Red alert: How to rock the season’s strongest color
It’s not "Barbie pink" or “Peach Fuzz,” but from Black celebrity style to Black-owned brands, red is having a major moment.
Can we make a little commotion for the color red? The primary hue has been carrying the 2023 fall-winter season in style, with no signs of stopping — and even stop signs are red.
“Barbie pink” may have ruled much of summer 2023 (for obvious reasons), and “Peach Fuzz” has been named Pantone’s 2024 Color of the Year, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge that red has been the real MVP this year. From Rihanna’s 2023 Super Bowl ‘fit to Balmain’s Fall-Winter ‘23 show to Usher in Paris to Angela Bassett on the red carpet, the color has been everywhere, and fashion forecasters predict it’ll continue trending in the new year.
Now that “Barbie Girl Summer” has ended and the holiday season is in full swing, the vibrant color has returned to the rotations of many. That said, it’s a bold color that could be intimidating to novices.
For starters, red has a lot of notorious connotations. Some have been discouraged from wearing red on their nails because it’s seen as trashy or “fast.” Then, there are some who believe red is only for certain skin tones and shades. There are also those still triggered (and rightfully so) by the thought of red trucker hats.
The color has been feared and stigmatized over time for the same reason many things are: it’s empowering. Closely associated with blood, heat, passion, fire, and leadership, red is a color many use to summon strength and might.
However, knowing how to use such a strong color can be challenging. Do you dare go full head-to-toe for a formal look? Spice up the happy hour link-up with a red sweatshirt? Or do you just add a pop of color to a night out with red heels? The answer? All of the above. Red has a ton of potential. Here are 10 ways celebrities have pulled off red this season and the Black-owned and -helmed brands that can help you do the same.
Mood? Monochromatic
Last month, actress Angela Bassett arrived at an event in London wearing a head-to-toe red ensemble, complete with a matching red top, trousers and blazer. A monochromatic look like this is versatile enough for semi-formal to casual shindigs, including gatherings like office parties, brunches with friends, and dinners with loved ones.
Shirt currently on sale for $143.50, and pants currently on sale for $178.50
(Photo credit: Andrea Iyamah)
Hot pants
If a complete head-to-look is too much commitment, but you still want a little drama, try pairing statement pants with a sleek, minimalistic top like actress Dascha Polanco did during a recent appearance.
Fierce formalwear
Victoria Monét must have had the holidays in mind when she arrived at the “Renaissance” film premiere dressed in a head-to-toe red formal look with matching sheer gloves. This dramatic and sultry style is a great option for channeling the spice along with the nice.
Fresh and flirty
Red isn’t just for formal functions; for cozy, intimate affairs that call for something casual yet chic, bring the heat with a juicy red, like when Danielle Brooks recently wore a fringed dress in a pattern of several red hues.
Scarlet streetwear
When the function is completely casual or even impromptu, a look that pairs streetwear with luxury, as legendary stylist June Ambrose sported recently, is always a crowd-pleaser.
Crimson coats
From trenches to teddies to puffer jackets, red is dominating winter outerwear. Lori Harvey demonstrated how to make a statement out of the trend during Fashion Week.
Ruby woo
During a recent red carpet appearance, Dwyane Wade, ever the menswear icon, sported a bright cherry red suit. Men can channel their own version or find other seasonal staples like flannel at a handful of Black brands specializing in menswear.
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Red shoe diaries
Red shoes can amplify a holiday look or be a clever way to work the color into an outfit in any season. Taraji P. Henson sported a pair of ever-so-merry red boots during a recent appearance.
Hot spots
When musician Nate Wonder donned a red rose brooch against an all-black look, he exemplified how a red statement accessory can be all you need to elevate a look.
Statement makeup
Like wearing red accessories, adding red to your beauty arsenal is a simple way to rock the shade that still makes a huge impact. Red lipstick and nails are practically Janelle Monaé’s staples, and for good reason; the hue is cool and hot, all at once.
Kay Wicker is a lifestyle writer for theGrio covering health, wellness, travel, beauty, fashion, and the myriad ways Black people live and enjoy their lives. She has previously created content for magazines, newspapers, and digital brands.
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