Shades of red are making their way from the runways to your wardrobe
From deepest crimson to head-turning scarlet and rich ruby, a riot of reds brought energy and optimism to the AW20 catwalks. Valentino, Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen were just a few of the designers to feature red prominently in their collections, setting the tone for the season ahead.
The best part about this trend is that it’s so easy to make an impact, whether you want to add just a pop of colour or go all out with a bolder-is-better approach.
In need of inspiration? We asked the Red team to share how they’ll be wearing the shade of this winter, from bright knits paired with neutral staples to tonal head-to-toe looks. With their tips, and our selection of picks from Simply Be, you can make the power colour work for you.
Give your look a feminine touch
“I love wearing red but I would always style it with a feminine neutral to give it a more sophisticated edge. Camel and blush pink look great with red. I would wear a pair of red trousers with a blush ruffle blouse and belt a camel coat over the top.” Oonagh Brennan, Group Fashion Director
Opt for a playful colour clash
“This winter I’ll be wearing high-waisted red trousers with a black polo neck tucked in, my high-top converse and a black shearling coat thrown over the top. For a dressier affair, I’ll clash pink and red separates – the prettiest of colour combos.” Alisha Motion, Fashion Editor
Energise neutrals with an eye-catching knit
“I’m a neutral lover at heart but when I fancy flirting with brights, my tomato-red sweater is my go-to. It instantly elevates my off-duty stone-coloured culottes and white high-tops, and I always wear it with MAC Lady Danger lipstick to stop my sweater making me look washed out.” Amanda Marcantonio, Fashion Director
Wear red head-to-toe for maximum impact
“I love bold colour, so I’ll definitely be embracing the red-to-toe trend this season. One way to pull it off is by playing with textures to help add contrast, like a chunky red knit layered over a scarlet slip skirt with mock croc accessories. Or, I may go down the tonal route, mixing pillar-box reds with cherries and oxbloods. For winter, I’d love a red knit dress to wear over a pair of rich, burgundy boots.” Alison Lynch, Commercial Editor
Add a flash of red with a sporty stripe or accessory
“I don’t tend to wear much colour but there is only so much black you can wear. I like to incorporate colour through little flashes – whether that be a sporty stripe or a poppy crossbody bag. It’s these small touches that give my go-to denim and t-shirts an instant mood boost.” Gabriella Minchella, Senior Fashion Assistant
Take the opportunity to update your outerwear
“I absolutely love the confidence a bright-coloured suit gives me. But this season, I imagine I’ll be spending less time in the office and more time crowding around a heater in a pub garden. More time spent outdoors offers the perfect excuse to invest in a red coat – the perfect way to brighten up dreary December evenings.” Ali Gray, Director of Branded Content