Red Alert! Want to know the best way to pull off the colour of the season? Our favourite bloggers investigate…
WORDS BY AMELIA BELL
Red. It’s the most emotive colour of the spectrum: the symbol for power, danger and love. It’s also a current fascination for fashion’s finest – you need only look to Chloé, Giambattista Valli and Prada’s latest collections for proof.
For some, a splash of fire-engine red can be used to uplift a mood or embrace the festive season, while for others it’s simply about making that bold sartorial statement. And with that individual style in mind, we’ve called upon these bloggers to explore the psychology, history and sheer attraction of this intriguing colour – and a few wardrobe lessons, naturally. Presenting: 7 shades, 7 bloggers and a whole lot of red.
Brittany Bathgate: Candy-apple red
‘There’s an uncanny power that comes with wearing bright red. Why? For starters, it has the property of appearing to be nearer than it is and so grabs our attention first: you wear red, you get noticed. And then of course there’s that energising, self-esteem boost it can award you. Here’s my style tip – don’t be afraid to experiment with layering and if you’re new to the shade (or shy to try such a bold hue), perhaps just add a pop of colour like this Barena V-neck – after all, you can’t go wrong with a cardigan for AW17.’
Shop the look: Isabel Marant Cardigan
Julia Lundin: Burgundy
‘The festive season is upon us, and nothing reminds me of Christmas quite like a deep burgundy red; it’s a colour full of nostalgia for me! Note: a shade this rich can appear quite heavy, so work with alternative finishes such as corduroy or wool and style with neutral tones to balance out.’
Shop the look: Saint Laurent Bag
Kristen Ritchie: Wine
‘Studies have found that colour, [as a contributor to our sensory experience], can change our perception of a product. Case in point: I was instantly taken in by Miahatimi’s flared trousers due to their rich hue that adds opulence and value to the piece. This is a universally flattering shade, too, so styling is but a breeze – a simple turtle-neck is all you need.’
Shop the look: Miahatami Trousers
Kim Turkington: Rust
‘I tend to avoid wearing bright reds and opt for subtler tones like rust instead: it’s perfect for fairer skins, as the orange base can balance out any redness. This pom-pom Chloé number is my key to off-duty styling – it looks great paired with straight-legged denim and a simple tee. Accessory-wise you’ll just need your favourite Chloé clutch, of course.’
Shop the look: Chloe Jumper
Sophie Milner: Berry
‘I love Zoe Karssen’s tongue-in-cheek designs – it works a treat to pair this Tres Frai sweatshirt with a red corduroy skirt. Don’t be afraid to experiment with two-tone dressing like I’ve done here, it pays dividends to try something new once in awhile. Top tip: this softer shade of berry red is ideal for olive skin tones (given the blue undertones).’
Shop the look: Zoe Karssen Tres Frais Jumper
Ashley Kane: Fire-engine red
‘Wearing a bold red instantly boosts my mood – not to mention my confidence. There’s no denying its power in all manner of speaking, especially the message it portrays. For many it’s the symbol of happiness and joy, while other cultures believe it to be a sign of good luck. Personally, I can’t help but feel happy when I slip on these eye-catching Dorateymur boots – the trick here is to clash the ultra-modern shoe with vintage-inspired heritage checks.’
Shop the look: Dorateymur Boots
Janelle Lloyd: Maroon
‘I personally connect red with both passion and strength – a powerful colour like maroon always makes me feel like I can do something bold. When it comes to styling, it’s all about taking the power piece (i.e this Route des Garden velvet biker) and balancing with neutrals. Flared denim and a slogan tee make for a winning combo.’
Shop the look: Route des Garden Biker Jacket