Why wearing head-to-toe red like the Duchess of Cambridge is a surprisingly flattering autumn style strategy
Apart from the odd pair of scarlet-soled shoes, my sartorial relationship with the colour red has been more akin to an occasional fling, or the odd one-night-stand. As someone wedded to neutrals like black, navy and beige, I’ve always found it a bit too bold for my tastes.
It’s not that I’m averse to wearing it; I actually splashed out once on a long, red wool coat from J. Crew. But after a friend likened it to the Virgin Atlantic cabin crew uniform, I couldn’t unsee the resemblance, so it was promptly returned to the shop.
Now, a couple of recent high-profile appearances have revived my interest in the hue. Victoria Beckham was pictured in New York last week wearing a red, one-shouldered midi dress from her new Victoria Beckham Body collection. Then on Tuesday, the Duchess of Cambridge attended an event in a red Ralph Lauren cashmere polo neck and bespoke pleated Christopher Kane skirt.
Both looked sensational - as they always do - but they’ve made it very clear that I’ve been missing a trick. As it turns out, punchy, pillarbox red is that rare bright colour that truly suits every skin tone, and makes for a powerful and surprisingly flattering look.
Don’t just take my word for it. Annabel Hodin, the stylist behind Anne Robinson’s vibrant looks on Countdown, agrees: “Top-to-toe red is fabulous impact dressing,” she says. “Both warm and cool skin tones can carry off bright scarlet reds well - they brighten every complexion.”
The top-to-toe element is particularly important as it has a streamlining, elongating effect on the body. The various elements of the look don’t need to be the exact same shade of red - just look at the tonal burgundy ensemble worn by the Duchess of Sussex in New York last month - but steer clear of harsh black, navy or white accessories, Hodin adds: “Red looks more expensive and contemporary if teamed with camel, beige or cornflower blue.”
A suit, she suggests, should be worn with a camisole that is close in colour to your skin tone. Heavy makeup should also be avoided, too. “Keep everything fresh,” she says. “Victoria has got it right with a touch of muted lipstick and a bit of gloss.”
Once you’ve mustered the confidence to wear the standout shade, you’ll find covetable buys all over the high street. Pick your shade wisely though - a hint of orange is great, but anything too close to the coral end of the spectrum won’t be as flattering. Deeper scarlets, crimson and oxbloods are also easy to wear.
If that hasn’t convinced you, then the must-have red pieces all over the high street certainly will. Reiss’s fluid Savannah dress is a genuine boardroom-to-bar investment piece, while Kitri’s Sofia red velvet top is a party season piece you can wear year after year. Essentiel Antwerp’s reversible red and pink coat is a versatile piece that makes a strong style statement.
In fact, this time around, red and I might be ready to go steady.
Sofia red cotton velvet top, £95, Kitri; High-waist trousers, £27.99, Zara; Reversible pink and red wool-blend coat, £435, Essentiel Antwerp; Savannah midi dress, £238, Reiss; Abercorn knitted dress, £120, Boden
