Pop of Red
Make a subtle statement with a pop of red
Why a pop of red never lets me down when I need to add interest to a simple outfit
I’ve championed a pop of red for as long as I can remember. Back in the mid-2000s, I had a patent red Chanel bag that I’d wear to add interest to a simple jeans and blazer look (the jeans were skinny, the blazer wasn’t oversized). It added just the right amount of edge.
I’ve since sold the bag as, in hindsight, the patent wasn’t as classic as leather, but I still rely on this styling trick. The easiest way to add red to your outfit is with accessories. A shoe or bag will give you a hint of colour without overpowering your look; I would always do one or the other, not both. I also love a red knit draped over your shoulders, particularly effective when wearing a white dress or shirt (this Mango sweater is super fine making it ideal for draping, layering or tying). A red sock was my go-to in winter before I swapped my loafers for sandals, and I added a red colourway to my Stike a Cord necklace collection. If you’re still not convinced, beauty is a great way to introduce the statement colour to your look. My nail polish choice for the last 15 years has been OPI Big Apple Red, and I’ll often apply a red lip to make jeans and tee look more polished or elevate a relaxed evening look. VB Beauty’s Posh Balm in Poppy Red is subtle if a red lip scares you; it’s super hydrating, so it glides on- no mirror needed.
“Wearing my red Strike a Cord necklace, from my collection with Aurum + Grey“
Styling Inspiration
How to style statement red effortlessly
Pop of Red Outfit Ideas
- A white shirt dress, red mesh shoes + a knit casually knotted over your shoulders
- Double denim with a red mesh shoe to break it up
- An all-white look with classic beige + pillar box red
“A colour combination I love right now is beige and red, it feels fresh and new but also timeless. Wear it now for the last remaining weeks of summer, and carry it into A/W”
The red shoe has to be the stand-out trend of 2024, in particular, the mesh flat. I recently picked up the H&M ones and now have this Aeyde pair on my wishlist. They’re so versatile and easy to style with my existing wardrobe. A simple red-heeled sandal works well with a printed dress for a cool wedding guest look, or I wear them with jeans and an oversized white shirt for an effortless dinner outfit. My Ancient Greek Sandal flip-flops in red have also had a lot of wear this summer.
