The Coolest Ways To Wear Red, Winter 2023/2024's Trendiest Color
In many ways, winter can be a gray and dreary season, but if you're looking for a way to bring a little brightness, vivid red vestments can help every daring fashionista shine amidst the gloom. That's right: Already rocking a reputation as the "it" color of fall 2023, bright red fashions are poised to continue their reign into winter.
Major fashion houses seem into the trend, with red couture pieces taking center stage in their cold weather lineups. On Instagram, Ferragamo showed off incredible red garments from its Fall/Winter 2023 collection, from striking bodysuits and deeply piled overcoats to deadly red heels. Meanwhile, Hermès' Instagram bursts with ensembles in shades of bright cherry, deep rouge, and moody burgundy, serving us with crave-able red separates like a bold leather jacket, a sheer and lacy bodycon top, and a strappy midi dress with hypnotizing cutouts.
So, how can you bring these trendy red styles home to your own wardrobe? As such a bold color, red itself will do a lot of the heavy lifting in making your outfits stand out from the crowd. But to get the most out of your winter looks, it'll take a fresh and intentional approach. With that in mind, we've got must-have tips for styling your red clothes in cool, fashion-forward ways this season.
Razor-sharp tailored pieces
This winter, show the world that you're a boss with tailored garments in unmissable red. From fierce blazers and button-ups to powerful pants and pencil skirts, red provides the perfect palette to channel your sickest corporatecore vibes. Mix and match sharp, tailored pieces for outfits that are ready to take you anywhere from the office to the red carpet. For extra oomph, consider combining your wardrobe in unexpected ways. For instance, adding a corset top can keep your ensemble from skewing too formal or conservative.
Voluptuous red fabrics
Fuzzy fabrics are having a moment, and what better time of year to style these heavy pieces than in the cold climes of winter? Furry fashions provide the perfect intersection of striking style and practical warmth to keep you toasty yet chic all season long. And when fuzzy fabrics are rendered in show-stopping red, the one-two punch of vibrant color and satisfying texture adds spectacular depth and vitality to your ensemble. Try incorporating this rich and voluminous effect through a fluffy red coat, a faux-fur minidress, or even fuzzy accessories like shoes, hats, and handbags.
Genre-defying red combos
To take your red garments from simply colorful to mysterious and compelling, combine clothes that match in shade but vary in aesthetic. The genre-defying result will make everyone do a double-take. For instance, red sweaters are a winter 2024 staple piece, and they have plenty of fun versatility. In fact, we're low-key obsessed with the juxtaposition of a casual top and a formal skirt, which create a surprisingly cohesive ensemble.
Festive red plaid, but make it cool
From cozy flannels to the heavy folds of a pleated skirt, red plaid is a regular wintertime staple, but that doesn't mean you have to use plaid in the same old ways. This season, you can reimagine the iconic fabric with an eye for edgy styling by pairing it with sharp silhouettes, high-contrast color combos, and audacious materials. For instance, make it more menswear by wearing your red plaid with a skinny tie, add a rebellious streak to the look with leather pieces, or incorporate hard metal embellishments like chains and studs.
Red on red on red
Monochrome looks have been getting a lot of play recently, such as in the quintessentially Scandi monochrome khaki trend we saw at Copenhagen Fashion Week 2023. But who says that your single-color ensemble has to rely on typical neutrals? Set aside black, white, and gray to create statement-making layers of red, red, and more red. For best results, add dynamic flair to an all-red outfit by utilizing different shades or materials. Offset crimson hues with rich garnet and black cherry, or contrast shiny latex with luxe velvet and matte canvas.
Spicy red accents
Even used in moderation, red can transform your entire outfit. Use a single red garment to add instant visual interest to your look, such as with a surprising and eye-catching pair of opaque red tights. This less-is-more approach lets your red pieces stand out as focal points without creating sensory overload. Other impactful and season-appropriate favorites include a red turtleneck or mock-neck top, a red cardigan, or a warm red overcoat.
Luscious red accessories
You don't have to reinvent your entire wardrobe to get in on the red trend. Sometimes, all it takes is a single standout piece to deliver a punchy pop of color. A bright red handbag, classic red pumps, or a stylish and winter-friendly pair of heeled red booties add drama to any ensemble. Pair your favorite red accessories with neutral palettes for maximum contrast, or add them to a rainbow of super-saturated tones to create a whimsical effect. Just don't forget to tie the look together with a classic red lip in the same shade.