Probably due to the holidays fast approaching, red/rouge always seems to dominate the Fall/Winter runways. Next to white, red is also one of the most traditional wedding dress colors and certainly easier to wear than black.
Myleene Klass styled a bold strappy dress with a red Chanel bag and gold wedge heels while heading to work at Smooth radio in London on August 21, 2020
Nobody’s complaining, though, because no other color brings drama and attention to the bearer like red — whether it’s on a bag, dress shoes, or accessories, this bright hue will always make you the center of attention.
Red wedding dress by Tran Phuong My presented during New York Bridal Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2020
One of the three primary colors (the others are blue and yellow), red is a strong character color and represents joy, sexuality, happiness, sensitivity, and love.
Associated with blood and passion, everyone around the world equates red with love. What could be a better color for a wedding?
Jessie Reyez accessorized her red strapless Romona Keveža dress with jewelry by Mémoire and David Yurman at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020, in Los Angeles, California
Here are a few tips on how to wear or accessorize your red frocks.
1. Keep the rest of your look simple
Red in itself makes a powerful statement. We recommend studded earrings or a necklace or bracelet in gold.
Be careful not to go overboard when accessorizing and try to ensure that all your accessories follow the same color or pattern.
2. Wear structured dresses
Some of the world’s most stylish women — Michelle Obama, Kate Middleton, and Victoria Beckham, to name a few — have all come out in tailored red dresses for official state events.
First Lady Michelle Obama wore a striking red halter dress by Jason Wu and accessorized with Kimberly McDonald jewelry at her second inaugural ball in 2013
At the 2020 Oscars, a confident-looking Chrissy Metz showed that red lipstick with a red dress is a classic combination.
Plus size American actress Chrissy Metz wore a cherry red off-the-shoulder Christian Siriano dress at the 92nd Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on February 9, 2020, in Hollywood, California
If you plan to wear a red dress for the office or a corporate event, structured pieces work best. Leave the ruffles and lace for less formal events.
3. Choose simple black shoes
All the dresses featured below will work with your basic black pumps — your definite go-to shoes when wearing a red dress, except, of course, for a bow sweater dress, which we’d love to pair with black ankle boots.
Also, you can’t go wrong with bridal shoes from Christian Louboutin or crystal wedding heels from Jimmy Choo.
4. Confidence is everything
Wear it with confidence! As we’ve told you, you’re bound to get noticed, so put on your best smile with your fave red dress!
We have some of our favorite red dresses from Shopbop and Nordstrom for you today. You should check out the whole collection because they also have some pretty cute shoes and accessories in the same hue.
Jill Stuart Petra Collar Dress, $568
A fold-over collar adds a smart touch to this charming red dress, designed with minimal seaming and an A-line skirt
Diane von Furstenberg Raizel Keyhole Dress, $365
Curved seams lend flattering structure to a crepe DVF dress, styled in a fit-and-flare silhouette
Marc by Marc Jacobs Minetta Print Dress, $458
Inverted box pleats add volume to the blouson bodice of a sleeveless merlot red dress, patterned with lustrous stripes and delicate polka dots
Viktor & Rolf Long-Sleeve Bow Dress, $795
A vibrant red wool sweater dress with a distinctly feminine edge
Notte by Marchesa Silk Crepe Cocktail Dress, $695
A vivid flame-red dress in luxe, double silk crepe featuring ruffled panel trims the graceful wide neckline
Credit: A. Oparin / WENN / Avalon / Adriana M. Barraza / Johnny Louis