Red is a striking and classic color that can brighten up any outfit. It is the perfect choice for a date, a formal event or casual outing. Choose a shade of red that brings your complexion to life. Pair your red clothes with neutral colors for a formal look, or with clashing colors for a fun and trendy look. Add extra color to your outfit by wearing red accessories.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Wearing Red Clothes

  1. If you have olive or dark skin, you’ll look great in an orangey red, like coral or tangerine. If you have a fair complexion, look for reds that are slightly more pink, such as ruby red or berry red. If your skin is a medium shade, you will probably look good in most shades.
    • If you notice that your skin looks particularly good in a shade of red, you’ve probably found your best color match.
  2. Red, black, and white are bold colors that create a striking contrast when paired together. This is a good option if you want to achieve a formal look for an event or for work. A red dress shirt with a black tie and a black suit makes a striking contrast that exudes power and confidence. [1]
    • Choose a bright shade of red if want to create a really sharp look.
    • If you feel shy wearing bold red, look for black or white shirts that have red prints or patterns on them.
    • Wear a red dress with a black or white blazer for a formal event.
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  3. Wearing red from head to toe is very on trend. If you are feeling really bold, wear red shoes, red trousers, and a red shirt. This outfit would be perfect for a fashion show or a trip to the city. [2]
    • Choose different shades of red to help break the outfit up.
    • If you like to blend in with the crowd, you may want to pick a muted shade rather than a bold one.
  4. Currently, pairing red with contrasting colors is a trendy look. Wear a red item of clothing with an item that clashes. A mustard or pink sweater paired with red flared trousers is a bold choice. [3]
    • This style works best for block colours. Wear a top that is completely red or mustard, rather than a top that has a mustard and red pattern.
    • Pair red with light blue to create a slightly less bold, but still trendy look.
    • You may want to avoid this look if you are going to a formal work event.
  5. Red dresses are a fun way to wear red because you can style them in so many different ways. If you want a sexy and fun look, choose a fitting dress with a “v” shaped neckline. If you want a summery look, wear a loose fitting dress with spaghetti straps. [4]
    • Create a formal look by wearing a grey or gold blazer over a deep red dress. Alternatively, wear a leather jacket for a street look.
    • Wear black leggings under your red dress in winter to create a classy feel for work or going out.
  6. Regardless of your gender, a red suit is an outfit that is sure to stand out. Where a full red suit if you are feeling brave, or a red suit jacket if you want a more conservative look. [5]
    • A deep red suit with a white dress shirt and black shoes would make for a stunning outfit.
    • Try wearing a red jumpsuit or red overalls if you want a less formal option.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Choosing Red Accessories

  1. A red pair of sunglasses will brighten any outfit. Choose fully red frames if you want a bold option, or opt for glasses with a red pattern if you want a quieter look. [6]
    • If you feel really adventurous, choose a pair of sunglasses with red tinted lenses.
    • Search online for red sunglasses if you can’t find any at your local clothing stores.
  2. If you’re wearing a plain or neutral-coloured outfit, spice it up by adding a pair of red shoes. Wear heels with a formal outfit and flats a casual outfit. If you are wearing a suit, choose a pair of dark red shoes. [7]
    • Choose a pair of shoes that show your personality and style. If you like to look feminine, choose something lacy or strappy. If you prefer to have an edgy look, wear a block heel or something shiny. If you like a grunge look, you could wear red skater shoes.
  3. If you want just a little bit of red in your outfit, choose a neutral-colored suit like tan or navy. Pair it with a white dress shirt and a red tie. Keep the rest of your accessories neutral so the tie is the star of your ensemble.
  4. Jewellery is a great way to make a plain outfit look more exciting. Red jewellery will really stand out if you wear it with neutral colors like grey, black, white, or navy. Wear red jewellery with a bright outfit to create a fun and playful look. [8]
    • Wear chunky red jewellery if you want it to stand out, or choose a smaller piece if you prefer a more subtle look.
    • Wear a red topaz or ruby ring to create a classy look.
  5. A red bag is a great way to add red into your outfit in a subtle way. A sleek bag will work well with a formal outfit and a big leather bag will complement a streetwear look. For casual wear, pick a red backpack. [9]
    • Pair a bright red handbag with a navy and white outfit to create a nautical look.
    • Wear a red backpack if you want to achieve a fun and on-trend style.
  6. A scarf is a great way to dress up a plain outfit. If it’s winter, look for a warm and fluffy scarf. If you’re wearing a scarf for decoration, choose a lighter scarf. Wear a scarf over a plain, unpatterned top to help it stand out. [10]
    • Choose a scarf that suits your skin tone. This is extra important when choosing a scarf, as it so close to your face.
  7. Red is a popular and striking nail polish choice. Choose your favorite shade or choose a red that matches your outfit. A dark red is a classy option for formal events and a bright red is a fun option for casual wear. [11]
    • If you don’t want to paint all your fingernails red, paint only your ring fingernails red and paint the rest of your nails a neutral color. This is an on-trend look that will make the red nails stand out.
    • If you don’t like red nails, consider applying red nail art stickers. Place these over light-colored nail polish to add a splash of color.
  8. Pick a bright and bold lip color if you have a warm or dark skin tone. Choose a red with more pink tones if you have a lighter complexion. Pick an orangey-red if you have olive skin. [12]
    • Experiment with different colours and pick one that brightens your complexion.
    • Choose a pinker red if you want your teeth to look whiter.
    • Stay away from deep red lipstick if you have thin lips. These shades can make your lips look thinner.
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What Colors Go With Red Clothes?


Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can anyone wear red lipstick?
    Hannah Park
    Professional Stylist
    Hannah Park is a professional stylist and personal shopper with experience in e-comm styling, celebrity styling and personal styling. She runs an LA-based styling company, The Styling Agent, where she focuses on understanding each individual she works with, and crafting wardrobes according to their needs.
    Professional Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Yes! Red is a daring color for lips, and it especially looks great on people with darker skin tones.
  • Question
    Could I combine a brown dress with red shoes?
    Community Answer
    It depends on each piece, but generally, it would be a good pairing.
  • Question
    Could l combine a red shirt and white pants?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it’s generally a great pairing!
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