How to Wear the Color Red: Celebrate Chinese New Year or V-Day in Style
What makes red so appealing? According to psychology, red attracts the most attention. It is eye-catching and is often linked to passion, joy, love, and excitement.
Culturally speaking, red is also considered a lucky color to have around. It is said to dispel ill fortune and Chinese communities around the world wear it on birthdays, during celebrations, or for religious activities. The connotations of red are plentiful, especially during the holiday season, whether that's Christmas, New Year, or Valentine's Day, which is probably why people love to wear it!
From red lipstick to red dresses, this shade is as iconic as it gets; but let’s face it, it can be intimidating to wear. If you’re looking to add more of the hue to your wardrobe, fear not! We’ve got the best style tips to help you succeed.
Here are the best ways to style and accessorize a scarlet ensemble.
Invest In A Timeless Red Dress
Red dresses are a beautiful way to ring in celebration. However, big, flowy, or overly sequinned red dresses may not be for everyone. Instead, we suggest looking for a “timeless” red dress. Choose one that is simple, with a clean-cut silhouette, that would be easy to just throw on. Avoid having too many details such as ruching, sequins, or straps. Instead, focus on finding a well-fitting dress with a clean cut.
A.L.C.’s Elsie dress is the perfect example of a chic, timeless, red dress that can be styled in many different ways – or worn simply as is. We suggest pairing it with black tights and heels to add extra oomph to the outfit.
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Can’t Go Wrong With Co-ords
Co-ords are an easy way to ensure a stylish outfit. Each piece was literally made for the other! Another great thing about co-ords? You can wear and style each piece separately, making it a rather economical buy (especially if you "girl math" it).
Filipina fashion designer, Debbie Co, has created a beautiful red ensemble. Named the “Dmitri” set, it features a corseted cropped tube top with 3D flower embellishment and is paired with a textured midi skirt to boot.
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Go With Different Hues
If you’re intimidated by the vividness of red, then consider going for different shades of this beloved color. A fantastic option is to go for burgundy, which is much more muted, and leans a bit more towards violet but is still within the same family color.
We also love this beautiful Fleur du Mal silk slip dress, which incorporates deep red with vivid scarlet. It's definitely a showstopper for Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day.
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Add Muted Colors
Muted tones such as white, black, or brown will make red colors pop more. At the same time, these hues will also keep the ensemble looking classy and contemporary. We suggest wearing a bright red top and pairing it with a comfortable jacket or cardigan in a muted palette; this makes for a festive but approachable look.
Alternatively, you could also go with red outerwear on top of a monochromatic black or white look. This super cute bomber jacket from Zara is a fantastic option to have should you wish to try this style tip.
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Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize
By far, the easiest way to incorporate red into an out is with accessories. Bags, shoes, nails, or scarves are fantastic options for those looking to wear more of the color. If you have a pair of Louboutin shoes, now would be a perfect time to put them on.
If you want to hop on to something cute and coquettish, we definitely recommend wearing a red bow on your hair. This accessory makes all the difference, tying the outfit together and making you look put together even while in a ponytail. You can find them on Etsy, Amazon, Zalora, Shopee, or Lazada – or, in a pinch, just grab a red ribbon and fashion it yourself!
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