By: Tajiya Holland
Headed to happy hour or a casual day out? You may not think twice about swiping red lipstick on as the final touch to your look. But why are we so drawn to the color red?
Red evokes a sense of self-awareness and draws us closer to others. This vibrant color symbolizes passion and energy, instilling a powerful sense of certainty and attraction.
Red has both positive and negative connotations in different societies. It can indicate passion, power, danger, and excitement—making it a strategic color choice in branding and marketing. Whether consciously or not, dressing in red communicates a message that resonates far beyond the surface.
The History of Red in Fashion
Throughout time, wearing red clothing expressed many attributes such as social status, political and religious authority, cultural identity, and more.
- During the 1500s, imports of cochineal bugs from Mexico to Europe became a symbol of luxury. These bugs produce red dye for kings, cardinals, and duke’s clothing.
- In Asian cultures, red is worn on significant occasions, such as the Lunar New Year, to welcome fortune and luck.
- Before Louboutin, french kings and knights separated the nobility from the working class by wearing red heels in the 1600s.
The History of Red in Beauty
Red lipstick is a prominent makeup product, described as timeless. It displays independence, rebellion, social status and wealth, glamour, flirtatious seduction, and confidence.
- Early forms of red lipstick were introduced in Mesopotamia using crushed-up red rocks and in ancient Egypt utilizing fungi and beetles to form a paste.
- In 1912, American suffrage leaders protested in red lipstick to intimidate men and show defiance.
- Renowned Latina women such as Frida Kahlo, Selena Quintanilla, and Celia Cruz wore red lipstick for confident visibility and to feel unstoppable.
Red Trends
While red is traditionally associated with winter holidays, its presence in everyday fashion has become increasingly prevalent thanks to evolving style trends.
Cherry Red on The Runway
Across the globe, design houses debuted looks in the stunning shade at the fall and spring shows of 2023. Deeper tones and lighter tints are displayed, but going bold and bright has stayed on the agenda in 2024. As designers set the scene for future seasons on the catwalk, all-out or subtle hints of cherry red continue on the streets.
Red Nail Theory
A TikTok-viral hypothesis claims that men are more attracted to women when their nails are painted red. As many test this idea and speculate its truth, there is scientific study to support it. Whether to lure or for fun, the look of cherry to wine red nail polish is in.
Celebrities on The Red Carpet
If not at a fashion show, red-carpet events are where the public takes note of the latest style trends. At the Grammy, Kylie Minogue was draped in sheer red with a lacing corset, while Dawn Richard ascended to the skies as a tree. All eyes were on Sarah Snook sporting a rose petals-shaped ballgown and Janelle James in a silk bias dress accented with velvet bows for the Emmy Awards.
How to Style Red for Any Occasion
Stand out, be more confident, and feel energetic. No matter your aesthetic, here are ways to incorporate red into your looks.
Head to Toe
Go all-out in a red leather corset, pants, and coat to explore a city’s nightlife. Use various hues of red and combined textures to assemble a monochromatic look with dimension. Be whimsical in a top and bottom of opposite directional stripes paired with a floral crochet hat, western boots, and a giant tote to match.
Photos: Faye Reddish, Karya Schanielc, Anaïs Oekel
Casual
Mentally fuel yourself by sporting a red athletic set or hoodie for a workout or hiking a mountain range. Denim on denim characterizes the Canadian tuxedo, but black wash jeans and a red cropped denim jacket are a definite twist on the look.
Photos: Kezia Cook, Michèle Krüsi, Faye Reddish
Chic
Make a chic outfit pop by adding subtle notes of red. A two-piece short suit commands attention in a business-casual space. Turn heads in a more traditional pantsuit that has a low-cut blazer. Wear a sweater, straight-fit jeans, heeled ballet shoes, and a neutral purse to a café.
Photos: Michèle Krüsi, Lovisa Wallin, María Valdés
Resortwear
Live out your golden hour dreams in ruched satin reds. An embroidered loose-fitting set is ideal for mixing and matching separates on a trip; you can wear it to lunch or a chill day at the beach. A maxi floral dress makes the perfect effortless ensemble for any vacation occasion.
Photos: Vaso Petrou, Aubrey Ballard, and Farm Rio
Accessories
If a red outfit isn’t your vibe, add just a hint of color by accessorizing. Red bows, socks, bags, and sunglasses can bring a neutral palette to life.
Photos: Kezia Cook, Desi Perkins, Marine Breadwhite
Classic Nails
Sophisticated nail styles consist of a classic manicure and a French design. For something more minimal, the micro French manicure is a delicate style with a thin line across the nail tips.
For something in-between, opt for a classic French manicure with a neutral sheer base and a thicker red tip.
Photos: Gelcare, Jess Maynard, Sarah Haidar
Trendy Nails
A few nail designs currently trending are chrome, aura, and velvet. All three of these are naturally eye-catching. Therefore, red makes them a game-changer.
Chrome is all about high mirror-like shine achieved with chrome powder over a lacquer. Aura nails are colors that blend seamlessly and resemble colorful energy fields.
Photos: Sonia Sanchez, Nail Box, Anna
Makeup Looks
You can never go wrong with a classic red lip that stands out on a natural glowy base.
Match an all-over eyelid dusting color to the same red lip for a soft yet adventurous appearance. Or, create a unique eye design with a striking red mark against a minimal and nude base.
Photos: Billie Scheepers, Billie Scheepers, Jeannie Mai
The Power of Red
From its ancient origins steeped in symbolism to its modern-day evolution as a timeless statement, red continues to captivate and inspire.
As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of trends and styles, one thing remains certain: the allure of red will forever hold its place as a cornerstone of elegance and expression.
