Helen Mirren confirms red and black is the most timeless winter colour combination, it's just so chic
This outstanding look is surprisingly easy to recreate on the high street too.
Helen Mirren is a red-carpet pro, but last night the star proved my suspicion that red and black are the ultimate colour combination. Posing for a photo at the UK special screening for A Talent for Murder, the A-lister looked dazzling in a belted, three-quarter-length jacket with a peplum waist, paired with a black tulle midi skirt by designer Patrick McDowell.
Accessorising to perfection, her black leather gloves and Lili Curia lace-up boots added an edge to the feminine ensemble that highlighted the actress's hourglass figure. The fuller shoulders and peplum cut were balanced beautifully by the belted middle, as well as the gently A-lined skirt.
While the jacket is not available to buy online currently, red jackets are prevalent during winter months thanks to the hue's seasonal popularity. But aside from its festive connotations, red is also one of the biggest autumn/winter fashion colour trends for 2026, making it a great choice for Helen, who adds a slick of ruby lipstick to finish.
Bold ruby red and black, in my opinion, is one of the chicest winter colour combinations you could go for. Both are considered relatively neutral hues, but together, the contrast between the two feels elegant yet striking.
The black base of Helen's look provides one figure-lengthening colour as a foundation, while the red is used as an accent to add a burst of brightness and interest. And as figure-flattering peplum jackets are back in fashion, there are some great choices below, as well as how to copy the rest of the look, all on the high street.
This peplum coat echoes the design of Helen's, even without the waist cinching belt. The nipped in middle helps to create an hourglass silhouette, while the fluted hem line will skim over hips, and work beautifully with an A-line skirt, or teamed with straight-leg trousers.
A slimmer-cut jacket with a belted middle highlights the waist for a neat fit. The pockets on the hips give an illusion of an A-line, while the collarless neckline allows for a fuss-free finish. To give this jacket your own spin, swap the red fabric belt for a black leather design.
Bouclé fabric always looks elevated, as it is synonymous with the French fashion house Chanel. The asymmetric design creates a fit-and-flare silhouette at the waist that adds a designer spin to this high street style buy. To highlight your waist further, try adding a slim leather belt.
Finish the look
In the autumn/winter shoe trends for 2026, boots of all styles play a pivotal role. While riding boots and Chelsea styles are perhaps most common for the weeks ahead, this lace up design adds a gothic-romance twist to cold-weather looks.
Long leather gloves are the perfect accompaniment to a smart winter coat, adding breathable warmth and style. Hardwearing and elegant, they are reminiscent of evening opera gloves but with added practicality and work from AM to PM.
Thanks to the festive season there is an abundance of tulle on the high street, and this sweet black skirt can be dressed up for an evening out with heels and a pretty blouse, or worn in the day with your best cashmere jumper and a pair of stompy boots.
Statement silver earrings help to frame Helen's face and create a contrast between the red high neck of her jacket and her slick of red lipstick. When it comes to accenting a red or black look, though, gold works just as well, while still feeling festive.
The jewellery trends for 2026 honed in on mixing metals, a breakaway from the classic fashion rule of only wearing gold, silver, or rose gold at any one time. The easiest way to try this trend is when a brand has done the hard work for you, like in this gold/silver earring mix.
In such a bold look, Helen made the right call in sticking to a simple black handbag. This subtle, top handle design will always have a home in your winter capsule wardrobe, thanks to its discreet markings and timeless, vintage-inspired silhouette.
Helen Mirren's outfit must be one of my favourites to date. The tulle skirt, paired with the laced, leg-lengthening boots, adds a delightfully modern, almost gothic glamour spin to the outfit that sits perfectly with the latest autumn/winter fashion trends for 2026.
The bold pop of red, both in the jacket and slicked on her lips, adds festive cheer and brightness to the overall look, but it's the figure-flattering peplum shape and nipped-in waist that help to balance every element of this outfit.
Leather gloves have continued to be a hit accessory for winter weather. Adding a glamorous finish to any coat, the opera-length gloves add an evening-wear spin to the practical accessory and will keep you warm in the process.
A simple black bag and face-framing earrings finish the look beautifully, but it's the bold black and red contrast that will always stick in my mind as the colour palette that does grown-up festive cheer with such elegance.
