How to wear red with style

Call it cherry, ruby or scarlet, red is the colour to wear now.

With your social calendar looking busy with festive and year-end celebrations around the corner, it's time to put your best foot forward and red exactly helps you do that. It's that one zesty colour that extends your summer wardrobe into winter, flattering all skin tones and mixing with brights and neutrals alike. What's more? Red calls for a lot of attention, so you can expect many eyeballs glaring at you.

Women in red

If you are not used to wearing red, begin including the colour red in small doses. For instance, try wearing a red blouse or a red broach, or carry a red clutch or bag with your neutral attire. Don't try to mix and match your red coloured outfit with bright colours like yellow or green. You'll end up looking like a Christmas tree. "If there's red on your outfit, don't splash red on your face as well as nails. If you have to, either wear a crimson pout or go with a matching red nails; never do both at the same time. Planning to wear a red lipstick? Make sure to whiten your teeth as reds can make them look more yellow," says beauty expert Uday Shirali. Red pumps look great with a red dress, but only if you can carry them with elan. If you aren't quite sure about a top-to-bottom red look, pick stilletos in metallic shades of gold or silver and even animal prints, as they work very well with a red dress. If nothing really works for you, classic black pumps are your safest bet.

Opt for a red dress with a classic fit. Cut out details are in vogue; they show a hint of skin and, at the same time, break the red in your outfit. You could choose a long gown, or an A-line knee-length dress or just a classic pencil skirt, but keep it tantalisingly sexy without showing too much cleavage. Keep jewellery minimal by following the rule 'less is more.' So, pick an elegant neckpiece or a pair of chunky chandelier earrings.

Men can wear it too

Let's start with the biggest statement a man can make: the red suit. Pick one in a rich berry shade or may be a tomato red. This will make sure you don't look like a modern version of Santa Claus. If you're not ready to go the whole hog with a suit, a red blazer will make an excellent statement addition to your smart-casual wardrobe. Stick to a classic two-button notch lapel design and look for styles crafted from lightweight jersey, cotton or breathable linen-blends to ensure comfort. "Whether you opt for a bright two-piece or subdued number, remember to keep the accompanying pieces pared-down and muted - think a crisp white shirt/tee and simple monochrome derbies/trainers," says designer Anuj Madaan. Don't go overboard with the accessories; a solid dark tie or white silk pocket square will suffice.

For men, red proves to be a colour of confidence. So, use the charming colour to woo your woman this Christmas. Pick a blazer in apple red and pair it with black trousers to balance it out. Make sure your shoes match the colour of your trousers. Too many colours will ruin the look. Finish with a classic watch.