What Colors Match with Red Clothes? The Ultimate Guide to Pairing Colors with Red

 

 

 Table of Contents

 

- Introduction

- The Psychology and Meaning of the Color Red

- Why Red is a Tricky Color for Matching

  - It Overpowers Softer Shades

  - Risk of Looking Mismatched

  - Associated with Aggression or Danger

  - Challenging Skin Undertones

- General Color Theory Principles for Matching with Red

  - Complementary Colors

    - Red and Green

    - Other Complementary Combinations

  - Analogous Colors

    - Red and Pink

    - Red and Orange

    - Red and Purple

  - Monochromatic Colors

    - Light vs Dark Shades of Red

  - Neutral Colors

    - Red and White

    - Red and Black

    - Red and Gray

    - Red and Brown

- Specific Color Combinations that Work with Red

  - Red and Pink

  - Red and Orange

  - Red and Purple

  - Red and Blue 

  - More Reds for Warm Complexions

  - More Reds for Cool Complexions

- Proportion and Placement Tips for Wearing Red

  - Red Pants and Skirts

  - Red Dresses

  - Red Tops and Blouses

  - Red Accessories

  - Make Red the Accent

- Skin Tone Considerations for Wearing Red

- Style Tips for Wearing Red Confidently

  - Start Small and Build Up

  - Pay Attention to Undertones

  - Balance Proportions

  - Limit Additional Colors

  - Anchor with Neutrals

  - Mix Textures and Patterns

- Creating Cohesive Outfits with Red

  - Office Outfits with Red

  - Date Night Outfits with Red

  - Casual Outfits with Red

- Conclusion

- Frequently Asked Questions

 

 Introduction

 

Red is a bold and captivating color that looks great on the right person. But matching other colors with red clothing and accessories can be tricky if you don't know some basic color theory rules.🤔

 

By understanding red's psychological effects, complementing undertones, and ideal pairings, you can use red to create stylish, put-together looks.👗

 

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about wearing red confidently and making it work with other colors. Read on for pro tips, combinations, and outfit formulas for building looks around red that pop! 🙌

 

 The Psychology and Meaning of the Color Red

 

Before diving into specific color pairings, it's helpful to understand the psychology behind the color red.

 

In color theory, red is associated with passion, excitement, danger, aggression, and action. Research shows that the vibrant hue triggers reactions in us on a primal, instinctual level.

 

Red symbolizes:

 

- Energy

- Love and romance 🔥

- Action and urgency

- Confidence and power

- Strength and courage

- Heat, fire, and warmth ☀️

- Aggression, danger, violence ⚠️

 

We link red to the heart and feelings of attraction or love. Stop signs, fire trucks, and warning labels use red to quickly grab our attention.

 

In fashion, red comes off as sensual, lively, and attention-grabbing. It immediately draws the eye compared to other colors.

 

Use red when you want to stand out and make a bold statement. But be aware of cultural color meanings too - in some Asian cultures, red is the traditional wedding color representing luck, happiness, and prosperity.

 

 Why Red is a Tricky Color for Matching

 

There are a few key reasons why red can be difficult to coordinate with other colors:

 

 It Overpowers Softer Shades

 

Red is one of the most dominant, vibrant shades on the color wheel. When paired with pale or muted tones like baby blue, mint green, or buttery yellow, red tends to overpower them and take over the look.

 

Delicate pastels, in particular, get drowned out next to the fiery hue. To avoid this, stick to pairing red with equally saturated shades and limit pale accents.

 

 Risk of Looking Mismatched

 

If the undertones conflict, combining red with the wrong color can look messy and clashing rather than stylish. For example, a cool blue-based red will war with a warm golden yellow.

 

Pay attention to keeping undertones compatible to avoid the mismatched look. Coordinating textures and patterns also helps red play nicely with other colors.

 

 Associated with Aggression or Danger

 

Covering yourself head-to-toe in red clothing can give off an aggressive vibe, which you likely want to avoid in day-to-day outfits.

 

Red is linked to concepts like power, passion, danger, and violence on a primal level. Wearing it sparingly helps keep those associations at bay. Save head-to-toe red for making a bold fashion statement at the right event.

 

 Challenging Skin Undertones

 

Since red draws so much attention, it needs to complement your complexion and skin undertone to avoid looking off.

 

Red often skews warm with orangey or golden undertones. So it tends to suit people with warm olive or yellow-based skin best.

 

Cool-toned people with fair skin and pinkish undertones need to select blue-based reds carefully to harmonize with their natural coloring.

 

 General Color Theory Principles for Matching with Red

 

Mastering some core color theory concepts will make pairing colors with red a breeze. Keep these guidelines in mind:

 

 Complementary Colors

 

These are color pairs that sit opposite each other on the color wheel, like red and green. They create the highest contrast and amplify each other when used together.

 

 Red and Green

 

Green is red's natural complementary shade. So this combo offers lots of visual contrast for that bold, color-blocked look.

 

However, red and green have such strong visual vibration together that they can overwhelm an outfit quickly. Limit this pairing to accessories or small hits of color.

 

 Other Complementary Combinations

 

Besides green, think about choosing clothing in less expected complementary colors for red like:

 

- Red + Blue-violet

- Red + Yellow-green

 

These provide a subtler complementary contrast that still makes both colors pop.

 

 Analogous Colors

 

These sit next to each other on the color wheel and create harmonious, peaceful color stories.

 

 Red and Pink

 

Pairing red with neighboring pinks like fuchsia, neon pink, or raspberry creates a pretty feminine palette with sweetness.

 

 Red and Orange

 

Red with vibrant orange or coral is fun, playful, and feels like a sun-soaked summer palette.

 

 Red and Purple

 

Regal red and purple combinations bring out a sense of luxury, royalty, and sophistication.

 

 Monochromatic Colors

 

Monochromatic means sticking to shades, tones, and tints of one color like red. Try combining:

 

- Crimson

- Cherry red

- Fire engine red

- Rust

- Brick red

- Maroon

- Wine red

- Burgundy

 

This allows you to explore lighter and darker shades as accents on top of a base red piece.

 

 Light vs Dark Shades of Red

 

Use lighter tints of red on top and darker shades on bottom. For example, pair a pale pinkish red top with maroon trousers. This creates a long vertical line for a flattering silhouette.

 

 Neutral Colors

 

Neutral basics like white, black, gray, and brown offer an easy way to balance and ground red's fiery nature.

 

 Red and White

 

This classic pairing instantly feels crisp, preppy, and nautical. White helps brighten and lift red hues. Use true white rather than cream or ivory for maximal contrast.

 

 Red and Black

 

Sultry red and black combinations exude drama, sophistication, power, and luxury. Keep accents minimal to let this bold duo shine.

 

 Red and Gray

 

Cool ash gray, steel, and charcoal nicely balance red's heat without dampening it. Gray also gives red a more neutral, versatile edge.

 

 Red and Brown

 

Earth tones like chocolate, tan, or sand complement red's warmth while dialing down the intensity a notch.

 

 Specific Color Combinations that Work with Red

 

Now let's explore specific flattering color pairs to try with red clothing and accessories:

 

 Red and Pink

 

Pretty in pink takes an elegant turn when you add red into the mix! These two analogous colors with similar undertones complement each other seamlessly.

 

Some red and pink combinations to try:

 

- Fuchsia pink with cherry red

- Bright rose pink with crimson

- Bubblegum pink with red-orange

- Raspberry pink with blue-red

- Dusty pink with rust red

 

Keep other accent colors minimal to let the interplay of red and pink shine. You can also introduce metallics like rose gold or silver here for extra glam.

 

 Red and Orange

 

For a bright, bold duo reminiscent of sunsets and citrus fruits, combine red and orange together. Both colors give off playful, youthful energy.

 

Stick to clear, saturated shades like:

 

- Tomato red with tangerine orange

- Vermillion red with mandarin orange

- Crimson red with carrot orange

 

Muted red-oranges can feel retro or 70s in a bad way. Keep the tones clean for a modern red-orange look.

 

 Red and Purple

 

Red and purple combinations exude luxury while tamping down red's intensity. Dark jewel tones like eggplant, plum, and violet balance crimson beautifully.

 

Try wearing:

 

- Cherry red with plum purple

- Scarlet red with eggplant

- Brick red with lilac

- Ruby red with royal purple

 

Together these colors feel regal, mysteriously romantic, and opulent.

 

 Red and Blue

 

At first blue and red may seem mismatched. But certain shades work surprisingly well together. The trick? Choose the right undertones.

 

Some examples:

 

- Navy blue with brick red

- Royal blue with crimson

- Cobalt blue with burgundy red

 

Aim for darker blue shades rather than light blue, which can become patriotic and costume-y with red.

 

 More Reds for Warm Complexions

 

People with warm yellow, olive, or bronze skin tones look best in warm, clear reds with an orangey base. Try these:

 

- Fire engine red

- Tomato red

- Orange-red

- Spicy red 🥵

- Ruby red

- Red-violet

 

Wear gold, mustard, peach, and olive green to harmonize with the warm overtones.

 

 More Reds for Cool Complexions

 

Those with fair cool skin that burns or flushes easily should opt for blue-based reds like:

 

- Cherry red

- Crimson

- Wine red

- Brick red

- Magenta red

- Raspberry red

 

Pair them with mint, sky blue, and grey-purple for a put-together look.

 

 Proportion and Placement Tips for Wearing Red

 

Strategic choices about proportion and placement help keep red looking chic rather than overwhelming.

 

 Red Pants and Skirts

 

Balance red bottoms with a simple white, black, or grey top to let the pants or skirt be the star. Try:

 

- Cherry red jeans + white tee

- Scarlet skirt + black blouse

- Crimson trousers + grey blazer

 

Or complement red bottoms with pink, purple, or blue tops to continue the color story.

 

 Red Dresses

 

When wearing a red dress, let it stand out on its own against bare skin. Opt for nude, metallic, or black footwear so the bright hue can shine.

 

 Red Tops and Blouses

 

Pair red tops with neutral bottoms like jeans, khakis, or black leggings. Or echo the red with an orange, pink or purple bottom for a coordinated color palette.

 

 Red Accessories

 

Use red bags, shoes, jewelry or other accents to add pops of color to a neutral outfit. Limit red accessories to one statement piece to avoid going overboard.

 

 Make Red the Accent

 

If you're new to wearing red, start by adding a red scarf, lipstick or handbag to outfits to build your comfort level.

 

 Skin Tone Considerations for Wearing Red

 

Since red draws so much visual attention, it needs to flatter your complexion to avoid an off or jarring effect.

 

 Warm Skin Tones

 

Those with yellow, olive, or neutral-warm complexions look fabulous in warm red tones with an orangey base. The fiery hues bring out golden flecks in the skin.

 

But avoid bluish reds, which can accentuate ruddiness in warm skin.

 

 Cool Skin Tones

 

People with fair, pinkish cool skin need to choose red carefully, as the wrong shades make flaws stand out. Bluish reds with a cherry, berry, or wine base best complement a porcelain complexion.

 

Stay away from orangey reds, which can overemphasize pinkness and cause flushing.

 

 Dark Skin Tones

 

Deep skin with warm undertones glows next to spicy tomato reds, red-violets, and red-oranges. Keep the shades bold and saturated.

 

Muted, earthy reds work for those with cooler dark skin. Burgundy, oxblood, and garnet red bring out the richness in darker complexions.

 

 Style Tips for Wearing Red Confidently

 

When wearing red, a few simple styling tricks help you use this head-turning hue effectively:

 

 Start Small and Build Up

 

If red feels intimidating, gradually work it into your wardrobe. Begin with a red dress or top for a date night. Add a handbag here, lipstick or shoes there. Getting comfortable with those pops of red paves the way to wearing it more extensively.

 

 Pay Attention to Undertones

 

Not all reds are created equal. Warm, clear reds with an orangey base pair best with other warm hues like peach, yellow, and olive green.

 

Cool reds with blue undertones better match other cool-toned colors like light blue, pink, and gray.

 

 Balance Proportions

 

Keep red to one garment at a time and pair it with neutral basics like jeans, trousers, or LBDs. For example:

 

- Red top + blue jeans

- Red skirt + white tee

- Red dress + nude heels

 

An all-red outfit risks being visually overwhelming. Counterbalance red with neutral pieces.

 

 Limit Additional Colors

 

Choose one extra coordinating color besides red and stick to that color trio for clean looks. For example:

 

- Red, blue, and white

- Red, pink, and black

- Red, purple, and grey

 

Too many competing colors with red easily start to feel messy and mismatched. Less is more.

 

 Anchor with Neutrals

 

Make neutral basics like white button-downs, blue jeans, tan trenches, and LBDs your foundation for red outfits. Sprinkle red statement pieces on top of that neutral base for balance.

 

 Mix Textures and Patterns

 

Adding diverse textures and patterns keeps red looking sophisticated and dimensional. Try:

 

- Red satin skirt + cropped lace top

- Red floral dress + wool moto jacket

- Cherry red stripes + tan suede booties

 

 Creating Cohesive Outfits with Red

 

Use these easy formulas for foolproof ways to build outfits featuring your favorite red pieces:

 

 Office Outfits with Red

 

For the office, use red strategically as a pop of color against more subtle neutrals:

 

- Burgundy sweater + navy trousers + tan loafers

- Red blazer + black skirt + white blouse

- Cherry red pumps + grey suit + silk cream top

 

 Date Night Outfits with Red

 

Make red your bold accent for date night fun:

 

- Little black dress + red strappy heels

- Dark jeans + black bodysuit + red leather jacket

- Navy jumpsuit + red clutch + silver jewelry

 

 Casual Outfits with Red

 

For weekend casual wear, pair red with blue denim and earth tones:

 

- Red graphic tee + blue cutoffs + brown belt

- Oxblood hoodie + straight leg jeans + white sneakers

- Ruby red beanie + tan trench + relaxed fit jeans

 

 Conclusion

 

Red makes a gorgeous, captivating color for clothing and accessories when combined strategically. Use color theory principles, pay attention to undertones, balance proportions, and start with small accents.🚀

 

Keep red looking sophisticated by anchoring it with neutral basics and complementary hues. Dive into this fiery shade and light up any room you enter! 🔥

 

 Frequently Asked Questions

 

 FAQ 1: What are the best shoes to pair with a red dress?

 

Some great shoe options for red dresses include:

 

- Nude or metallic heels - These elongate the leg and let the red dress shine.

 

- Black pumps or booties - Classic and elegant with red.

 

- Red heels - For a head-to-toe monochrome moment.

 

- Metallic gold or silver sandals - Pretty accent that complements red.

 

- Blue, green, purple heels - For a fun pop of an unexpected complementary color.

 

Avoid patterns or textures like snakeskin that compete too much with a standout red dress. Simple, minimal shoe styles keep the focus on the dress itself.

 

 FAQ 2: What handbag colors work with a red top or blouse?

 

Handbags in neutral hues pair beautifully with red tops, including:

 

- Black - Sleek and sophisticated

- Brown - Warm and earthy 

- White - Crisp with red's heat

- Tan - Subtle and laidback

- Grey - Muted and elegant

 

Metallic bags in silver, gold, rose gold also complement red tops nicely as an accent.

 

For an extra pop of color, opt for handbags in:

 

- Green - Vibrant complementary color

- Purple - Rich and regal with red

- Blue - Bright or navy both work

- Pink - Sweet and feminine

 

Just limit additional colors to 1 or 2 for a clean, coordinated look.

 

 FAQ 3: What color pants work best with a red shirt?

 

The most flattering pants to pair with a red shirt include:

 

- Dark wash blue jeans - A classic combo.

 

- Tan khakis or chinos - Laidback and preppy.

 

- Light gray trousers - Sophisticated and office-appropriate.

 

- Black jeans or pants - Sleek and sharply tailored.

 

- White jeans - Crisp high-contrast pair.

 

- Olive green - Earthy complement to red.

 

- Navy blue - Nautical vibe with red.

 

When coordinating pants with a red top, opt for neutral solids over bright patterns or competing colors to keep the focus on the red shirt.

 

 FAQ 4: What colors should you not pair with red?

 

It's best to avoid pairing pure red with other loud primary colors like royal blue or bright yellow. Side-by-side, these can look mismatched and overwhelming.

 

Stay away from fluorescent neon greens and oranges, which makes red appear ruddy and muted in comparison.

 

Don't match red with pastel or dusty shades like mint, lilac, or baby blue, which it will overpower.

 

Also, limit patterns and competing textures that diminish red's impact.

 

 FAQ 5: What colors make red look bad?

 

Certain color combinations can make red seem extra ruddy or take on an unflattering orange, pink or brick-like cast. Shades to avoid include:

 

- Mustard yellow

- Hunter green

- Neon orange

- Hot pink

- Electric purple

 

Always pay attention to undertones so red doesn't skew brown, purple or muddy. Keep the paired colors clear and harmonious with red for the best looking outfits.

 

 FAQ 6: Does burgundy and red go together?

 

Yes, burgundy and red pair beautifully together since they sit right next to each other on the color wheel. As shades of the same red family, they naturally coordinate.

 

Try wearing a burgundy sweater with cherry red pants for an elegant uniform look. Or mix a red skirt with a burgundy top to connect the colors.

 

Burgundy shoes or bags would also complement a red dress nicely. Just be sure the undertones of the shades match.

 

 FAQ 7: What colors should a redhead not wear?

 

Redheaded women with porcelain skin should avoid colors like peach, coral and salmon, which can make the face look ruddy and flushed.

 

Soft muted yellows and pinks will also compete unflatteringly with red hair, washing the person out.

 

Pure stark white and harsh black can overly contrast with red hair.

 

Instead, choose cool tones like emerald, sapphire and slate blue, which enhance red hair beautifully. Purple and blue-reds also complement natural red tones.

 

 FAQ 8: What colors make you look good in red?

 

You'll look best in red when you choose flattering shades that complement your skin's undertones:

 

- Cool skin - Pair red with icy blue, gray, pink

- Warm skin - Combine red with peach, gold, yellow 

- Fair skin - Try red with neutrals like camel, navy, white

- Olive skin - Mix red with emerald, plum, brown

- Dark skin - Complement red with berry, teal, purple

 

Pick colors that enhance your complexion for a put-together red outfit.

 

 FAQ 9: What does red and blue make when mixed?

 

When you blend red and blue together, the resulting color is purple! On the color wheel, red and blue sit on either side of purple.

 

Start with a red base and slowly incorporate blue paint, dye, or ink. The more blue you add, the purpler the final result will be.

 

In optics, red light combined with blue light appears violet or purple to our human eyes. So mixing red and blue colored lights or pigments naturally creates the perfect purple.

 

 FAQ 10: What colors clash with red clothes?

 

Some poor color pairings that clash with red outfits include:

 

- Neon green or yellow - Too loud and fluorescent

 

- Bright orange - Can look clownish

 

- Hot pink - Clashes with red undertones

 

- Royal blue - Jarring next to bold red

 

- Mixed loud primaries - Red, blue, and yellow together

 

Keep red looking chic by sticking to analogous, complementary, or monochromatic color schemes with harmonious undertones. Avoid color mixing that makes red appear muted or muddied.