The colder weather turned tomato girl summer into tomato girl fall, but even as the seasons change, one thing remains: the red trend. The color dominated the fall-winter 2023 runways with arresting red looks from Proenza Schouler, Alexander McQueen, Huishan Zhang, Cecile Bahnsen, and of course, Valentino, who quite literally wrote the book on red. Kendall Jenner even closed Schiaparelli’s sprin-summer 2024 show in Paris with a dress made of red acrylic fake nails (you read that right). But Jenner isn’t the only celeb who’s fallen for red; when Heidi Klum isn’t dressed in an iconic Halloween costume, she’s stepping out in an all-red leather set, right down to the matching boots.
“In history red was always associated with wealth and power,” Lorenza Smith, an arka history professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, tells Glamour. “Now sporting red is a sign of emancipation from conventions; it is a color that implies intentions. It is a way to affirm ‘Yes, I want, and I can.’”
Smith asserts that dressing in red signifies confidence and, yes, passion. “It is scientifically proven that exposure to the color red increases the heart rate,” she says. And because the color isn’t going anywhere for fall or winter, here are six stylish and unexpected ways to wear the trend in the coming months.
Monochromatic
What goes with red? More red. Step up your suit game with a matching red blazer and pants. Dress it down with a graphic tee, layer it over a white button-down for the office, or pair it with a cheeky lace bralette for a night out—the options are endless. A red suit will always feel polished, but don’t be afraid to mix shades and textures for something a little more offbeat.
Oh, and quick science refresher: Red is the color with the longest wavelength in the visible light spectrum, meaning our brains perceive the shade first. In other words: If you’re looking to stand out in a crowd or make an impression, all red is your best bet.
Cropped Flap Blazer
Zara
Sleeveless Pleated Top
Mango
Dylan Pants
Lisa Says Gah
Boat Neck Modal Cashmere Ultralight Top
Intimissimi
Red leather
A leather jacket (or faux leather jacket) is a closet essential. With a ton of silhouettes to choose from, there is a length, shape, and style for everyone. A red leather jacket is the perfect outerwear for a casual jeans look, or to layer on top of an LBD on a night out. A tailored long leather trench elevates any outfit, while a red racing jacket offers a bit of edge.
Washed Leather Motorcycle Jacket
Madewell
Faux Leather Double-Breasted Coat
Forever 21
Ryder Sport Vegan Moto Jacket
Free People
Apparis Liv Apple Leather Coat
Revolve
Bold lip
Red lipstick is a reliable confidence booster for many women, but it has a rich and storied history. As women in the 20th century lobbied for the right to vote, a red lip was part of the suffragette uniform. Today the cosmetic staple still conjures serious power, and a sultry red lip is also synonymous with luxury. This daring look doesn’t have to cost a fortune, though—the O Face Satin Red Lipstick from E.L.F. won our Glamour Beauty and Wellness Award and costs only $9.
Ilia Color Block High Impact Lipstick
Sephora
Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé Matte Cream Lipstick
Sephora
E.L.F. Cosmetics O Face Satin Lipstick
Ulta
Glossier Ultralip High Shine Lipstick with Hyaluronic Acid
Sephora
Accent bag
If your fashion comfort zone lies within the spectrum of black and gray, a red accent bag is an easy way to incorporate more color into your wardrobe. A baguette bag is the shape all the It girls are carrying, but a red tote has more real estate to stash your stuff.
Clutch Patent Bow Bag
Anthropologie
The New Day Market Tote
Everlane
The Leather Small Tote Bag
Marc Jacobs
Merlin Bag in Cherry
Poppy Lissiman
Rosettes
Roses are red…you know the rest. Rosettes—the Carrie Bradshaw–approved Y2K staple—are back with a vengeance, proving evvel and for all that florals aren’t just for spring. The latest celeb to sport the trend is Emily Ratajkowski, but she isn’t the only fashion girl on board, as Sydney Sweeney recently paired her scarlet rosette with a chic red lip. Opt for a ready-to-wear piece like our pick from Sandy Liang, or accessorize your own bag, hairstyle, or top with a floral flourish.
Adalynn Knit Two-Piece
Reformation
Sandy Liang Red Darren Blouse
Ssense
Vest With Floral Appliqué
Mango
Wayf Adele Rosette Satin Gown
Nordstrom
Red tights
Staying warm doesn’t have to be drab and colorless. In the true spirit of indie sleaze, we’re adding pop-of-color red tights this fall and winter. We seem to be living in a pants-optional era, so style metallic red tights alone, or layer a lacy pair under a miniskirt for a flirty date-night look. A sheer pair can help you achieve that flash without venturing into Gossip Girl territory (but if we’re being honest, who wouldn’t want to channel Blair Waldorf?).
Sheer Control-Top Tights
Emilio Cavallini
Frola 80-Denier Soft Semi-Opaque Tights
Amazon
Sheer Hearts Tights
Free People
Toile Iconographe Tulle Tights
Valentino
