No color is as pervasive this time of year as red. (We blame Santa.) Sure, we’ll see some pine green, gold or silver and even a touch of blue during Hanukkah, but crimson far and away leads the holiday pack. So when designers sent out the call to not only sport the fiery hue for fall but flaunt it in layers, we were presented with quite a conundrum. Just how are we supposed to pull off red-on-red looks during the holidays without looking like a Christmas card?
Well, the simple answer is to try to find ways to break it up. Whether that means incorporating several varying shades of red (including the more purple-tinged offshoot burgundy) or working in pops of texture and patterns to create some visual friction. And these tricks will come in handy once the weather warms because doubling up on red was also trending in the Spring 2018 collections.
For a guide to how to wear red right now the fashion girl way, check out the 28 examples in the slideshow above. Consider it an early Christmas gift.
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Red on Red 2017
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Red on Red 2017 #1
A high-shine skirt paired with a cranberry turtleneck is a winning combo. Bring out your inner French girl with a pearl-accented black beret and corresponding patent ankle boots.
Image: Imaxtree
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Red on Red 2017 #2
Remember that burgundy and other wine shades fall on the red spectrum. If your fedora and silky top translate as more Pinot Noir, go with Cabernet Sauvignon on bottom.
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Red on Red 2017 #3
Givenchy’s Fall 2017 collection was all red, providing countless monochrome inspo. Here, the printed tee in a slightly different shade of red adds definition to the rouge pantsuit and matching slides.
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Red on Red 2017 #4
The pattern on this red Derek Lam Fall 2017 suit restricts the color saturation, even when paired with a crisp red shirt.
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Red on Red 2017 #5
Olivia Palermo’s glamleisure getup featured white trim and a burgundy shirt layer to prevent an overly streamlined look. The patterned pumps with red lace-up ties were the perfect complement.
Image: Jacopo Raule/Getty Images
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Red on Red 2017 #6
Take a cue from the Alexander McQueen Spring 2018 runway and break up all that red with a touch of pink. If your dress and footwear both boast embellishments, slip on an edgy choker to draw the eye upward.
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Red on Red 2017 #7
Play with proportion to help segment all that red. Team a cropped hoodie with red leather pants slipped into black-and-white boots.
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Red on Red 2017 #8
By now, you’re pretty well-schooled in all manner of tucks. Try this asymmetrical trick to divide your berry top and vinyl pants. (Bonus points if you also scrunch up your sleeves.)
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Red on Red 2017 #9
Disrupt your red on red with wide-leg pants. A collared shirt poking out of your sweater also provides some contrast.
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Red on Red 2017 #10
Tuck a ruby turtleneck into a pleated maxi skirt in the same hue for a street style-ready vibe. Just make sure you cap things off with burgundy boots.
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Red on Red 2017 #11
Bella Hadid went matchy-matchy in New York City by sporting red on top and bottom. While her shades fit in with the crimson theme, her leopard crossbody, black cap and casual kicks kept the look from being too one-note.
Image: Gotham/GC Images/Getty Images
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Red on Red 2017 #12
Separate a matching burgundy turtleneck and boots with a ruby red semi-sheer skirt like Victoria Beckham did for Fall 2017. For added distinction, introduce forest green gloves and a navy box bag to the ensemble.
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Red on Red 2017 #13
You can still rock a crop top in winter, as long as you combine it with a crisp suit. Seeing that flash of skin is another way to interrupt all that red.
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Red on Red 2017 #14
Layering is vital in winter and when it comes to pulling off several shades of red. Pull a wine-colored sleeveless sweater over a similarly-hued turtleneck, but opt for more full-bodied pants.
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Red on Red 2017 #15
Seek out red tops with structured details like sculpted shoulders and a peplum a la the Stella McCartney’s Spring 2018 runway.
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Red on Red 2017 #16
The red lion on this sweater perfectly coordinates with the turtleneck and pants. The knit’s deep wine background helps segment the look.
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Red on Red 2017 #17
If your pantsuit leans more burgundy, opt for wine-colored accessories. The slight color contrast will add an extra dimension.
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Red on Red 2017 #18
Wrap yourself up with a classic red bandana to add a pop of pattern to your red dress. Work in textured sandals and a slogan clutch to prevent an overly seamless look.
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Red on Red 2017 #19
Red and orange is the color combo you never knew you needed. The two shades complement without blending, providing a nice respite from head-to-toe red.
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Red on Red 2017 #20
Gucci-style tracksuits are an ideal way to rock red without it being all-consuming. Look for a two-piece pairing with embellished or embroidered detailing (plus side stripes on the pants).
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Red on Red 2017 #21
Fendi went head-to-toe red on its Fall 2017 runway — even those hoops followed suit. But the texture play made the difference with the sheer blouse and patent leather skirt and boots providing much-needed divergence.
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Red on Red 2017 #22
A black belt is another prime pick for separating your reds. Also opt for a wine-colored top and shoes to prevent monotony.
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Red on Red 2017 #23
Oscar de la Renta had us seeing red at its Fall 2017 show. Even the model’s eye makeup was red, but thanks to different shades of crimson for the jacket, turtleneck and even bag, the overall vibe was chic, not Christmasy.
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Red on Red 2017 #24
You can also show a little skin by slipping on a one-sleeve dress. The exposed arm lets you work in red accessories without the overall effect being overwhelming.
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Red on Red 2017 #25
A bold floral pattern is a great way to add some (other) color to your look. That way, you can even wear red tights with your red pumps without it being repetitive.
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Red on Red 2017 #26
If you’re going to go all red, prepare to really commit. Keep your shirt and bag in one shade, then favor a slightly brighter red for your trousers, shoes and shades.
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Red on Red 2017 #27
Lampshading is still a thing, so try an all-red approach. Cap off your oversized sweater with corresponding over-the-knee sock boots.
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Red on Red 2017 #28
A fluffy moto vest layered over a zip-up top with textured sleeves gives red-on-red an edgy spin (see: the Tod's Fall 2017 runway). Leather pants keep up appearances, but red moccasins are an unexpected (but welcome) addition.
Image: Imaxtree
