On-Trend Tuesdays: Red-dy for the Holidays?

On-Trend Tuesdays...better on Wednesdays!

The holidays are upon us, Fashionistas.  Oozing out of every corner!  The parties, the decorating, the gift-giving, the cooking, the schlepping . . . it’s enough to take it out of you completely.  The first thing that often goes out the window is taking care of yourself and, fashionistas, that’s never, ever a good thing to do.

And it’s possibly the most treacherous time of the year to do so.  When the pressure is on to be spangly, sparkly, and bright for all of your occasions, sometimes it’s easier to “cheat” by throwing on any shiny nonsense that you can find instead of thoughtfully pulling together a look that is both festive and tasteful (possible, I swear!).

So instead of “cheating” with sequins, how about taking one of the easiest, most classic and chic colors and making it your own in a new and fresh way?

It’s the color of Rudolph’s nose and cheery cheeks; Diana Vreeland’s tone of choice and Poppy King’s obsession; it’s the tone that universally symbolizes passion, fire, and elegance.  The French associate it with Versailles, China with good luck, India with happiness, and New Orleanians with our Lighted Districts of the same name. 

Diana Vreeland in her home, guestofaguest.com

 The color red, my friends, is whatever statement you want it to be (but never an understatement).  It’s classic but ferociously femme, and designers, tastemakers, and the fashionably inclined have never, ever been more obsessed.

As far as I’m concerned this season, there are two ways to do red and to do it right.  The first is the opulent approach:  think (again) Versailles or bordello influences, done up with metallic gold or rich embroidery and texture, perhaps with a decadent and slightly rebellious attitude.  Sport a rich red dress with metallic heels and loads of jewelry, perhaps, or pair red pumps with a brocade number.  Think Alexander McQueen, rock and roll, and luxurious textures.

L to R, clockwise:  Lady Gaga in Alexander McQueen for Vanity Fair, September 2011; Corso Como Delicious Pumps, Elizabeth Cole necklace; BAG; Nina Pumps at Feet First Stores; Jessica Stam in Spanish Vogue; Marc Jacobs FW 2011, style.com; Sam Edelman Roza Pumps, Jeff Koons' installation in Versailles (my inspiration!); Mary Kate Olsen at the Met Ball 2010, via popsugar.com; Zac Posen FW 2011 via style.com.

The other, very current way to do red is wearing it boldly in a more pared-down, tailored silhouette, like a red pair of pants or a well-tailored red suit or dress.  You can pair red tonally with fuschia or burgundy (very chic, as we started to see this summer and continue to see in the fall collections) or, if you’re feeling super daring, head-to-toe.  You can pair red shorts with tights and a t-shirt, or a red jacket with a nude dress; it’s really up to you.  Just – and I plead with you, knowing that most of you know full well not to do this – avoid red/green combos due to the obvious connotations.  I know it’s Christmas, we all know it’s Christmas, and I’d rather you wear a shirt saying “IT’S CHRISTMAS” than to advertise it through your color pairings (or intarsia sweater, or through any kind of accessory requiring batteries while we're on the subject). 

Amy Adams in Marie Claire, August 2011; Sondra Roberts Rose Clutch; street style photo via keepthebeat.mango.com; High Fashion Handbags Cross Body Purse; Vogue 1955; Sunglasses, 16.99 at both Feet First locations; Diane Von Furstenburg FW 2011, style.com; Diane Kruger in YSL, popsugar.com; street style photo via mrnewton.com; ILI Red Leather Wallet

I revel in the feeling that comes with wearing red:  it’s festive, it’s tasteful, it’s flattering, and it works all year long.  Enjoy your Christmas festivities – maybe have a matching red cocktail for me? – and we will talk soon about what to wear for New Year’s!

Love and Fashion,

Keke