red into your looks, taking notes from the street style set for inspiration. Whether you're ready to jump in head first or you want to start slowly, one of these pieces is bound to inspire you.
5 ways to wear red this season
It's easier than you might think to learn how to wear red, adding pops of this hue to your autumn outfit ideas. We've focused on five main categories to make the process easy: knitwear, jeans, dresses, accessories, and outerwear. Follow these simple outfit formulas and transform classic ensembles into fashion-forward looks.
1. How to wear a red top
When it comes to how to wear red on your top half, be mindful about balancing the colour on your bottom half. Red works brilliantly with neutrals and can add a chic element to your look, as well as giving contrast to a look. If you need to break up a red top, try adding a darker scarf or a black blazer to break up the look.
RRP: £99 | A bright red knit is the perfect way to channel this trend with full force. Beautifully seasonal, this slouchy crewneck offers comfort and sophistication that will keep you cosy. Team with everything from comfortable jeans to maxi skirts.
RRP: £39.50 | Wondering how to style cargo trousers? This straight leg style makes them more appropriate for the office or laid-back days. Black always looks good with red as it provides contrast, so this is a foolproof colour combo that you can rely on this season.
RRP: £79.99 | Boulster your shoe capsule wardrobe with a pair of smart brown boots that will see you through all weathers. Brown compliments red beautifully, so it's the hue to go for if you don't want too lift the black in your outfit, the chunky heel elongates pins too.
2. How to wear red with jeans
Red works particularly well with denim - particularly all blue hues. From light to dark denim washes, these neutral building blocks allow your red additions to shine.
RRP: £56 | Turtlenecks have a timeless feel, but you can easily modernise the look with a red colour palette. This spicy, vibrant shade is one of the top autumn/winter fashion colour trends, so it's perfect for capturing the runway look, without compromising on comfort.
RRP: £160 | Raey makes some of the best jeans and we love this baggy flared style that is versatile and trendy. The silhouette will balance out tighter-fitting tops and knitwear, whilst the light denim wash will complement red wonderfully.
RRP: £44.99 | An oversized blazer is essential in any autumn capsule wardrobe and this extra relaxed fit wool blend is ideal for layering with added smartness. A soft way to tone down red for a more wearable, everyday look, it will add a polished finish to jeans outfits.
3. How to wear red shoes
If you want to keep red away from your face, particularly if you have a more pinky complexion, look to inject this trending colour into your shoe collection. Don't be afraid to opt for more subtle tones of red too.
RRP: £120 | If a full red look feels intimidating, start by injecting this trending colour into your accessories. We love this floaty denim midi that is one of the best dresses for year-round wear no matter the weather. The loose fit and long sleeves will keep you comfy.
RRP: £79.99 | There's no going wrong with one of the best trench coats. Endlessly chic, they can tie even the most statement of outfits together. This lighter fabric makes for easy layering during transitional weather, so it will come in handy at the turn of every season.
RRP: £99 | The best ballet pumps and Mary Janes are a huge autumn/winter shoe trend for 2023, so why not channel two of the biggest looks in one item? These patent pumps in a dark cherry red capture the colour trend in a more approachable way, especially for a deep autumn capsule wardrobe.
4. How to wear a red handbag
In a similar vein to shoes, the latest autumn/winter handbag trends 2023 also favoured red and selecting a bag in this hue will help update your winter outfits in a flash.
RRP: £600 | A red handbag is the street style sets favourite way to wear red, and it's also one of the easiest ways to add any new colour to your wardrobe. Jacquemus makes fantastic affordable designer bags, so this is a worthwhile investment that will last you years to come.
RRP: £85 | A seasonal staple, a black knit will contrast well with a red bag. This batwing V-neck style will stand out from your standard crewneck jumpers and leaves plenty of room for layering with red accessories, like a scarf, in the cold winter months.
RRP: £60 | It's time to dig your best scarves out of storage. But if you only seem to have pieces that are more practical than chic, this simple 100% recycled merino wool scarf offers warmth and style in one. The perfect size for everyday wear, it's a real winner.
5. How to wear a red coat
A red coat is a power play and will exude confidence. If you're looking to update your best winter coat this season, then embracing this coat trend will ensure you look directional every time you step out of the house.
RRP: £90 | A chic investment piece, a red coat delivers a 'what to wear in Paris feel'. Super sophisticated, this bright hue will transform even the most basic of outfits. Dress up with a pair of the best black boots for timeless appeal and added contrast.
RRP: £29 | Breton tops are a great way to get an affordable Quiet Luxury look and this scoop neck fit is flattering on fuller busts. If you're apprehensive about adding prints when you have bright red at play, stripes can largely be regarded as a neutral.
RRP: £145 | Another colour that looks gorgeous with red is indigo denim, as it helps to balance out warmer orange tones. When putting a skirt with a coat, think about hemlines as you don't want to cut your leg in too many places as this will shorten your look.
6. How to wear a red dress
Nothing ushers in the festive season quite like a red dress and this look is truly as timeless and classic as your favourite LBD. A lot more of a statement, think about selecting a dress shape that you're already comfortable with, such as a flattering fit and flare to make the transition to this look easier.
RRP: £79 | A fit and flare dress is universally flattering, nipping in at the waist and skimming over hips. This round collared dress with short sleeves has a delightfully retro feel and finishes at the knee for a modest hem line. We love the upper arm coverage too.
RRP: £225 | A cropped cardigan will hit just above the waist, giving you a curvaceous shape and work with the line of the red dress. Leaning into that fifties feel, the long sleeve gives coverage against the cold, without compromising your silhouette.
RRP: £149 | The shoe silhouette of the season, a pair of low heeled slingbacks will bring any look up-to-date. This sleek and simple pair with pointed toe will help to elongate your pins. With a vintage feel, these classic shoes can be paired with jeans too.
What colours go well with red?
"When learning how to wear red, it's a great idea to look at the roster of colours that go well with red," says woman&home fashion editor Rivkie Baum. "As a strong accent colour, red teams well with nearly all neutrals, contrasting with black and looking elegant teamed with light grey and tan hues. For a more nautical feel, red also teams brilliantly with navy and white."
Can anybody wear red?
"Absolutely. But there are some guidelines I would recommend you adhere to," says Rivkie. "Although red can be worn by everyone, as with all colours there are certain things to consider. These include the exact shade of red, as so you might not find a red with a blue undertone suits you as well as warmer shades of red. In addition to this if you have very pinky undertones to your skin, you can find that red emphasises this. In this case, you may wish to wear red away from your face. So opt for a pair of red shoes, a red skirt, or even red jeans, and go for a more muted colour on top to tone down your complexion."
With over fifteen years' experience, Rivkie is an accomplished fashion editor, writer and stylist. Covering international fashion weeks, and styling photoshoots all over the world, Rivkie loves translating the trends in an accessible way to make fashion available for all budgets.
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