The biggest color trend of the season Tomato girl summer became tomato girl fall due to the cooler temperature, but one thing never goes away: the red trend. With striking red ensembles from Proenza Schouler, Alexander McQueen, Huishan Zhang, Cecile Bahnsen, and of course, Valentino—who very literally wrote the book on red—the color dominated the fall-winter 2023 runways. You read correctly: Kendall Jenner wore an outfit made of red acrylic fake nails to close Schiaparelli’s spring/summer 2024 fashion presentation in Paris. Jenner isn’t the only celebrity who has a thing for red, though; Heidi Klum frequently steps out in an all-red leather ensemble, complete with matching boots, when she’s not decked up in a classic Halloween costume.
Professor of art history at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City Lorenza Smith tells Glamour that “red was always associated with wealth and power in history.” Wearing red now denotes a break from tradition; it’s a color that conveys intent. It’s a means of saying, “Yes, I want and I can.”
According to Smith, wearing red conveys confidence and certainly, passion. “Exposure to the color red has been scientifically proven to elevate heart rate,” she states. Here are six chic and unique ways to rock the trend in the next fall and winter months, since the hue isn’t going anywhere.
single-tone The biggest color trend of the season
What complements the color red? Increased red. Elevate your suit game by donning a red blazer and matching slacks. There are countless ways to style it: wear it casually with a graphic tee, wear it to work layered over a white button-shirt, or go out on the town with a daring lace bralette. A red suit will always look put together, but feel free to experiment with different textures and colors for a somewhat more unconventional look.
crimson leather
A faux leather jacket or real leather jacket is a wardrobe staple. There is a length, shape, and style for everyone among the many available silhouettes. A red leather jacket is the ideal piece of outerwear for a night out or to wear over an LBD with jeans. Any ensemble is made more stylish with a fitted long leather trench and a hint of edge from a red racing jacket.
Brazen mouth
For many women, red lipstick is a certain way to increase confidence, but it has a fascinating and colorful past. A red lip was an integral component of the suffragette uniform during the twentieth-century campaign by women for the right to vote. The classic makeup item still evokes significant power today, and a sensual red lip is often associated with wealth. However, this bold look doesn’t have to break the bank—the O Face Satin Red Lipstick from E.L.F., which only costs $9, earned our Glamour Beauty and Wellness Award.
Accent purse
A red accent bag is a simple way to add additional color to your clothing if black and gray are your go-to colors in terms of design. Although every It girl is carrying a baguette bag, a red tote offers extra space for you to store your belongings.
Rosebuds
The rest is obvious—roses are red. Carrie Bradshaw approved Y2K staples, rosettes, are back and better than ever, proving that florals aren’t just for spring. Emily Ratajkowski is the most recent celebrity to rock the trend, although Sydney Sweeney, another fashionista, recently accessorized her red lip with a gorgeous scarlet rosette. Invest in a ready-to-wear item like this selection from Sandy Liang, or add a flowery flourish to your own purse, hairdo, or top.
crimson tights
It doesn’t have to be boring or colorless to be warm. This fall and winter, we’re adding pops of color with red tights, in the true spirit of indie sleaze. Since it seems like pants are no longer optional, wear metallic red tights by themselves or mix them with a lace miniskirt for a flirtatious date-night look. Without going too Gossip Girl, a sheer pair can help you attain that flash (though, let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to channel Blair Waldorf?).
