Hot Styles in Radiant Red for This Month of Love

Red is the color of passion. Of love. Of fire. And in this season of romance, fashion helps you control the heat. Keep it warm and cozy with sporty options like a little red (riding) hoodie or turn it up to steamy with a curve-caressing red dress that sizzles so much more than black ever could.

With names like Jubilee, Red Chakra, Crimson and Red Pop, February’s favorite color comes in many shades and offers many choices. Whether you’re looking to add a bit or a blast, here are seven ways you can work eye-catching red into your wardrobe for Valentine’s Day — or any other day.

Dresses

Tuck away that little black dress for a few weeks and this month reach for red instead. Form-flattering knits like Spanx’s Perfect Sheath Dress in ponte ($198, spanx.com) make for the perfect revenge dress to get you noticed by past, present and future loves. For more coverage and less cling, there’s Tuckernuck’s full and floaty Daphne Dress in poppy red ($198, tnuck.com) and the Gathered Neck Shift Dress with self-tie belt that can dress up or down ($110, anntaylor.com).

Sweaters

Twisting, entwined cables add visual interest and texture to pullovers and cardigans alike. There’s an update on the iconic Fisherman Cable Turtleneck Sweater ($19 to $35, amazon.com) and bejeweled buttons adding sparkle to Anne Klein’s Cable-Knit Jewel-Button Cardigan ($70, macys.com). For a smoother, tailored finish, the Open Sweater Blazer ($85, loft.com) does the job in any setting. When it comes to the après ski look so popular this season, you’ve got options here too. Cable Stitch Women's Nordic Turtleneck Sweater ($50, amazon.com) dishes up a deep red hue, while Vineyard Vines’ Fair Isle Cable Crewneck Sweater ($67, vineyardvines.com) delivers a wool and cotton blend in bright nautical red.

Shoes

Sexy heels make a singular statement whether they’re on pumps like the Azra Suede style with its padded footbed ($138, anntaylor.com) or Bellini’s faux suede Claudia Bootie with gold zippers ($90, dsw.com). Take the height down a level with the elegant, kitten-heeled Rumi Pump in red patent from the Journee Collection ($100, macys.com) or the Big Bet ballet flat from Aerosole with chain-link hardware at the vamp ($58, zappos.com). On snowy days, slip into your jeans and ZeroXposur’s red Montana Snow Boot with waterproof upper, plush trim and bungee lacing ($90, dsw.com).

Accessories

If you’re looking for just a touch of red, this is the place to find it. Like the ’60s marketing jingle, sometimes just “a little dab will do ya.” (Thank you, Brylcreem!) From top to torso, well-placed accessories will ensure that you stand out in a crowd. The Cable Pom Pom Beanie in Tango Red ($20, loft.com) promises to keep you warm while the fluffy topknot keeps you stylish. Perk up a neutral outfit with a band of red strapped around your waist. Talbot’s 1-inch wide Leather Belt ($50, talbots.com) does the trick with distinction. While you’re out and about, a red crossbody bag like Dooney & Bourke’s Pebble Grain Ginger design ($116, dooney.com) is easy on the shoulders and leaves hands free to hold your partner’s.

Separates

Whether you prefer to mix or match, red separates deliver plenty to pick from. Rock date night with a sexy vegan leather skirt like the High-Rise Seamed Faux-Leather Pencil style ($35 to $45, nyandcompany.com) or the knee-skimming Zipper Back Pencil Skirt ($17, shein.com). For a more tailored look, the Belted High Waste Taper Pant in Twill exudes sophistication ($70, anntaylor.com). To add warmth and edginess beneath a jacket or trench coat, pull on the Vintage Soft Hi-Low Hoodie in Modern Red ($45 to $55, gap.com).

Mixing It Up

Red can go it alone, but also plays well with others. You’ll find it in traditional patterns like plaids and this winter’s favorite Fair Isle designs. The red tartan version of St. John's Bay Quilted Vest ($20, jcpenny.com) provides a warm layer over sweaters or under jackets. Tartans and other variations are the mainstay of flannels like Old Navy’s oversized Long-Sleeve Plaid Flannel Boyfriend Tunic Shirt and the more tailored Plaid Flannel Classic Shirt ($12-$25, oldnavy.com). Looking for something edgier? Fashionable rule breakers can thumb their noses at that outdated guidance about not wearing red with pink. It is now one of the hot color combos. Pull it off with ease sporting red and pink separates (a hot pink shawl with a red dress) or pieces like English Factory’s Colorblocked Blazer in red and fuchsia ($130, saksfifthavenue.com) and 4Sienna’s Long-Sleeve Colorblock Button-Front Dress ($19, nyandcompany.com). 

Something Slinky

If you prefer satin and lace to wool and flannel, red is ready for you. Dreamgirl delivers a trifecta of sheer mesh, lace and satin ties in its Mesh & Eyelash Lace Halter Teddy ($32, nordstrom.com). Add some luxury to your loungewear with a long slide of red satin edged in lace at the V-neckline and plunging back of Soma’s Satin & Lace Long Gown, then pair with the matching Satin Long Sleeve Robe ($53-$60, soma.com).Now you’re ready to adjust your fashion heat to where you want — and who you want — this Valentine’s Day, and beyond. 

What do you think of the outfits above? Let us know in the comments below.