How To Wear Red With Confidence

Red is always fashion favourite, but this season it is making an especially bold statement. This feel-good colour radiates confidence and energy, and it is the perfect way to give your wardrobe a lift. With a few simple tips, you can discover how to wear red in a way that suits your style, find the shade that flatters you most, and add a splash of this striking hue to your wardrobe without breaking the bank. 

Why Red?

Red – especially cherry red – is all over Pinterest, and it has made its mark on the catwalk and the high street too. This mood-lifting hue is also finding its way into home decor – although I admit my home is still very much an ode to blue! In fact, on the whole, my signature colour is blue. However lately, something unexpected has happened – more and more red is sneaking into my wardrobe – and I have to admit, I am loving it! From cherry red coats to cosy sweaters and dresses, this vibrant hue has found a new place in my heart – and my closet. And I am not alone!

Colour Can Lift Your Mood and Make You Feel More Confident

It’s no secret that wearing clothes that make us feel good can make us look good too. In fact, I would go as far as saying that adding colour to your wardrobe can actually change your life. It certainly did for me! Frankly, I think learning how to wear bright colours – especially red – can be a secret weapon when it comes to confidence and energy too.

How To Wear Red to Refresh Your Style Without Breaking the Bank

Refreshing your style does not have to mean spending a lot of money. Go through your wardrobe and accessories before you buy anything. You may already own some red pieces that you have forgotten about. A scarf, a handbag or some costume jewellery are a great way to dip your toe in this trend, or you could just go with beautiful red nails or a red lipstick.

If you decide to make a purchase or two, here are some tips that may help.

How to Wear Red – Finding Your Perfect Red

Before you add red pieces to your wardrobe, it can be a good idea to determine the shades of this vibrant colour that are perfect for you. Every skin colour has warm or cool undertones, and this can affect what shades and colours suit you best. While cherry red is trending, choosing another shade of red might be better for you.

It can be worth having your colours analysed to make sure you are on the right track. The style consultation and colour analysis I had with stylist Sarah van Dort a few years ago was one of the best investments I have ever made. Now I know that my colouring is light, clear and cool (Sarah offers tonal, not seasonal colour analysis), it makes choosing flattering colours easy. 

If a colour analysis is not in budget something you want to have done at the moment, here is a high-level guide to what shades of red may suit you. 

Cool skin undertones suit reds with blue or berry notes like cherry red, cranberry, ruby red, raspberry and wine. This is me, so if your colouring is similar to mine, it may be you too.

Warm skin undertones are lit up by reds with orange or earthy undertones, like tomato red, coral, poppy red, brick or rust.

If you have a mix of warm and cool undertones, or if your undertones are more neutral, then true red – a red without blue or yellow undertones – may be your best choice. 

Of course, there are always exceptions to any rule – so if you put on a shade of red – or indeed any colour – and it makes you feel great, then I think you should definitely wear it! There are so many beautiful shades of red out there, you are sure to be able to find one that is perfect for you and makes you feel fabulous.

How To Wear Red – Key Items To Consider Buying

If you do decide to go shopping, I recommend choosing one or two really good pieces in a shade of red that suits you, so you will not just be embracing a fleeting trend, you will be making an investment in your fashion future.

Red Top or Blouse

Wearing a red top or blouse can give a lift to neutral trousers or skirts and add a real touch of style to a classic suit or even jeans. (I bought the blouse in the photo below from With Nothing Underneath about a year ago.)

Red Shoes

There’s nothing like a pair of beautiful red shoes to make you look and feel fabulous. Of course red goes well with navy and black, but it also works with camel, blue and even pink. Red shoes act almost like a neutral – there are not many things they don’t go with. Wearing a pair of red high-heeled shoes with jeans or dark trousers instantly adds a touch of style.

A Little Red Dress

Thinking about purchasing a little black dress? Why not make that a red dress instead? While I agree being one of the few wearing a bright colour in a sea of black can make you stand out, it can also give you a real confidence boost. I find it definitely attracts compliments. Choose shoes and a handbag in metallic tones and you will sparkle all night long!

Or choose a more tailored dress that goes from day to night like this one I bought from The Pretty Dress Company. You can pair it with everything from a leather jacket to a blazer to a formal coat and it looks great with shoes or boots. Don’t feel you have to default to black for shoes and accessories when you are wearing a red dress – black is classic and looks great, however gold, silver, nude, navy, camel or patterned accessories work really well too.

Red Trousers

Like many women, I have been conditioned to be concerned about drawing attention to my lower half, so it took me years to warm up to the idea of wearing red trousers. However if you find a pair you like as much as I do these, do not hesitate. You will be amazed how often you wear them.

Red Blazer or Jacket

Blazers are brilliant transitional pieces, making them wearable almost year-round—aside from the height of summer, you’ll get plenty of use out of a red blazer. Just throw one on to instantly elevate an outfit and add a confident pop of colour. It’s perfect for taking a pair of jeans for casual to polished. Or for a bolder take, a red leather jacket is another timeless option that never goes out of style. It’s perfect for adding a bit of edge—especially when paired with a little black dress!

Whether you go for a classic red blazer, a fabulous pair of shoes, or something else that makes you feel special, adding a touch of red to your wardrobe is a lovely way to express your creativity and style. This season, red is making an especially bold statement—and with just a few thoughtful choices, you can tap into the energy of this feel-good colour in a way that suits your personal style. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive—just a hint of red can give you confidence, lift your look and your mood. Fashion should be fun, after all—and sometimes, all it takes is a little splash of colour to remind us how fabulous we really are. Why not give it a try?

First two photographs from the top by Terry Joshi Images, makeup by Ali Oswald, styled by Sarah van Dort. Thanks to Joshua Potter at Dior New Bond Street for the styling in the fourth and fifth photograph. All clothes and shoes, with the exception of the navy coat/blazer in photograph four (which was borrowed for styling purposes) were purchased by me.