February 08, 2025
The Weekend Read✨Wearing Red: A Vibrant Celebration of the Most Captivating Colour

Hello!
Welcome to the second edition of our new weekly blog which aims to give you a deeper knowledge and understanding of all things colour and style. The Weekend Read, is just that - a read with no sales pitch or hidden agenda. Just informative, fun and conversational. So grab yourself a cuppa and relax for 5 minutes while you catch up on this weeks musings!
This week on The Weekend Read, we are talking about the colour red, perfect timing for Valentine’s Day! Red is the colour of confidence, energy, and passion. It’s bold, eye-catching, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re dressing for impact or simply adding a spark of vibrancy to your everyday look, red has the power to transform not just your outfit but also how you feel. Every wardrobe benefits from a touch of red. It’s a colour that works year-round, seamlessly transitioning between seasons
During a Colour Analysis session, we talk about the colour red – a colour everyone can wear. Some of you love the colour red and wear it often, whilst others fear it! So how do you feel about it? Red commands attention like no other colour. But did you know that this striking hue has a fascinating history and a scientific side? Let’s dive into the wonderful world of red and get inspired to add more of it to your wardrobe!
Facts about the Colour Red
Red has been captivating hearts for centuries. Ancient Egyptians revered it as a symbol of life and vitality, whilst the Romans associated it with courage and celebration. Throughout history, red has been the colour of royalty, rebellion, and romance. From Renaissance art to the red carpet, this colour has truly stood the test of time.
Red Grabs Attention: Studies show that red is the most visible colour in the spectrum, which is why it’s used in traffic lights, on warning signs and for fire engines. It is also a major colour used in corporate branding – think Virgin, Coca-Cola and Royal Mail.
The Physical Effects: Red can have a physical impact on people. It has been shown to increase heart rate and energy levels, which is why it's often linked with excitement and passion. Wearing red is scientifically proven to make you feel bolder and more self-assured.
Cultural Significance: In many cultures, red is associated with luck, prosperity, and celebration. For example, in China, red is a symbol of good fortune and in India, red is commonly used during festivals and weddings.
Historical Use: Red has been used as a pigment for thousands of years. Cave people used iron oxide from hematite to create their paint, the ancient Egyptians created red dye from clay, whilst Renaissance artists used vermilion for their masterpieces.

Primary Red
So, how do you create the colour red? Cast your minds back to when you were at school and were taught about colours – red is one of the 3 primary colours and cannot be made mixing other colours together. We talk about the importance of primary red when we discuss the colour wheel during our Colour consultations. However, you can create different shades of red by blending it with other hues. For example:
Cool Reds: Mix red with a hint of blue to create rich, berry tones like cherry or raspberry. Think sophisticated and elegant.
Warm Reds: Add a touch of yellow to red, and you’ll get fiery shades like geranium or poppy. These feel bright and cheerful.
Both warm and cool reds have their place on the seasonal colour wheel, and knowing your undertone will help you find your perfect red.
Red on a standard colour wheel sits opposite green, making these complementary colours a dream team for creating standout outfits. Pairing red with green (don’t worry, it won’t look Christmassy if you use the right tones) can add a playful or dramatic edge, or if you’re feeling adventurous, red also loves a bit of purple or orange for a monochromatic vibe, with an added touch of gold or silver for glamour.

Accessorising with Red
If you’re new to wearing red, start smalll - accessories are your best friend! Here are some easy ways to work red into your look.
Scarves and Jewellery: A red scarf is incredibly versatile. Drape it over a navy coat for instant sophistication, pair it with a cream or white blouse to draw attention to your face, tie it around your neck or use as a headband. Red jewellery, like a chunky necklace or beaded bracelet, adds a pop of colour without overwhelming your look.
Shoes and Bags: Red shoes are a fabulous way to add fun and flair to an outfit. From patent pumps to casual trainers, a touch of red at your feet creates a memorable impression. Pair a red handbag with a camel coat or a navy outfit for easy elegance.
Lip Colour: The easiest way to incorporate red is with make-up. A swipe of the perfect red lipstick can elevate even the simplest outfit. For warm undertones, try an orangey-red; for cool undertones, a blue-based red is ideal.
*click on 'warm undertones' and 'cool undertones' to view our House of Colour red lipstick shades

Style Tips for Wearing Red
Layer It: Pair a red top with a neutral blazer or cardigan to tone it down while still making a statement.
Mix It Up: Red pairs beautifully with all your neutrals, denim and leopard print.
Experiment with Patterns: Look for red in patterns like florals, stripes, or polka dots. This adds visual interest and makes the colour less intimidating.
Create Contrast: For a high-impact look, pair red with contrasting colours like teal or mustard. If you’re unsure, stick to classic combinations like red and navy or red and brown.
The Hero Piece: Go all in with a red dress or coat for those moments when you want to feel unstoppable. A red trench coat, for instance, is both bold and practical.

Which Shade of Red is Yours?
Knowing your seasonal palette is key. Remember, not all reds are created equal. A warm, yellow-based red like poppy can be a Spring’s best friend whilst a vibrant, blue-based red like raspberry will be perfect for winters.
Springs should opt for warm, clear reds like poppy or geranium. Pair them with ivory, bright navy, or warm beiges.
Summers look best in the cool, muted shades of red like burgundy and cherry. Mix with rose pink, lavender, or soft blue-greys.
Autumns need rich, earthy reds like brick or rust. These pair beautifully with olive, mustard, or chocolate brown.
Winters shine in the clear reds of carmine and scarlet. Pair them with navy, white, or icy blues for a dramatic look.

A Final Thought on Red
Red is more than just a colour—it’s a statement, an attitude, and a mood. Wearing red says you’re confident, vibrant, and ready to take on the world. If you’ve never worn red before, why not start small? A red nail polish, a pair of red earrings, or even a red belt can ease you into the magic of this powerful colour.
If you’re already a red devotee, challenge yourself to try a new shade—perhaps a rich berry red in winter or a soft burgundy of summer. The beauty of red is that there’s a shade for everyone, and once you find yours, you may never look back. So go on - embrace red and let it bring out your boldest, brightest self!
To help inspire you with the colour RED, we’ve curated a gorgeous collection of warm and cool red clothes and accessories for women on My HOC LookBook.
If you click on the link below it will take you through to the catalogue of clothes for different ages and sizes. Be inspired, push your confidence boundaries and try something new. To find out more about any of these items, simply click the image to be taken direct to the website for more information or to buy. Have fun creating.
Enjoy your weekend! Next week, The Weekend Read is all about Style and Style theory - why do we all like to dress differently? Lookout for that next Saturday!
Best wishes,
Jenny & Judi x

Jenny Goldsmith
Celebrator of Individuality
Curator of Confidence
Tel: 07986 062460
e: jenny.goldsmith@houseofcolour.co.uk
w: www.houseofcolour.co.uk/jennygoldsmith
Client code: GOLDSMIT for 30% of all webshop prices
Webshop: shop.houseofcolour.co.uk/shop
