It's Confirmed: These 7 Colors Look Incredibly Chic With Red
Lately, it seems there's one color trend that seems inescapable: red. No matter if you're scrolling through social media or scouring the recent runway collections, it's hard to deny that this shade is everywhere these days—and for good reason. While the popularity of red may seem antithetical to the more minimal-leaning trends we've seen emerge in recent seasons, it's just as versatile as any other neutral. Not only are there so many variations of this color currently in runway collections, but they also range from vibrant saffrons to rich merlots. There are so many different ways one can incorporate red into their wardrobe (whether through accent accessories or hero staples) that it makes it incredibly adaptable to individual sartorial preferences.
Even with those realities in mind, we know that this shade can be intimidating to style outside the context of runway collections. We'd be lying if we didn't admit that learning how to wear red can be challenging, especially if you're one of those fashion people who are used to only wearing neutral colors. Luckily, some seriously stylish women have discovered the tried-and-true colors that will always go with red. From combos that incorporate classic neutrals to brighter hues, plenty of color pairings can make styling this shade easier. But if you're still skeptical, you'll want to keep reading as we've broken down the best colors that go with red, along with some styling tips and shopping recommendations. We're sure these outfits will prove once and for all that red is a neutral color in its own right.
Red + Brown
What You'll Need: Red Trousers + Red Cardigan + Brown Top + Brown Pumps
Style notes: One of the easiest ways to style any shade of red? Pair the pieces with neutrals, specifically brown ones. The color will add a calming effect to the saturation of this hue, making it more approachable to wear in everyday life.
You can also opt for a brown T-shirt if it's too hot outside to wear a sweater.
What You'll Need: Red Top + Brown Pencil Skirt + Brown Mules + Printed Bag
Style notes: Although brown is a neutral color, it's far from boring. In fact, when your work wardrobe is feeling a little lackluster, red is the perfect color to incorporate into the mix. The key to making this shade feel office-friendly is styling it with staples, such as a brown pencil skirt (or trousers).
Beyond a skirt, this sweater will go well with dresses, jeans, and even trousers.
Red + Black
What You'll Need: Red coat + black trousers + gray cardigan + silver shoes
Style notes: It might seem cliché, but you can't go wrong with pairing black with red. It's a surefire way to keep your outfit feeling put together while still letting the red pieces pop.
What You'll Need: Red Capri Pants + Black Windbreaker Jacket + Red Pumps
Style notes: Again, the benefit of styling black and red together is that it can make some of the more classic items in your closet (e.g., capri pants or a windbreaker) feel cooler. Just be sure to keep your color palette limited, as it will create the effect of color-blocking without getting too crazy.
Red + Gray
What You'll Need: Red socks + gray cardigan + gray pleated skirt + black flats
Style notes: If you don’t want to go for the more obvious choice of black, style some gray pieces with your red clothing. It will give your look a bit more dimension than the standard dark hue—plus it's the color pairing of the season right now.
The perfect way to dip your toes into embracing this color.
Red & Blue
What You'll Need: Red sweater + blue shorts + white T-shirt + red sneakers
Style notes: When in doubt, you can't go wrong with styling the color red with various shades of blue. From light wash denim to navy blue suiting separates, there's no shortage of ways you can embrace pairing these two shades together.
Pro tip: when it's warmer outside, tie this sweater around your shoulders instead.
What You'll Need: Red Jeans + White Tank Top + Blue Button-Down Shirt + White Flats
Style notes: While red and blue colors are already preppy-coded, you can dial up that vibe by pairing polished pieces together. Opt for a blue button-down shirt (in any shade) styled with red pants for a classic look.
Rest assured, you'll wear this shirt all summer.
Red + White
What You'll Need: Red slip skirt + white tank top + red scarf + black sandals
Style notes: Red and white aren’t solely reserved for the holiday season. In order to keep this color pairing from looking too festive, opt for staples in these shades—e.g., pair a white tank top with a red skirt for a more spring-inspired look.
What You'll Need: Red Trench Coat + White Pumps + White Handbag + White Headband
Style notes: Another way to make this color pairing feel chicer is through your accessory choices. Rather than opting for mismatched separates, consider wearing all-red clothing styled with white accessories. It will add visual intrigue to your ensemble.
These white slingbacks will match with any red piece in your wardrobe.
Red + Pink
What You'll Need: Red Track Pants + Pink Tank Top + White Sneakers
Style notes: Another color that goes well with red? Pink. As surprising as it might seem, pairing this color with a shade that's as vibrant will give your look an easy allure of elegance and polish.
Dress these red track pants up by pairing them with pumps.
What You'll Need: Red Cardigan + White T-shirt + Pink Clutch Bag + Black Skirt + Red Tights + Red Sandals
Style notes: If you're worried that pairing pink and red pieces together will read like a costume, then you'll want to incorporate the shades together slowly. Adding one to two pink items to your red ensemble will allow you to embrace these shades without overdoing them.
Red + Red
What You'll Need: Red Minidress + Red Slingback Heels
Style notes: What color is guaranteed to look good with red? Red, of course! Style your little red dress with matching accessories for an incredibly bold look.
You’ll want to wear these all the time.
What You'll Need: Red leather jacket + tank top + miniskirt + ballet flats
Style notes: See? Styling the color red isn't as intimidating as you'd think. But if you still are unsure how to wear red, the safest bet is to embrace this shade head-to-toe. A monochrome red look will make you stand out in a way no other color will.
You can style this tank with a red skirt or blue jeans.
Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a fashion editor living in New York City. What began as a hobby (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a career dedicated to storytelling through various forms of digital media. She started her career at the print publication 303 Magazine, where she wrote stories, helped produce photo shoots, and planned Denver Fashion Week. After moving to Los Angeles, she worked as MyDomaine's social media editor until she was promoted to work across all of Clique's publications (MyDomaine, Byrdie, and Who What Wear) as the community manager. Over the past few years, Jasmine has worked on Who What Wear's editorial team, using her extensive background to champion rising BIPOC designers, weigh in on viral trends, and profile stars such as Janet Mock and Victoria Monét. She is especially interested in exploring how art, fashion, and pop culture intersect online and IRL.
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