It's Confirmed: These 7 Colors Look Incredibly Chic With Red

a photo of a woman showing colors that go with red

(Image credit: @sobalera)

Lately, it seems there's one color trend that seems inescapable: red. No matter if you're scrolling through social media or scouring the recent runway collections, it's hard to deny that this shade is everywhere these days—and for good reason. While the popularity of red may seem antithetical to the more minimal-leaning trends we've seen emerge in recent seasons, it's just as versatile as any other neutral. Not only are there so many variations of this color currently in runway collections, but they also range from vibrant saffrons to rich merlots. There are so many different ways one can incorporate red into their wardrobe (whether through accent accessories or hero staples) that it makes it incredibly adaptable to individual sartorial preferences.

Even with those realities in mind, we know that this shade can be intimidating to style outside the context of runway collections. We'd be lying if we didn't admit that learning how to wear red can be challenging, especially if you're one of those fashion people who are used to only wearing neutral colors. Luckily, some seriously stylish women have discovered the tried-and-true colors that will always go with red. From combos that incorporate classic neutrals to brighter hues, plenty of color pairings can make styling this shade easier. But if you're still skeptical, you'll want to keep reading as we've broken down the best colors that go with red, along with some styling tips and shopping recommendations. We're sure these outfits will prove once and for all that red is a neutral color in its own right.

Red + Brown

a woman wearing red trousers and a red cardigan with a brown sweater, which is one of the best colors that go with red

(Image credit: @femmeblk)

What You'll Need: Red Trousers + Red Cardigan + Brown Top + Brown Pumps

Style notes: One of the easiest ways to style any shade of red? Pair the pieces with neutrals, specifically brown ones. The color will add a calming effect to the saturation of this hue, making it more approachable to wear in everyday life.

a photo showing what colors go with red, specifically a woman wearing a red v-neck top and tan pencil skirt and tan shoes and a zebra print bag

(Image credit: @abimarvel)

What You'll Need: Red Top + Brown Pencil Skirt + Brown Mules + Printed Bag

Style notes: Although brown is a neutral color, it's far from boring. In fact, when your work wardrobe is feeling a little lackluster, red is the perfect color to incorporate into the mix. The key to making this shade feel office-friendly is styling it with staples, such as a brown pencil skirt (or trousers).

Red + Black

a photo showing what colors go with red, specifically a woman wearing a red coat and gray cardigan and black trousers and silver heels

(Image credit: @sobalera)

What You'll Need: Red coat + black trousers + gray cardigan + silver shoes

Style notes: It might seem cliché, but you can't go wrong with pairing black with red. It's a surefire way to keep your outfit feeling put together while still letting the red pieces pop.

a photo photo showing what colors go with red, specifically a woman wearing a red capri pants with a black rain jacket and red pumps

(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

What You'll Need: Red Capri Pants + Black Windbreaker Jacket + Red Pumps

Style notes: Again, the benefit of styling black and red together is that it can make some of the more classic items in your closet (e.g., capri pants or a windbreaker) feel cooler. Just be sure to keep your color palette limited, as it will create the effect of color-blocking without getting too crazy.

Red + Gray

a photo showing what colors go with red, specifically a woman wearing red socks styled with black mary janes and a gray cardigan and a matching pleated miniskirt

(Image credit: @aimeesong)

What You'll Need: Red socks + gray cardigan + gray pleated skirt + black flats

Style notes: If you don’t want to go for the more obvious choice of black, style some gray pieces with your red clothing. It will give your look a bit more dimension than the standard dark hue—plus it's the color pairing of the season right now.

Red & Blue

a photo showing what colors go with red, specifically a woman wearing a red sweater with blue denim shorts and red sneakers

(Image credit: @georgia_3.0)

What You'll Need: Red sweater + blue shorts + white T-shirt + red sneakers

Style notes: When in doubt, you can't go wrong with styling the color red with various shades of blue. From light wash denim to navy blue suiting separates, there's no shortage of ways you can embrace pairing these two shades together.

a photo showing what colors go with red, specifically a woman wearing a red jeans and white tank and blue button-down shirt

(Image credit: @annelauremais)

What You'll Need: Red Jeans + White Tank Top + Blue Button-Down Shirt + White Flats

Style notes: While red and blue colors are already preppy-coded, you can dial up that vibe by pairing polished pieces together. Opt for a blue button-down shirt (in any shade) styled with red pants for a classic look.

Red + White

a photo showing what colors go with red, specifically a woman wearing a red skirt with a white tank top and red scarf and black sandals

(Image credit: @christietyler)

What You'll Need: Red slip skirt + white tank top + red scarf + black sandals

Style notes: Red and white aren’t solely reserved for the holiday season. In order to keep this color pairing from looking too festive, opt for staples in these shades—e.g., pair a white tank top with a red skirt for a more spring-inspired look.

a photo showing what colors go with red, specifically a woman wearing a red trench coat and white pumps and a white bag

(Image credit: @bettinalooney)

What You'll Need: Red Trench Coat + White Pumps + White Handbag + White Headband

Style notes: Another way to make this color pairing feel chicer is through your accessory choices. Rather than opting for mismatched separates, consider wearing all-red clothing styled with white accessories. It will add visual intrigue to your ensemble.

Red + Pink

a photo showing what colors go with red, specifically a woman wearing a red track pants and a pink tank top and white sneakers

(Image credit: @himichelleli)

What You'll Need: Red Track Pants + Pink Tank Top + White Sneakers

Style notes: Another color that goes well with red? Pink. As surprising as it might seem, pairing this color with a shade that's as vibrant will give your look an easy allure of elegance and polish.

a photo showing what colors go with red, specifically a woman wearing a red cardigan with a white t-shirt, pink bag, black skirt, red tights and red sandals

(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

What You'll Need: Red Cardigan + White T-shirt + Pink Clutch Bag + Black Skirt + Red Tights + Red Sandals

Style notes: If you're worried that pairing pink and red pieces together will read like a costume, then you'll want to incorporate the shades together slowly. Adding one to two pink items to your red ensemble will allow you to embrace these shades without overdoing them.

Red + Red

a photo showing what colors go with red, specifically a woman wearing a red off-shoulder dress with red kitten heel pointed pumps

(Image credit: @aidabadji_)

What You'll Need: Red Minidress + Red Slingback Heels

Style notes: What color is guaranteed to look good with red? Red, of course! Style your little red dress with matching accessories for an incredibly bold look.

a photo showing what colors go with red, specifically a woman wearing a red headband, leather jacket, tank top, miniskirt, and ballet flats

(Image credit: @ninasandbech)

What You'll Need: Red leather jacket + tank top + miniskirt + ballet flats

Style notes: See? Styling the color red isn't as intimidating as you'd think. But if you still are unsure how to wear red, the safest bet is to embrace this shade head-to-toe. A monochrome red look will make you stand out in a way no other color will.

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Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
Editor

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a fashion editor living in New York City. What began as a hobby (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a career dedicated to storytelling through various forms of digital media. She started her career at the print publication 303 Magazine, where she wrote stories, helped produce photo shoots, and planned Denver Fashion Week. After moving to Los Angeles, she worked as MyDomaine's social media editor until she was promoted to work across all of Clique's publications (MyDomaine, Byrdie, and Who What Wear) as the community manager. Over the past few years, Jasmine has worked on Who What Wear's editorial team, using her extensive background to champion rising BIPOC designers, weigh in on viral trends, and profile stars such as Janet Mock and Victoria Monét. She is especially interested in exploring how art, fashion, and pop culture intersect online and IRL.