Here’s the thing nobody tells you about red: it’s basically a neutral with a personality. Once I started adding a few cherry red pieces to my closet, I realized it goes with almost everything I already own.
I’ve noticed that the color red really does go with so much!
This is not really a color I had in my closet until now. I have sweaters and tees, and even shoes in this fun bright red shade. And I’m realizing how easy it is to style with what I already own.
If you’ve been adding red to your closet and are not sure what colors to pair with it, here are some of my favorite color combinations with the color red. Plus, some fun outfit ideas in the color red.
What Colors Go With Red? 13 Combos That Always Work
Outfit Combinations With Red
Red With Brown
This may be my FAVORITE combination I’ve been doing. I noticed I didn’t really love red and black. For two reasons. One I’m not loving myself in black come winter. It washes me out. And second, it feels very University of Georgia Bulldogs.
Instead, I’ve been reaching for browns to pair with red. It feels a bit softer and less harsh as black. Plus, there are so many fun brown things in my closet already (it’s becoming another favorite color of mine) that it’s an easy match!
Black With Red
This combination in my opinion, can be tricky. If you feel weird in it, try swapping the black for brown. If you love the black and red, try adding a light sweater over your shoulders. Or wear a red shirt underneath a black leather jacket or blazer. And you can always try a pop of red with all black, like adding a bag or belt.
Red With Soft Blues
The unexpected color combination I am now obsessed with, red with soft blues. Red works so nicely with the soft pastel blues. Wear with denim, robin’s egg blue, dusty blue, you name it, it works.
Red With Cream
This is such an easy combination. And you can then add in many other colors to make it more interesting. Red and cream is simple and easy to wear and you probably have pieces already in your closet.
Build on this combination by adding plaid, soft blues, browns or even black. Having cream or beige as your base, it’ll make it really easy to add some fun colors to it.
Red With Plaids
Pairing plaid with red is always a good idea. It feels so classic and reminds me of private school uniforms. Many plaid prints have shades of brown, blacks, blues and red throughout. Making them the perfect pairing with red. I like to either add a red shoe like a cute Mary Jane or ballet flat, or try a red sweater paired with your go-to plaid skirt or trouser. You can even play with the color of plaid you have as you can see in the above plaid outfit that the skirt has lots of blue and green in it but the red adds a true pop of interest to the look.
Red With Grey
Whether you choose a light grey, or a dark charcoal grey, this is a great color combination. The red adds a nice punch of color to the more neutral palette. I also think this is a great way to try red without making it feel like it’s taking over your outfit.
I’m sure many of you have a nice grey blazer or coat. Just try wearing a red shirt underneath it and you’ll look on trend.
Red With Burgundy
When in doubt, try a monochromatic outfit with different shades of red. Red and burgundy can be done right. My only tip here is to stick to the same undertone. Keep warm with warm, and cool with cool.
And if your red leans darker, like wine, brick, or oxblood, treat it almost like a neutral. Darker reds look great with camel, cream, grey, olive, and denim, and they’re a little easier to wear for anyone who finds bright red too loud.
Red With Cobalt Blue
Really, you can do red with any primary color. Red would work with bright blue and also yellow. Sure, it’s a statement and feels very bright. But it works!
I really love the mix of cobalt blue with a monochromatic red outfit. Simply try it with an accessory or a little sweater over the shoulder for just a hint of this bold combo.
When it comes to accessorizing, you can 100% do a red shoe if you want. Or try metallics or classic black or brown. When in doubt, try a nude shoe if you’re not sure what to do. And I love how @greceghanam chose a pink heel to pair with this. This is a trick in tonal dressing and it just works!
Red With Leopard
Okay, I know leopard isn’t a color. Leopard usually has some variations of black, brown and creams, but it is one of the BEST prints to pair with red. It just works every single time no matter what shade of leopard print you have. I love to add pops of red to leopard pants or dresses, or a sweater in the winter time. It’s just the perfect red color and print pairing.
Red on Red
Let’s go monochromatic in red from head to toe. This is a fun way to embrace the trend and I just love this for a holiday outfit or a nice dinner.
You can see in the above outfit that it’s really key to stick to the same color red. Mix the fabrics and textures, but keeping them as close as possible in hue is very important to master this look.
Red With Pink
Do red and pink go together? Yes, and it’s one of my favorite ways to make red feel softer. The easiest version is a pale pink, like blush or ballet pink, with a true cherry red. Try a red sweater with blush trousers, or throw a pink cardigan over your shoulders with a red top.
If you want to go bolder, hot pink and red is full-on color blocking. It’s a statement, but it works when both shades share an undertone. And remember that pink heel trick from the all-red look above? That’s the easiest way to test this combo without committing to a whole outfit.
Red With Purple
Red and purple is a bold and fun combination to try. Lean into several pieces of both red and purple to really make a statement. I love the lighter shades of purple when trying this trend out. Lilacs are a favorite of mine, they somehow feel like a neutral to me. And that’s what I’d pick to wear with red.
Red With Olive Green
To avoid looking like a Christmas tree, stick to more muted greens to pair with red. I think the olive green and any muted shade will work best. Choose brown and tan accessories to pull it all together.
Ways To Incorporate Red Into Your Wardrobe
There’s absolutely no need to overhaul your wardrobe and buy all new things to get in on the red trend. Since so many things that pair well with red are a neutral that you likely already own, it’s just about adding a few simple things.
So if you don’t want to invest in a full on suit or coat, here are a few simple additions you can add to your closet that won’t break the bank. And if you want even more tips for wearing red this fall, read this post here!
Try A Tee Or Sweater
I love these thin long sleeve tees from Everlane that come in the perfect shade of red. Adding a simple tee or sweater is easy. And the sweater is a great third piece to throw over your shoulders too.
Red Tights Or Socks
A trend we are seeing a lot of is wearing red tights with an all black outfit. This is a really fun way to try the red trend and it’s just a matter of swapping your tights or even socks! And when it comes to wearing red tights, I think going a bit more opaque versus the super sheer trend we’re currently seeing is the way to do it. Try a red sock with a heel when styling dresses or with your loafers and jeans.
Red Shoes
I chose to go red shoe route with my red Adidas and I could not be more obsessed with them. It’s a great pop of color in an all neutral outfit. Or try a red heel or boot for nicer looks.
Red Bag
Simply swap your bag for a fun red one. So many affordable options that will allow you to try this color out with any of the above combinations!
Red is simply one of my favorite ways to add a pop of color and interest to my outfits. I love doing that with a red bag or sneaker for a little splash of color. But I hope you’re now inspired to wear red from head to toe, to pants and everything in-between with this guide on what colors to wear with red.
