While most women wear red around Christmas or Valentine’s Day, many forget the fiery color come summer. It’s time to change your thinking, because red can be the most refreshing color of all.
No stranger to hot weather, the hue already abounds in such classic summery images as gingham tablecloths, bandannas, raspberry sorbert and juicy watermelon.
“I love red any time of year,” says designer Donna Karan whose summer collection featured only red, black and white solids. “Whether it’s a great red dress or worn as an accent to black, red is uplifting and energizing.”
Margaret Walsh, associate director of the Color Institute of the United States, a trade forecasting service. She adds that the newest reds are softer, with undertones of pink, lavender, terra cotta and currant.
In any shade, red has a distinctive quality, says Gina Tovar, regional fashion director for Nordstrom: “Women feel comfortable with red right off the bat. It’s the most instantly understood color of all.”
That means you can wear red throughout the summer, just as you do during the winter.
SHADY STRATEGIES
– Reds with an orange cast tend to complement darker complexions better, such as olive, Mediterranean and African-American skin tones, while reds with pink hues are more flattering for fair tones.
– Try red a piece at time, such as a rose T-shirt with a pale gray suit or a scarlet jacket with navy pants. Or consider wearing a red accessory, such as a crimson striped bag, sheer scarf or shoes.
– Try layering tones of the color. You’ll know immediately whether they clash.
– Remember, red accentuates. So you can use it to help balance: Top-heavy women should wear it on bottom; those with amples hips can benefit from wearing it on top.
