Fashion Forward: Seeing Red

Thursday marks the day of the beloved romantic holiday—Valentine’s Day. Whether you have that special someone or just consider it another Hallmark holiday, I can at least appreciate a day accompanied by an appealing color palette. Black with orange tends to scare me, while green with red always resembles a North Pole uniform. But red—the bold and daring color, speaks so much louder than words. Even when it screams for attention or sings Taylor Swift’s anthem, this crimson color says the same thing: love. But let’s face it, love isn’t all that easy and neither is wearing red, so here are a few tips to incorporate the color into your wardrobe year-round:

The “LRD”: There’s something about a lady in red that exudes femininity and sophistication, with a touch of cheekiness. A red dress may just be as iconic, if not more, than the “Little Black Dress.” The color exemplifies old Hollywood glamour and should be a staple in every woman’s closet. It’s best to keep an “LRD” simple and classic—a nude heel goes along great with it in most circumstances, elongating the leg and bringing the attention to the striking color. 
         

Luckily, high-end fashion designer, Prabal Gurung, teamed up with Target to create an affordable line of amazing contemporary designs, when hit stores on Sunday, just in time for Valentine’s Day. The collection is called “LOVE” inspired by love, which I without a doubt felt when I first set eyes on the ruffle dress in “Apple Red”. The ruffled detail brings a light and flirty touch, perfect for the day or a night out, and the cut out shoulders add a modern twist to a classic staple.

Wearing the Pants: Many people assume it’s imperative to

match when it comes to wearing the color red—but the fact of the matter is, that really isn’t true. Red’s striking qualities give it the power to be thrown in with just about anything. This color should be utilized as a statement, and the key lies in color blocking. 

 Red pieces seen a lot this fall were red pants and can easily transition into men and women’s spring-wear. Go simple, pairing a red pant with a basic tee, or go edgy by pairing it with a cool band tee for a Jack White look. Dress it up with a black blazer or a neutral beige trench coat to avoid a complicated, busy ensemble.

Crimson Kisses: While red may seem like an intimidating enemy, it might just be your new best friend and the answer to many minor dilemmas. When I utilize red, I treat the color as a tool to complete an outfit. When stuck in a fashion rut, the color has a shocking ability to solve problems. For example, when I purchase a piece with a pattern, such as a day dress or blouse, it’s sometimes confusing to think of what can go along with it. Solid red shoes paired with a strong, red lip can instantly tie-in an ensemble. A classic approach such as a navy and white polka dot dress with red heels and red lips, resembles a 50s retro-look. This same technique can be used for more modern day, fun prints as well as boring outfits, simple colors, black dresses, stripes and neutral outfits—a touch of red lipstick can boost an outfit from boring to chic. Remember to use red like a weapon to accent your look. Whether it’s a statement jacket, scarf or bag—incorporate the color into your wardrobe with confidence.