In recent years a great red dress has become a wardrobe staple. Punchier than the Little Black Dress, a vibrant scarlet dress has the power to captivate a room, warm up a palette and feel easily fashion-forward. It's scarcely left the runway and has long been a Hollywood favourite.
Yet, back in our own wardrobes and the red dress can feel intimidating. A primary colour, sure, the main concerns often come with what colour shoes a red dress needs. Striking in its own existence the red dress can go without too many other accessories but shoes are obviously an essential.
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So, where to start? Look at your dress' silhouette. Consider the occasion and go from there. Some amongst us will be happier pairing aligning palettes (and evening matching hosiery), while others look to strike out in contrast. Here, ELLE UK chooses the best colour footwear to wear with your red dress.
Black Shoes
Few shades challenge the classic combination of a red dress with black shoes. It'll be the one that will translate the best and the easiest into each of our wardrobes as we all have that trusty pair of black shoes at the ready. When wearing this combination, however, some care towards the execution is best noted. Matching a black handbag with the look can give a nod to purposeful execution to imply the idea of intention over convenience, even if the latter is true.
The Row Liisa D'Orsay pumps
Ferragamo Ermelia Satin Pumps
Marks & Spencer Kitten Heel Pointed Slingback Shoes
Red Shoes
In recent years, as the dress has reached peak purchase wearing it with matching shoes has become the preference of the most fashion-forward amongst us. It speaks of a modernity that feels most closely aligned with the red dress redux — put forward on the catwalk by the likes of Valentino, Ferragamo and Tory Burch. Those looking to take this a step further should, or rather must, wear red shoes with red tights too. It's fearless in a way that only monochrome dressing can offer. Once you try it, you'll be hooked.
Zara Strappy Leather Sandals
COS Pointed Leather Slingback Heels
Maison Margiela Tabi Patent Pumps
Jimmy Choo Scarlett 50 Pumps
Leopard Print Shoes
A red dress is inherently sexy. Choosing to wear something so striking calls on an inner confidence that few other pieces and colours can rival, though leopard print is right up there. So, pairing the two together is a no-brainer. Plus, with leopard print's regular classification as a 'neutral' it can prove a worthy investment to wear with a smorgasbord of other colours. Right now, take it in a slightly other direction and opt for Alaïa's Dalamation and you'll have a Disney-bounding (in the best way!) homage to Cruella de Vil.
Loro Piana Animal Print Wedge Pump
Kate Spade Leopard Slingback Pumps
Mango Leopard Print Heels
Alaïa Calf Hair Pumps
Silver Shoes
If red worn with gold reads a little festive then silver is the metallic option of choice. The cool mercurial hue is the perfect offset to red's vibrancy. Choosing the right silver shoe silhouette is important, however. We're not all Strictly Come Dancing contestants. So, choose styles that feel particularly directional. Think chunky heels or pointed heels that rise high on the instep or make a real impact with Gucci's beaded style that, though sparkling, has a lower heel for that right amount of edge.
Gucci Beaded Fringe Pump
Dear Frances Harlow Pump
Toteme Metallic-Finish Pumps
Pink Shoes
Name a sweeter combination than red and pink worn together? Sharing a similar palette, the two come together in a way that has the ability to feel disjointed but aligned at the same time. Be cautious - it's important to choose the right shade of pink to make this work. Softer, rosier shades are preferable so they offer a counterbalance to red's potency. Add to this by choosing shoes in satins and silks in elegant, retro-leaning silhouettes no matter the dress style.
Prada Satin Cut Out Pumps
Valentino Satin Pump
Maje Pointed Leather Pumps
Reformation Pink Kitten Mule
Floral Shoes
Lean into red's appearances in the natural world by pairing it with floral patterns. The flower prints are perfect to break up an all-red outfit with knowing ease to allow red dresses a pretty existence. Delicate florals worn across ladylike heels and pumps are best, though graphic florals will offer up a fresh take that feels more modern and directional. Either way, find pairs that have red in them already to offer a blatant thread.
Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Floral Pumps
Christian Louboutin Floral Satin Mules
Stuart Weitzman Floral Stuart Pump
River Island Embroidered Floral Shoes
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