Accessorize a Red Dress
A red dress can be a bold fashion statement, but if worn well, it can create a look that seems both classic and seductive. When you choose accessories to wear with your dress, stick with simple, unobtrusive pieces that add a little interest and contrast without drawing too much attention. Keep your dress the focal point of your outfit.
Contents
Steps
Think Monochromatic
- Bring in black belt. Best kind would be one of the stretchy ones so it doesn't look like the belt should go on pants. Belts definitely classy the dress and show off the good curves.
- Mix in different shades of red. A bright red can look overwhelming if you use it in every part of your outfit. Instead, use different shades of red to create contrast while staying within an all-red color scheme.
- Try a burgundy red heel or flat. This shade is deep enough to mimic the classic look of black, but offers a subtle hint of color to your feet.
- Keep things bright with a patent leather pump. If you have a bold personality, opt for a bold shoe. Shiny patent leather adds a trace of shimmer to your foot, which may prevent your red shoe from being obscured by your red dress.
- Look for jewelry with red gemstones. Think rubies or garnets. Gunmetal settings create a tough look, while silver and gold settings have classic appeal.
- Consider rings, earrings, and Make an Easy Bracelet over necklaces. Post earrings, bracelets, and rings do not overlap with your dress and can be admired on their own. Necklaces and long dangle earrings may brush your dress, and the red stones may blend in with the red fabric.
- Carry a small purse. Even though you can have an ensemble with multiple red pieces, you should still keep things toned down. A large red bag may wash you out with too much red. Instead, go for a small red clutch, especially one in a shade that varies from your dress.
- Keep your accessories subdued. Too many red accessories can confuse the eye. Restrict your jewelry to one or two small pieces, and avoid any accessory that looks unnecessarily large.
Create a Twist with Other Colors
- Think pink. In essence, pink is a light red. Not every shade of pink will match with every shade of red, so you should carefully examine compare a pink accessory before wearing it with your red dress.
- If you don't know where to start, try silver-pink jewelry or a silver-pink metallic shoe. These pieces are mostly silver but have a slight hint of pink.
- Be the life of the party with primary colors. Carry a handbag with red, yellow, and blue running through it, and match it with blue shoes or simple yellow earrings. Keep your accessories small and low-key to achieve a funky style without looking too busy.
- This works well for casual and party dresses, but may be too much for a formal or semi-formal occasion.
- Look for patterns that include red in them. This works especially well if the shade of red matches the shade of your dress. Wear a scarf with red and violet stripes, or a sash with an abstract print in red and orange.
- Go for an Americana theme. For a Memorial Day picnic or 4th of July barbecue, tie a navy blue belt around a red sundress. Match it with white sandals and white earrings or novelty flag earrings.
- Save the green for Christmas time. A red sweater dress can matched with deep green pumps can create a fun, seasonal look for the holiday season, but may not work well otherwise since many automatically associate a red-and-green color scheme with Christmas.
- Opt for deep shades over bright shades. Deep shades add color without looking too flashy. Bright colors may compete with a bright red dress, resulting in a tacky look.
- Mix in shades of brown. Try a simple, chocolate brown pump matched with a solid brown belt. For jewelry, look for pendants and earrings that contain brown gemstones like tiger's eye, amber, jasper, or topaz. The gemstones can be large, but only opt for one or two statement pieces.
Stay Classic with Black and White
- Break things up with black. Black is a strong neutral that can hold its ground against a red dress without stealing the show. Tie a black belt around your waist to break up the monotony of a solid red smock dress and finish the look with black fashion boots.
- Use black to add a little sexiness to your outfit. Black can look strong and classy, but the right black accessories can really turn up the heat. Wrap a black lace shawl around your shoulders for evening or carry a clutch with a layer of black lace. Complete the look with your highest pair of black stilettos.
- Lighten things up with white accessories. If you want to make your red summer sundress look classy, adorn yourself in white accessories like while bangle bracelets and white sandals. Avoid black, which may look too heavy for warm summer months.
- Wear a black or white cardigan. A black cardigan in a luxurious material coordinates nicely with an evening dress, but a white cardigan works best for day dresses.
- Try a black and white pattern. Patterns create added visual interest, but a simple black and white pattern keeps it subtle. Try a black and white polka dot handbag for timeless appeal, or get a little edgy with a large zebra print shoulder bag.
- Pull out your pearls. A simple pearl necklace, matched with small pearl post earrings, can create a classy, elegant look, especially when paired with a white or cream shoe.
- Look for black gemstones like onyx, or even black pearls. A simple necklace or tennis bracelet adorned with black stones is a good way to add a small trace of black to your outfit.
Glitz It Up
- Add a simple hint of glamour to your dress with solid silver or gold. Metallics often have enough shine to look elegant on their own. Add shimmer to your neck or wrist with a simple chain, and look for a metallic shoe and handbag to tie your look together.
- Go for a two-toned look. While silver and gold can be used separately for a red dress, mixing the two together can create a look that is both visually interesting and classy. Look for two-toned jewelry, or create the look yourself by layering thick gold and silver necklaces around your neck. Follow through by matching a silver chain belt with a gold shoe, or vice versa.
- Maximize your glitz and glamour with diamonds. Wear just enough diamonds to add sparkle to your ensemble without competing with your bold red dress. Pair simple diamond stud earrings with a delicate diamond pendant, or wear showcase diamond chandelier earrings and skip the rest of your jewelry altogether.
Tips
- Opt for red lipstick over other shades. It doesn't have to be fire engine red, but a red tint to your lips can help coordinate your make-up with your dress. If red lipstick seems a little much for the occasion, try a clear or nude gloss, instead.
- Keep your make-up simple. A little blush on your cheeks and a smoky eye can create an attractive look, but don't overdo it.
- Many women may hesitate to match red accessories with a red dress, while many others may do so haphazardly. Red can be worn with red, however, as long as you play with different shades and textures to keep things interesting.
- Try not to layer red on red, while some red can work too much can over power you and your dress.
Things You’ll Need
- Belts
- Purses
- Jewelry
- Scarves
- Shoes
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