Hands up who’s feeling festive? If, like me, you’re getting in the mood for all things Christmas then you’ll also be putting this mindset towards your outfits, too. I don’t mean you have to embrace a novelty Xmas jumper just yet, but a good place to start with your party season looks is to think about which colours you want to wear. And each and every year we can always rely on bold red to make an appearance, and I’m not mad about it.
As a colour that makes a statement, has the power to make you feel effortlessly sexy or just uplifts an otherwise simple look, it’s one to rely on no matter the time of year. And as a stylist of over 10 years, often people ask me how to style it. Surprising to some, the look-at-me colour actually works well with so many other colours––from tonal shades of camel and warm chocolate brown to soft yellow and pink tones.
So if you want to know how to style one of the hottest colours of 2024, consider this your guide to the seven chicest colours to wear with red.
THE CHICEST COLOURS TO WEAR WITH RED:
1. Camel
Style Notes: Shades of camel, beige and tan are neutrals, so you can rest assured that they’ll go with pretty much any colour you choose to pair them with. Need further proof? Just take a look at Tamu in her camel trench coat with a bold red slouchy bag, aka a match made in sartorial heaven.
Shop the Look:
GANNI
Camel Wool-Blend Coat
Now this is a great coat––well done, Ganni.
MANGO
Wideleg Pleated Trousers
All about that slouchy fit.
Polène is one of my ultimate favourite bag brands.
Reiss
Wool Blend Funnel Neck Jumper in Camel
Just add a red bag or coat.
2. Burgundy
Style Notes: We all know burgundy is the colour of the season, but while wearing it with grey is the most obvious choice, red works just as well. Teaming shades from the same colour palette will always be a recipe for success, and Emili has illustrated my point perfectly with this red top and burgundy bag situation.
Shop the Look:
LOEWE
Squeeze Chain-Embellished Bag
Make like Emili and add a burgundy bag to a red top.
& Other Stories
Embroidered Mohair-Blend Cardigan
MANGO
Leather Belt With Square Buckle
You don’t have to add loads of berry shades, just some simple accents to your outfit will do.
Jigsaw
Wool Double Breasted Overcoat | Burgundy
3. Chocolate Brown
Style Notes: Another colour dominating the fashion world this season is, of course, chocolate brown. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a coat (just like Renia, above), wide-leg trousers or a soft suede bag, rich brown is key and it happens to work so well with bold reds.
Shop the Look:
Reformation
Elio Knit Top
Wear underneath a red jacket.
Dune
Odele Chiselled Toe Kitten Heel Chelsea Ankle Boots
These sold out and then had 2,500 people on the waitlist to get them––you’ll have to be speedy to get them the second time round.
KHAITE
Hencil Knitted Midi Dress
I would style this dream dress with bold red heels.
KHAITE
Benny Studded Suede Belt
And yes, this cult Khaite belt is still going strong.
4. Butter Yellow
Style Notes: The colour to be seen in throughout the whole of summer, butter yellow is sticking around thanks to cold-weather coats, jumpers and accessories all being in the soft shade for winter. Make like Sacha and style the pastel colour with red––see how well they work together as an unlikely pairing? One to copy and paste immediately.
Shop the Look:
Stine Goya UK
Long Sleeve High Collar Coat
Winter coats needn’t be dull.
Pilcro
Pilcro Crew-Neck Jumper
I would wear this with a yellow slip skirt and red ballet flats.
& Other Stories
Crewneck T-Shirt
A super simple way to colour clash.
Topshop
Topshop Seb Skinny Scarf in Yellow
Skinny and triangle scarves are key––add this one over a popping red knit.
5. Grey
Style Notes: Grey has the skill to make anything––from outterwear and knitwear to trainers––look expensive. So to make sure your red items stay looking polished, team with the sutble shade to pull it all together, just like Abisola has done.
Shop the Look:
I’ve been thinking about this coat, a lot.
ZARA
Side Button Waistcoat Top
Love this over a red turtleneck dress.
COS
Double-Faced Wool Midi Skirt
NEW BALANCE
1906 Metallic Faux Leather-Trimmed Mesh Sneakers
Trainers are such an easy way to add another colour into your outfit.
6. Dusty Pink
Style Notes: Vibrant fuchsia pink shades were prevelant in previous years (yes, we all remember #BarbieCore, right?) but now it’s time for a lot softer shades. Dusty, less pigmented hues is the way to wear pink for 2024, and to make it work through winter you can easily style it with red for a colour clash that looks so damn good.
Shop the Look:
ZARA
Manteco Wool Blend Coat Zw Collection
Such a brilliant coat option to show off a great red dress underneath.
MANOLO BLAHNIK
Maysale Suede Point-Toe Flats
Fancy flats are the perfect alternative to party heels.
TALLER MARMO
Lanzarote Silk-Crepon Gown
Just add red heels and matching bag for an upcoming festive event.
Arket
Alpaca-Wool Blend Jumper
Wear with a red slip skirt.
7. Black
Style Notes: The fact is, there isn’t a single colour that doesn’t work well with black. The base to many great outfits, see how Emmanuelle has worn an all-black look with the addition of a bright red coat––and easy way to make sure all eyes are on your new outerwear!
Shop the Look:
The fashion editor-loves style also comes in navy and chocolate brown.
COS
Slouched Leather Knee-High Boots
BOTTEGA VENETA
Long Andiamo Intrecciato Leather Clutch
You’ll end up wearing this with each and every outfit.
Arket
Satin-Lapel Wool-Blend Blazer
Wear with a red sequin skirt and red shoes for an alternative party look.
NOW SHOP SOME RED PIECES WE ALSO LOVE:
H&M
Oversized Polo-Neck Jumper
GIANVITO ROSSI
Carla Leather Mary Jane Ballet Flats
H&M
Wide Tailored Trousers
COS
Merino Wool Turtleneck Top
& Other Stories
Satin Midi Skirt
Mint Velvet
Red Knitted Wool Blend Cardigan
COS
Corset-Detail Maxi Dress
Mint Velvet
Red Leather Ankle Boots
Massimo Dutti
Wool Blend Flowing Shirt
Autograph
Pure Cashmere Roll Neck Jumper
ZARA
Zw Collection Satin Dress
Mango
Andrew Cropped Jacket
FERRAGAMO
Hug Embellished Large Leather Shoulder Bag
