Last summer, there was one trend that no designer or high-street store was able to ignore. I am of course talking about pink, more specifically the bright, fluorescent fuchsia that kick-started the trend amusingly dubbed Barbiecore. As everyone from Anne Hathaway to Sebastian Stan wore the head-to-toe neon that would would be referred to as “PPPink” in fashion circles (after Pierpaolo Piccioli’s all-pink Valentino show and the Pantone shade created specifically for it), it seemed that for the rest of this year, we would all be tickled pink. That is until a new colour trend crept in for autumn/winter and now a key trend for spring/summer too: Hot red.
The one shade to topple bubblegum pink from being the biggest trend of the year is the universally flattering (and far more wearable) bold red. After all, while we might have enjoyed looking at the pictures of the saccharine pink filling our feeds, how many of us can say we actually invested in any? I might be biased (as red is my favourite colour), but all of the evidence is there. From Alexander McQueen to Zadig & Voltaire, brands are investing in red coats, dresses, suiting, and accessories in a bid to turn up the heat in the unseasonably chilly spring.
Minimalists and introverts might be sceptical, as fiery red can feel like a big ask, but there are more ways to wear this versatile colour than you think. Sure, red-to-toe makes a statement, but breaking up the colour with neutrals can be just as visually arresting, just ask our affiliate editor Emily Dawes.
What once signified danger is now a warning that the wearer has some serious fashion credentials, and before you think that such a strong look is only for the Hadids and Jenners of this world, it’s a proven fact that primary red is the most flattering colour for all skin tones, making this a look for everyone.
So if you want to get ahead of the trend, keep scrolling to see how our favourite influencers are wearing the look and our edit of the best red outfits and accessories you can shop now.
Style Notes: Nothing shows that you mean business more than a tailored suit in confident red. As this look is a statement in itself, keep accessories minimal. Black always works particularly well.
H&M’s best-selling blazers are a Who What Wear favourite, and we’ve already fallen for this pillar-box red number.
The matching trousers come with a pleasingly comfortable tailored fit. Sign me up.
No, this high-street bag isn’t designer, but boy does it look it.
The mule is still the perfect mix of business meets casual in a shoe.
Style Notes: Yes, you read that correctly. Black leather might be the original, but red leather is the stylish new upgrade and the easiest pairing for this commanding look is casual denim.
Style Notes: The same applies to accessories, and the trending cowboy boot is made even cooler in a deep red hue.
The leather trench still tops our list as one of the most stylish pieces to invest in, but it’s even better in unexpected red.
It’s still chilly out there, so every wardrobe should have at least one good turtleneck that’ll go with everything.
The clue is in the title, and & Other Stories has taken the time to craft a pair of jeans that’ll work for everyone. High-waisted, slim-legged and in stretch cotton.
No matter which boot styles come and go, the humble black ankle boot remains the discerning shopper’s favourite.
Style Notes: This one’s for you, minimalists. Upgrade your usual black uniform with a dose of colour by way of a fluffy knit. You won’t need to compromise your carefully curated aesthetic, but it will help to brighten your day. I guarantee it.
Believe me, I’ve looked, but I still can’t find a better double-breasted wool coat.
If you thought mohair knits only came in run-of-the-mill neutrals, let this bright red jumper be the one to change your mind. You’ll want to wear it with everything from satin skirts to skinny jeans.
The miniskirt is still making its presence felt. Just add tights and knee-high boots when it’s cool, and swap for bare legs, socks and loafers as soon as the sun’s out.
The high-street doesn’t get chicer than this.
Style Notes: In the run-up to party season, the big red dress is about to be the best weapon in your arsenal. Voluminous, striking and stylish, when the little black dress feels dated and the long black dress doesn’t bring enough energy, the big red dress is the party starter we’ve been waiting for.
Style Notes: Dress it down with flats or dial up the drama with the crystal-embellished accessories that this dress deserves,.
A big dress means big sleeves, and Farm Rio always gets the memo.
Toughen up romantic dresses with a tough, no-nonsense chunky loafer.
This elegant dress is a lesson in how to make corduroy evening appropriate.
You can’t put together an unforgettable party outfit without including Jimmy Choo.
Style Notes: Take a look through Sintija Selicka’s feed, and you’ll find red bags, red shoes, red lipstick and this great red co-ord. The perfect way to factor more red into your wardrobe in small doses.
We wore linen co-ords throughout summer, but until the weather reaches balmier heights, layer up with a light coat, and prepare to get comfy.
The kind of oversized, double-breasted, and lightweight trench coat that every capsule wardrobe can benefit from.
I bought a pair of M&S’s easy-to-wear sandals over four years ago and still wear them every spring. The latest colourway is a hot pink for summer, but it’s the classic black that I can’t wait to add to my basket.
Style Notes: Should head-to-toe red still feel a little daunting, the easiest way to nod to the trend is to inject a little pop of scarlet into your accessories. From party shoes to evening bags, make any outfit instantly cooler with a spicy kick of chilli red.
Style Notes: Trade in dated clutch bags for a revamped mini top-handle tote.
Trust me; mid-heel shoes are the only footwear that the street style set are obsessed with right now.
If ever there were a shoe that was considered to be the only accompaniment to the little black dress, it would be a statement heel, and thankfully for us, red does the trick.
Bag fanatics will already know Bottega’s iconic silhouettes, but the red Jodie is a certified knockout.
Straight from the runway and shoppable now, the scarlet has everything it needs to be the next It bag in waiting. Just look at that glossy, lacquered finish.
