Lisa Armstrong: Terrified of wearing red? This is how to pull it off

Telegraph

14-05-2025

Red is a colour that many people won't even contemplate wearing, but also one that some folk probably wear too much of. These two facts may well be related.
Butlin's, Virgin Atlantic, Father Christmas – all endearing figures in their way. But self-evidently not chic. They were not conjured into existence to compete with Wallis Simpson, nor Nick Cave, but to be jolly and sell a shedload of merch.
Consider some of the world's most monetised products: ketchup, Coca-Cola, Kellogg's, KFC… the list is practically endless and, frankly, reciting this edited selection is almost putting me off, so I turn instead to what enticed me to write about red in the first place. Firstly, in all its myriad shades, red offers an uplifting glow-up for all. (If you're still searching for your red lipstick, Code8 will custom-blend one for you.) Second: the recent Toteme show in Paris.
Rare is the catwalk that offers a simple, practical takeaway. But here it is: wear red – in small doses.
Toteme, the Scandinavian label beloved by stylish women across the globe for its understated aesthetic, drizzled droplets of red across a grand total of two outfits. No need to scare the horses. But it was so unexpected, so stylish, that it made wearing a primary colour when you're a committed disciple of camel, cream and black look like the only sensible move to avoid dying of boredom.
A small red clutch bag worn with a slim, oyster-coloured shirt dress and oyster satin boots, a pair of red shoes with black trousers and an oyster-coloured tie-back jumper, and – er, that was it really. Less is always more in some circles. Introducing the barest notion of red to its fans, albeit in micro-specks, was already quite a declaration.
I've gone a bit mad in my embrace of red here – at least by Toteme standards. The thing is, the vest was a bit skimpy without the cardi, and before I knew it, I was full-on twin-setting. But note, please, the delicate white trim of the tank beneath, another little vest from Rise & Fall. It's remarkable how a contrast trim nearly always helps pull an outfit together, hence the enduring appeal of a classic Chanel tweed jacket.
Flecks and tweeds are much more flattering and versatile than a block red jacket, for which it's almost impossible to find the exact match and hard to find a partnering colour that doesn't look brash. Red dresses are easy – it's all done for you. Case in point this cotton tiered maxi dress from Karen Millen below. No need for gold accessories, or anything much else.
Stick with the one-bullet approach. Bull's-eye.
Touches of red