Every Shade of Red, Explained (And Exactly How to Wear Each One)

Red. It’s that colour that screams confidence, power, and passion. We know it’s synonymous with love and romance, but let’s step outside the box for a minute, shall we? Red isn’t just for the heart. It’s a powerhouse in fashion. It’s bold, yes, but also incredibly wearable.

When you think of red, you might picture a fiery, bold shade that makes a statement from miles away. But did you know there’s a whole palette of reds out there, each with its own vibe, its own flair? From deep crimsons to earthy rusts, red is as versatile as it is striking. Let’s break it down a bit.

Crimson red is rich and elegant. Perfect for a formal dinner, but also for turning your everyday look into something chic and refined. Pair it with a sleek pencil skirt, and you're good to go.

Maroon, on the other hand, is a bit more laid-back. It’s not as in-your-face, but still exudes that mature, calm energy. If you’re going for a polished yet casual look, maroon is your friend. Think maroon trousers with a crisp white shirt. Professional but still comfortable.

And then, there's rust red. Warm, earthy, and perfect for those cosy fall days. Imagine wrapping yourself in a rust-red sweater—texture is key here, like in knitwear or linen. It’s effortless, grounded, and oh-so-wearable.

Burgundy’s that deep, rich red we all secretly want in our wardrobe. It’s a jack-of-all-trades in fashion. Casual, formal, work, play—burgundy will never let you down. Add a burgundy blazer to a black dress, and boom, you’ve got sophistication without trying too hard.

And let’s not forget scarlet. Eye-catching, bold, and ready to steal the spotlight. If you want your outfit to speak for itself, scarlet is your go-to. Whether it’s a statement jacket or a sleek dress, scarlet isn’t shy. It makes a statement.

So, where does red fit into your daily life?

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Let’s talk daytime looks first. For a touch of summer vibrance, I love pairing a light blue shirt with a bright red skirt. The cool blues with the hot reds? A combination that feels fresh, daring, and alive.

If you’re aiming for laid-back chic, a sweater with red stripes over red linen shorts will give you that coastal, vacation vibe, effortlessly cool but still put together.

But maybe you’re all about that elevated casual look. Well, a red blazer tossed over dark blue jeans gives just the right pop of colour without overdoing it. It’s like adding a bit of spice to your everyday routine.

For those of you who prefer a quieter style, rust red and olive green make magic together. Throw on a rust-red sweater with wide-leg olive trousers, and dark brown accessories to round it off. It’s subtle but still so stylish.

Now, let’s see how red suits a professional look. 

Red doesn’t have to be loud in the office; it can be sleek and sophisticated, too. Picture a red statement blazer layered over a beige blouse and navy trousers. It’s striking but professional, like you mean business.

Or maybe you want to keep it more subtle? A maroon blazer over neutral pieces does just that, elegant without the shouting. And if you work in a more casual office, go for a tan tweed blazer paired with a silk red camisole and dark denim jeans. It’s smart but not stiff.

Let’s imagine days when you want to be the absolute drama, and you go for a monochrome red look. When worn as a monochrome look, red exudes luxury. A whole red outfit? Total power move. You can choose a red fitted shirt, tuck it into a red pleated skirt, and pair it with red pump heels, or a red blazer pants set. Either way, when you wear a red monochrome look, you shine through the lobby and in the conference room. 

What about special occasions? Oh, red is perfect for those.

Going on a date night? Wearing a white maxi skirt with a red sweater or blouse would make for a timeless combo that’s both elegant and romantic. If you’re after something a little bolder, layer a vibrant red blazer over a black dress or a just red silk dress. Instant glam for a cocktail party.

And then there’s the ultimate classic: a deep crimson velvet gown. Pair it with diamonds or silver accessories, and you’ve got yourself a showstopper of a look.

But if you’re not in the mood for a red outfit but still looking for a more subtle pop, just a splash of red through shoes, jewellery, or a scarf can change the whole mood.

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Not all reds are created equal. It’s all about finding the shade that works for your undertones. If you’re warm-toned, think tomato reds, rusts, and corals. These reds will flatter your golden hues. Cool-toned? Berry reds are where it’s at. They enhance that cool complexion like a dream. And if you’ve got neutral undertones? You can wear pretty much any red. Lucky you.

And don’t forget about intensity! Vibrant reds can be striking on people with deep features, but if you find bold reds overwhelming, try maroon or burgundy for a softer, more approachable vibe.

Just do well to wear your reds, and wear them like the queen you are.