If ‘muted neutrals and soft pastels’ sound like your go-to summer palette, you might want to look away now. As one of the boldest colours to inject into any outfit, the ease at which tomato red suddenly slipped its way into the wardrobes of just about every fashion person we know took us all by surprise.
Now more ubiquitous than ever—and somehow transcending the style constraints of even the most earthy-toned and monochromatic dressers—the standout shade of the season has officially earned the title of summer’s most unexpected new neutral.
Of course, for those of us who like to keep an ear to the ground (and a bum on those fashion week seats), when it comes to new season trends, the return of the primary colour on the sartorial scene wasn’t a total surprise.
After all, when the likes of Loewe, Celine, Proenza Schouler, Chanel, Prada, Balenciaga, and Valentino, to name but a few, all spotlight the same accent shade, it’s tricky not to sit up and pay attention. In fact, after over a decade of attending fashion week runways in both London and Paris, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a colour trend be so unanimously adored.
But, if you’re anything like me and shudder at the thought of a head-to-toe tomato ensemble (I’m blonde and fair-skinned, with easily-flushed cheeks that are only too keen to join this trend at any given opportunity), then let me reassure you that this is by no means a monochrome moment.
In fact, so strong is this hue’s impact, it’s actually a far simpler and more wearable trend than you may initially have expected. With no need for an all-over colour drench, the fashion set are predominantly looking to separates and accessories to get their fix.
Whether it’s a short short or a crochet headscarf, a suede sneaker or a throw-on shirt, these are the bold red pieces that somehow found their way onto this strictly minimalist fashion editor’s wish list…
20 Best Red Fashion Pieces for Summer 2026:
The only thing we love more than the colour is the asymmetric fastening.
A staple for good reason! You’ll see these everywhere season after season, so cost-per-wear…
Linen-blend and the perfect oversized fit.
Barely-there sandals are the most versatile, timeless summer silhouette you can buy.
These are super lightweight, and the cropped ankle is perfect with a flat sandal.
The delicate subtlety of this piece makes it a truly versatile and timeless buy.
We love a boxer-style silhouette.
How good is this dropped, pointed waist?
The same retro sporty silhouette that everyone knows and loves, but a slightly more under-the-radar iteration.
Tomato red hues don’t come much more perfect than this.
Leather outer, suede lining. The buckles. The perfect mid-size. Need I say more?
Is there anything more timeless that a fuss-free shift dress?
The low-rise is offset perfectly by the relaxed, puddled hems.
This is two trends in one as headscarves and red accents are two of this summer’s biggest hitters—making this one very wise buy.
Magda’s knotted accents are becoming instantly recognisable. And so much chicer than when we haphazardly knot them ourselves.
Hottest designs, hottest models.
Would someone with this bag in three colours really need a fourth? Asking for a friend.
A dress that works just as well for a wedding guest as it does a date night or even a day in the office. So many boxes ticked.
Handmade and 100% leather. The epitome of high street meets luxury.
This jacket has sold out more times than I can count. And rightly so.
