I've Done the Research—This How to Wear This Season's Most Controversial Colour

This year, there has been one trend that no designer or high-street store has been able to ignore. I am of course talking about pink, more specifically the bright, fluorescent fuchsia that kick-started the Barbiecore trend. 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 2023, we would all be tickled pink. That is until a new colour trend is about to take over for autumn/winter: 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 during the cooler months. 

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(Image credit: @ivycoco23)

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.

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(Image credit: WHO WHAT WEAR)

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

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(Image credit: @raayya)

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.

1. RED SUITING

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(Image credit: @jullie.jeine)

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. 

SHOP THE LOOK:

2. RED LEATHER + DENIM 

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(Image credit: @aishafarida)

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. 

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(Image credit: @___k_a_i_t_l_i_n)

Style Notes: The same applies to accessories, and the trending cowboy boot is made even cooler in a deep red hue. 

SHOP THE LOOK:

3. BOLD KNITS + ALL BLACK 

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(Image credit: @louisahatt)

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. 

SHOP THE LOOK:

4. THE BIG RED DRESS 

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(Image credit: @hannah_sheps)

Style Notes: Before we know it, it'll be party season, and 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.

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(Image credit: @virginiegrossat)

Style Notes: Dress it down with flats or dial up the drama with the crystal-embellished accessories that this dress deserves.

SHOP THE LOOK:

5. THE RED CO-ORD 

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(Image credit: @sintijaselicka )

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. 

SHOP THE LOOK:

6. ADD RED-HOT ACCESSORIES 

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(Image credit: @borislavasekova)

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. 

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(Image credit: @kitkeenan )

Style Notes: Trade in dated clutch bags for a revamped mini top-handle tote. 

SHOP THE LOOK:

Up Next: I Keep Seeing French Women In These 6 Affordable Autumn Trends

Fashion Editor

Remy Farrell is a London-based shopping editor with nearly 10 years of editorial experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the editorial and fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com styling for the social media channels and helping to develop the collections for the in-house brand Iris & Ink. After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes shooting talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she also branched out into beauty, creating tried-and-tested reviews and diverse beauty content.

In her role as shopping editor at Who What Wear, Remy is interested in discovering new and exciting brands to share with the Who What Wear readership and particularly loves uncovering hidden gems at affordable prices to make shopping accessible to everyone.

Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Remy moved to London in 2014 and lives in the Docklands with her partner and pug Billie.