HOW TO WEAR RED WITH CONFIDENCE

It’s a colour that screams ‘Look at me!’ We show you how anyone can rock red and do so unapologetically!

---

Red, the colour of passion, power, and confidence, is a statement hue that deserves a place in every fashion savvy wardrobe. However, choosing the right shade of red, incorporating it into your outfits, and accessorising with finesse can be a little intimidating. Fear not! We've got you covered with this complete style guide on how to wear red with confidence.

FINDING YOUR PERFECT SHADE
The key to wearing red with confidence starts with selecting the right shade that complements your skin tone. Red comes in various tones, from cool to warm, and it's essential to match it to your complexion.

• Cool undertones: You want to go for crimson or bold, deep reds like berries or burgundy to enhance your complexion.
• Warm undertones: Embrace hot, orange-based reds like scarlet or coral for a radiant look.
• Neutral undertone: If you have a yellow undertone, this usually means you pull more towards the ‘neutral’ end of the skin tone spectrum. And this means you could go for just about any shade of red you like.

DID YOU KNOW?
Skin tone is the surface skin colour (dark, medium, fair, light) whereas skin undertone is the subtle hue underneath the surface. You can have a dark skin tone and still have cool undertones.

ACCESSORISING WITH RED
If you’re not ready for an all-red ensemble, start by gradually incorporating a few red accessories into your everyday look. This not only adds a pop of colour but will also give you a chance to experiment and learn how to show off your personality through style:

• Statement shoes: Red heels or sneakers are an easy way to add a touch of sass and boldness to any neutral outfit whether you’re going for a trendy streetstyle look or something more sophisticated.
• Handbags: Any red handbag (bright or subdued) will instantly elevate your style and become the focal point of your look.
• Belt it: Cinch your waist with a red belt (with any buckle of your choice) and watch your silhouette go from ‘Plain Jane’ to ‘Influential Fashionista’ in a jiffy.

STYLE TIP
Blend comfy athleisure with tailored pieces for a stylish balance of relaxation and polished sophistication.

READY? TIME TO ASSEMBLE!
When it’s time to wear a full red outfit, remember to balance it out to avoid overwhelming your style. Here are some outfit ideas:

• The monochromatic look: A red-on-red ensemble creates a major fashion statement that will turn heads without a doubt. It’s perfect for special events and a night out on the town with girlfriends.
• Red as an accent: Use red as a statement piece with black, white or nude shades as the base of your ensemble.
• Colour blocking: Pair red with other vibrant colours like navy, fuchsia, emerald, or mustard for a playful, even avant-garde look.

LET’S MIX AND MATCH
The versatility of red allows for endless mixing and matching possibilities, whether your pairing different textures, cuts or prints.

• Red with denim: The classic combo! A red blouse with jeans exudes casual chic – perfect for a lunch date.
• Tactile pairings: Whether you’re going for feathers, sequins, gemstones or textured elements in shades of red it’ll give any outfit some of pizzazz – a crowd pleaser!
• Prints and patterns: Experimenting with red in patterns can get tricky. You don’t want to overwhelm the eye and compromise your body’s silhouette by overdoing it. This option takes a bit of finessing. Keep one section of your outfit (top or bottom) in a solid shade of colour, and then add a twist with a fiery floral, gingham or striped print garment.

Wearing red with confidence isn't just about the colour; it's about embracing your individuality. By selecting the right shade for your skin tone, accessorising with red accents, and mastering the art of mixing and matching, you can make red a signature colour in your wardrobe.

Remember, confidence is the ultimate accessory, and when you wear red with self-assuredness, you'll turn heads and leave a lasting impression wherever you go. So go ahead, embrace the power of red!

Words by: Charndré Emma Kippie
Photography: Gallo/Getty Images