Favorite Looks: Mixed Reds

I love a dash of red any old time, but I especially love it in the autumn and winter! There’s something about the rich, warm tone that just feels so right as days get chilly. I tend to pair it with neutrals: chic black,  cozy beige, classic navy, but just lately I decided to try combining it with something new: itself. Well, not exactly itself, but a mix of other tones in the red family for a monochromatic vibe without the matchy-matchy situation. This color story feels amaaaazing on: powerful, cozy, chic and inviting all at once! How to give it a try? Start by taking inventory of whatever you have red in your closet …and be broad in your interpretation of the color. Orangey flame tones, chestnut browns, pinky corals are all in play here, in addition to the classic cherry, scarlet, wine and burgundy hues. Now, choose silhouettes that work well together. Try a slouchy sweater and slim, cropped pants (rolled to a shorter length works too) –pair it with ankle booties. Or, go with skinny denim and a cropped sweater or sweatshirt and OTK boots – if you jumped on the burgundy suede trend last year, you’re good to go. Otherwise, try leather tones that lean red. Skirts can get in on this party too:  midi, maxi, wrap, tulle: they all work.  Pair them with a statement-sleeve piece or simple cashmere pullover. Don’t forget about the possibility of making a dress do double duty by topping it with a sweater. It’s  a fabulous way to get extra mileage out of a piece you might tend to relegate to your summer wardrobe.  Finish with knee boots for relaxed practicality and a foil for the femininity. There are so many options when designing a look with this theme. Orange toned red work wonderfully with browned reds, but also look ultra modern with cranberry shades for a play on the red+pink trend. Ditto coral hues with burgundy and oxblood. If you prefer to go with red that are essentially similar, throw in some visual interest by mixing up the textures: chunky knits with smooth leather or whispery silk, casual denim with the formality of shine, sleek matte track pants with the sheen of a satin bomber or the cozy loft of  faux fur or fleece.  I hope this inspires you to give mixing red a try soon! Happy autumn styling!