Maybe no piece in a wardrobe makes as much of a statement as a red dress, vibrant scarlet, rich burgundy, or soft blush red. But because it is such a powerful, eye-catching, and timeless piece, the question becomes, how does one accessorize it?
In this guide, I share expert tips on how to accessorize that red dress to fit any occasion-from jewelry and accessories to shoes and finishing touches. All the styling ideas given here are tried and true, which will surely help you to create stunning looks for your night out, business dinner, or even a wedding.
Why Red Is the Ultimate Power Color
Red is certainly one of the most universal colors – anyone will perceive red as a color that represents confidence, passion, and energy. It’s proven that red improves your mood, attracts attention, and just brings a lot of memories. Wearing red can empower you to stand out and convey confidence, though that is also where accessorizing this color correctly is important.
Here is How to Accessorize a Red Dress
Find out below the ways how to style your red dress:
1. Add Statement Jewelry
Statement jewelry can really let a red dress shine, but it doesn’t overpower the view. Here are some ways you can incorporate statement jewelry with red:
- Gold and Silver Earrings: Gold heats up red, and silver gives a cool modern contrast. Mix it up with hoops, drop earrings, or chunky studs.
- Layered Necklaces: A dainty chain that is layered with a bold pendant or locket adds depth to the V-neck or scoop neckline.
- Bracelets and Bangles: Adding one or two bangles, perhaps a cuff bracelet, polishes the look without overcrowding the wrists in order to balance this overall look
- Minimalist Rings: Stackable rings or a single statement ring adds elegance without pulling away from the dress.
Pro tip: Choose a piece of jewelry whose color complements the shade of red that is in the dress. Gold works best with warm tones such as scarlet and crimson, while silver pairs very well with a cooler red tone, such as burgundy and ruby.
2. Choose the Perfect Pair of Shoes
While shoes can make or break the deal for any dress, here is the way to make perfect selection and go with complementing shoes:
- Nude Heels Or Flats: Since nude heels or flats will elongate legs, making them focus on the dress, this can either be a day or night time event shoe.
- Metallic Heels: Silver or gold metallic heels are glamorous for formal events. Metallic tones are a little subtle yet really chic and add just that hint of sparkle.
- Black Ankle Boots: Add a sleek edge to your semi-formal or casual setup with black ankle boots.
- Red Pumps: Go bold and keep it monochromatic with red pumps. Make sure they’re one shade close to your dress, though.
- Animal Print Heels: Leopard or snake print shoes add a fun touch without competing with the strong color of the dress.
Styling Tip: Try strappy heels or pumps that add a bit of verticality to your whole look. Choose flats or block heels if it is during the day, but you’ll be sufficiently comfortable as you will not lose out even an inch in style.
3. Add a Chic Belt
Adding a chic belt to the red dress will add body structure, thus defining the waistline and giving your silhouette more definition. Some ideas for belts are:
- Thin Leather Belt: A thin leather belt in black or nude creates a subtle contrast without overwhelming the look.
- Metallic Belt: A metallic belt in gold or silver adds a touch of glam and can be especially striking with a formal dress.
- Wide Waist Belt: Wide belts work well with fitted dresses, adding drama and accentuating curves.
- Chain Belt: Perfect for flowy or oversized dresses, a chain belt brings a modern, edgy vibe.
- Statement Buckle Belt: A belt with a unique buckle can add an interesting focal point, especially if your dress is minimalist in design.
Pro Styling Tip: A slightly different color of the belt that still works with the dress is fine – for example, a soft gold combined with deep red.
4. Carry a Matching Handbag
Every outfit needs the final touches and bags are them. These are the ways by which you choose a bag to carry;
- Clutch Bag: It’s best suited for formal events, do consider metallic shades, black, or deep burgundy.
- Mini Crossbody: Carry this for a day when going out, and for keeping casual yet stylish, there can’t be anything better than this neutral-toned mini crossbody bag.
- Structured Bag: For work or business, it is just perfect if the structured handbag is in beige or gray for a red-dressed woman to look perfect.
- Beaded Bag: In case you’re looking for that old-school feel, then beaded bags are the way to go. They are beautiful accessories to sport when dressing in red formal attire.
- Brightly Colored Handbag: If you are quite daring, then a color-blocked look using something like teal or emerald green can get the job done.
Pro Tip: Steer clear of any busy patterns or logos on the bag, as these would draw attention away from the bold red dress.
5. Layer with a Stylish Jacket or Shawl
The great outerwear can easily add elegance and warmth to the red dress. Here are a few options for layering:
- Leather Jacket: For a cool edge, layer under your dress with black or dark brown leather.
- Blazer: A classic blazer in a muted color adds a touch of sophistication to make the look workplace-friendly and fashion-forward.
- Denim Jacket: A full casual look blends well with the red dress and denim jacket, giving a completely informal look to the entire getup.
- Faux Fur Shawl or Stole: It can be used for all the cool winter events. A faux fur shawl will add a touch of warmth and luxury to an evening outing.
- Long Cardigan: Perfect for casual settings, long cardigans add coziness to the entire outfit.
Styling Note: The color of the jacket or shawl must be coordinated with the intensity of the red; a deeper color, such as black or navy, creates a more classic contrast, while lighter tones keep it soft and balanced.
Also Read: How to Accessorize a Simple White Dress
6. Play with Hair Accessories
Where a red dress can dramatically be styled is putting on an accessory. These ideas go from sleek to minimalist, bold, and playful:
- Decorative Hair Pins: The feature of hairpins in gold or pearl is meant to add elegance and sophistication, ideal for an evening or formal event.
- Headbands: Just a simple black headband or a metallic headband can do the trick for a very elegant dress and add in a bit of vintage glamour.
- Scarves: Use a patterned scarf as a headband over a low ponytail for boho-chic hairstyles or over pulled-back hair to add a pop of color.
- Crystal Hair Clips: A pair of silver or gold hair clips that sparkle lightly is perfect for such occasions.
- Flower Crowns: If you are having a whimsical wedding, such as a garden party or summer wedding, consider using a flower crown with flowers that complement each other in white or neutral color to the red statement dress.
Styling tip: If your outfit has some type of ornamentation or pattern, keep your hairpiece simple so your look will not be too busy.
7. Subtle Makeup Stylization
Make-up can do a lot in terms of beautifying your entire look. Its role is to highlight your red dress without overtaking it. Here are some tips:
- Classic Red Lips: Pick a red lipstick that lies at, or is one or two shades deeper than your dress. This forms a much more solid dramatic look.
- Neutral Eyes: Soft brown or beige eye shadows, which look fabulous with a red dress, really draw the eyes to your dress and those luscious lips.
- Winged Eyeliner: Get a little sexy and glamorous with a sharp winged eyeliner.
- Highlight and Blush: Dust on some subtle warm or peachy-colored blush, accompanied by a light highlighter.
- Bold Brows: Focus on well-groomed, defined eyebrows that will frame your face completely with full makeup.
Pro Tip: Don’t go over the top with the red lipstick so you won’t clash with the dress. You will just radiate balance, and the natural shine will shine out because the dress takes center stage.
8. Don Statement Outerwear
Outerwear may come in the form of utility and style, particularly for colder months or when you are changing venues. Here are just a few options in the realm of fashion:
- Trench Coat: A beige or camel-colored trench coat immediately elevates the look of any outfit and frames it in a pleasing silhouette.
- Faux Fur Jacket: For luxe winter vibes, a faux fur jacket in white or black will keep you warm and add a bit of glamour to your outfit.
- Structured Shoulder Blazer: A white or navy contrasting colored tailored blazer will make the dress very office-friendly.
- Denim Jacket: A casual denim jacket over a red dress is always great for casual day-out events.
- Long Cardigan: For warmth, a long knit neutral color cardigan goes great with a red dress.
Style Tip: If the red dress is rather sleek or minimalist, look to create some interesting textures and perhaps patterns in this other ensemble.
9. Complete Your Look with Perfect Hosiery
Hosiery Hosiery can be an understated addition to your overall ensemble and polish it off. Here is how one selects a pair:
- Sheer Black Hosiery: This type is perfect for formal occasions or when adding a sophisticated touch is desired.
- Nude Stocking: That type is great for giving you a very natural look, while nude-colored hosiery lengthens your legs and makes them stand out without attention drawn to it and definitely not to your dress.
- Patterned Tights: For a bit of playfulness, small polka dots, or lace patterned tights can do.
- Fishnet Stockings: Fishnets are perfect for an edgy, fashion-forward look.
- Opaque Tights: The opaque black or dark gray is great for cooler weather and always gives a cohesive look.
Pro Tip: Keep your shoes and hose in the same tone. It gives a smooth look and elongates the legs.
Conclusion
Accessorizing a red dress is all about balance to ensure every piece will enhance and not compete with the boldness of the dress. Statement jewelry, shoes, perfect outerwear, and even make-up possibilities are endless ways you can make it fit for every occasion. With these, you’ll be able to step out in confidence and style like you run the room.
FAQ
1. What accessories go best with a red dress for a formal event?
Golden or silver jewelry, metallic heels, and a clutch will perfectly work in such formals.
2. Can I wear a red dress with a patterned jacket?
Yes, of course, just make sure the print isn’t too outrageous so it won’t overpower the dress.
3. What kind of makeup suits a red dress?
You can go for a neutral combination of eyes with bold red lips, or you can play it safe with nude lips and soft eye makeup.
4. How do I choose jewelry for a red dress?
You can either use gold and silver jewelry based on the intensity of your red color. For a bigger look, you ought to have big statement pieces, whereas for a clean design, minimal jewelry would be appropriate.
5. Are boots a good option with a red dress?
Absolutely! Pair a red dress with ankle boots in black or nude. This gives the outfit a modern touch.
