Red has been misunderstood. Fierce, passionate, dangerous, bold, powerful – these could well be synonyms for the colour, but there’s also fresh, vibrant, soft and soothing. Don’t shy away from this striking hue as it swoops in to sweep you off your feet. Red is undeniably a colour that sets fashion trends. Add a dash of red or drench yourself from top-to-toe in it, and you’re bound to be the centre of attention. The key lies in how you wear it. Here are some ways to add the colour to your wardrobe that makes you stand out, but not in a tacky way.

BLAZING IN RED

The blazer is a classic, and one in red can lift an outfit in an instant. Pair this with denims, fitted plaid or printed trousers, a crisp collared white shirt or a well-cut tea-length skirt. Throwing a red blazer on top of any outfit is guaranteed to keep you at the epicentre of attraction.

DRESSED IN RED

A red dress – mini, midi or maxi – is definitely a show-stopper. Time to abandon the little black dress for the little red dress, we say. Capitalise on textural effects such as ruffles, velvet details, pleats and sequins to add drama to the monotone hue. Choose accessories with care, since you don’t want anything taking away from this bold colour. No contrasts but only complementary, non-competitive accessories are wha t you should pair it with.

SOLELY RED

Christian Louboutin has immortalized the red heel, but there are few of us who really strut this trend with confidence. Wear a pair of sky-high red heels with skirts, fitted ankle-length pants, a cute dress or well-cut denims. Stick to neutrals and solid shades when it comes to your ensemble, as you don’t want anything to compete with the red stilettos. Flats, wedges and strappy sandals in red also add as much pizzazz to an ensemble as heels.

HAND ME THAT RED

Handbags in red are a must-have for any fashionista. A tote, clutches, minaudières, cross-body slings or quilted purses, red arm candy is a wardrobe essential. Wear with black and white separates, a classic dress, formal trousers or red heels.

RED-LIPPED

The red lipstick is akin to wearing a red outfit, really. You either go for it or you don’t. Always try several shades of red before deciding which one suits your skin tone. Remember, red lips make a statement. Don’t wear red with heavy makeup. Keep the rest of your face minimal to wear red lips. Try red on the lips by way of glosses, matte, sheer, shimmer, tints and stains. Another approach to red lips is to dump the lip pencil and just let the colour build using a lip brush. In this case, the rest of your outfit may or may not have hints of red. Trashy and tasteful – a fine line between the two.

COLOUR ME RED

Head-to-toe in red is a brazen but stunning move if you can carry it off. Take red pants and top it with a red sweater. Throw on a printed scarf and wear cute red ballerinas or wedges to complete the look. A red dress with red heels and a little red clutch with a pair of pearl earrings is another way to go. A flouncy red skirt and a red crop top with strappy red flats and minimal accessories help ease into the head-to-heel red look.

A SHADE OF RED

The red palette is crafted to suit almost every red urge one may have. From coral, cherry, crimson to berry, wine and ruby, the rouge rage has many avatars. Marsala, plum, and strawberry are other colors in the red family that one can wear. Team this with charcoal, emerald, and gold for sheer sophistication.