How to Wear a Red Dress

Co-authored by Melynda Choothesa

A little red dress is a classic wardrobe item that can be appropriate for a variety of occasions. If you want to wear a red dress, there are many options. Red comes in a variety of shades, so choose one that works with your skin tone. You should also find a cut of dress that flatters your body type and makes you feel confident. Pair the dress with accessories and makeup that go well with red.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Selecting the Right Shade of Red

1
Identify your skin tone. The most complimentary shade of red depends on your skin tone. Before wearing a red dress, figure out if you have a warm, cool, or neutral skin tone. Your veins can give a clue as to your skin tone. Blueish or purple veins indicate a cool skin tone. Greener veins indicate a warm skin tone. Veins that do not show one strong color indicate a neutral skin tone. ^{[1]
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- Think about how you look in silver or gold. Silver tends to look best on warm skin tones and gold looks best on cooler skin tones. Neutral skin tones tend to look good in either shade.
- Warmer skin tones tend to tan easily and do not burn. Cooler skin tones are more difficult to tan and burn easily.
2
Choose a good color for a warm skin tone. If you have a warmer skin tone, pick a color of red that will compliment that. In general, people with warm skin tones should opt for nature-like colors.^{[2]
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- Go for warmer shades of red over jewel-tones and lighter, brighter shades. Look for things like deep red or red the color of a tomato.^{[3]
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- Reds with other colors mixed in also work, such as violet-red or orange-red.
- Stay away from very bright, jewel tones like ruby reds if you have a warm skin tone.
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3
Select a good color for a cool skin tone. If you have a cooler skin tone, you will want a dress color to match. Certain shades of red work better with cool skin tones than others. Jewel tones of red, like ruby red, work for a cool skin tone. You can also go for brighter shades, like a rosy red, if you have a cool tone.^{[4]
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- It's safe to wear primary red, which is the standard red you would find on a color wheel, if you have a cool tone as well.^{[5]
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4
Pick the right red for a neutral tone. In general, neutral skin tones go well with most colors, so you can choose from any shade of red. You can pick whatever color you like. Bright reds tend to look great if you have a neutral tone. Neutral skin tone also looks good with slightly muted versions of primary colors, so you could also opt for a softer, lighter shade of red when selecting your dress.^{[6]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Finding the Right Cut and Style

1
Pick the right cut for your body type. In general, red dresses are cut knee length or shorter. However, a slightly longer or shorter red dress can be appropriate depending on your body size. If you're tall or have an apple body shape, opt for a longer dress. This will be more flattering to your figure. If you're petite, avoid a calf-length dress. It can overpower your body type. A v-neck is generally flattering for most body types, so go for a v-neck when possible.^{[7]
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2
Go for a versatile style if you want to wear the dress often. If you're looking for a red dress to wear to any occasion, pick a more versatile style. Something that's not overly formal or casual can allow you to wear your red dress on any day of the week.^{[8]
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- Go for something very basic. A knee-length dress with three quarter sleeves and a v-neck works for most occasions.
- Avoid anything too tight or short if you want a dress for any occasion. Look for looser, longer red dresses when selecting a versatile style.^{[9]
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- A simple dress also allows you to add many different accessories, allowing you to mix and match depending on the occasion.
3
Choose a cut that makes you feel confident. In general, the cut that works best is the one you enjoy most. Your body type and skin tone cannot 100% predict what type of dress will look great on you. Try a variety of dresses on when selecting a red dress to wear. Ignore conventions about things like body type and experiment with an array of styles.
- Pick a dress that makes you feel confident. If you exude confidence when wearing a dress, you're more likely to look good in red.
4
Do not assume you need a tight or low cut dress. A red dress is often thought of as a sexy dress. Many people prefer a tight or low cut variety of the red dress. If this is your preference, a more revealing red dress can look great. However, if you dislike wearing outfits that are too revealing, do not assume a red dress must be overtly sexy. Red is a bold color on its own. Even a modest red dress can have a sexy appeal due to the color itself.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Adding Accessories

1
Select the proper footwear for the occasion. Red dresses are a fairly versatile outfit, so a variety of shoes can match with them. Make sure to pick shoes in a matching similar shade of red, or in a neutral color like black or white.^{[10]
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- If you want high heels, you can wear kicks, wedges, or stilettos with a red dress. This can work well for more formal occasions. These may work well for a more formal occasion, like a cocktail party, or for a fun night out.
- If you want something more casual, flats, sandals, or even flip-flops can pair with a red dress. These would work for a more casual social event or for every day wear around your office.
2
Pair red with white accessories. Red and white can be a stunning and somewhat preppy color combination. When choosing accessories, consider the red/white pairing, especially for warmer months where lighter colors are in style.^{[11]
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- You can wear something like a white blazer or cardigan over your red dress.
- Try white jewelry. A v-neck red dress may look great with a string of white pearls.
- Try a white scarf or hat with a red dress if going for an outdoor event.
3
Opt for gold, black, and silver. Black, gold, and silver are shades traditionally paired with red. This can be stunning for a more formal occasion. It can also work great if lighter colors, like white, are not in style for the season.^{[12]
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- Solid metal jewelry can go great with a red dress. For example, try gold studs in your ears or a silver bracelet with a red dress.
- You can incorporate black tights with a red dress, or something like a black blazer or cardigan.
- Some dresses work well with a belt around the middle. Try wearing a gold, silver, or black belt with your red dress.
4
Pick a lipstick to match. As a general rule, your lipstick should match your dress when you're dressed in red. Try to find a lipstick that is more or less the same color as your red dress. An exact match may not be possible but try to find a close approximation of your dress's shade.
- However, if you're doing bold makeup elsewhere, such as your eyes, a neutral lipstick is preferred. A bold colored dress and bold makeup elsewhere may be overpowering when paired with bright red lipstick.
5
Keep your makeup simple. Remember, red is a bold color. If you're wearing a red dress, you want to tone down your makeup. Go for natural shades of eye shadow and minimize use of mascara and eyeliner. You should also only add a light layer of things like foundation, concealer, and bronzer.
6
Minimize accessories at formal events. Red dresses can be great at formal parties. At these events, however, do not over accessorize as this can look tacky or gaudy. Stick to one or two classy accessories and let the dress be the main draw of your outfit.^{[13]
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- For example, wear an elegant red evening gown with a gold chain necklace and gold stud earrings.
- You can also try something like a nice watch or bracelet.
- Try a belt or scarf as an accessory if you're not into jewelry.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I look good in a red dress?

Melynda Choothesa
Professional Stylist & Fashion Designer
Melynda Choothesa is a Costume Designer, Wardrobe Stylist, and Art Director with over 10 years of fashion consulting experience. She has worked on creative direction for fashion shows, costume design, and personal wardrobe styling, both in Los Angeles, California and internationally for clients such as Akon, Kathy Ireland, and Aisha Tyler. She has an Associate of Arts in Fashion Design from Santa Monica College.

Melynda Choothesa

Professional Stylist & Fashion Designer

Expert Answer

No matter what size you are, the most important thing is to figure out what makes you feel incredible. First, look for something that inspires you. After that, pay attention to which cuts work well for you, and be mindful of tailoring, how things lay on your body, and what kind of fabric the garment is made from.
Question

What scarf can I wear with a red dress?

Community Answer

Black is a good match with red. Otherwise, dark brown will look good, or a really dark shade of red. Avoid colors that are too light.