Prime your closet for more color with this series of guides for bold shades. SG HQ is breaking down how to wear stylish hues (like how to wear red!) with easy color combinations and outfit ideas for guys.
Catch up on every color guide, including: bright blue, amber, army green, slate grey, orange, teal, khaki, evergreen, white, cobalt blue, mint green, light orange, yellow, and navy.
Red. It’s the color of fire trucks, rose petals, and a stop sign – a classic color that instantly grabs attention with its intensity and evokes a spectrum of emotions. From the unrestrained passion of a Ferrari to the comforting warmth of a brick wall, red is a powerful force in the world of color. But how can you harness this power and incorporate red into your wardrobe with confidence? This guide will show you the ropes.
Understanding the Red Spectrum
Red isn’t just one shade. It exists on a fiery spectrum, ranging from the bright cherry red of a poppy to the deep, sophisticated maroon of a velvet armchair. When choosing your red garment, consider the message you want to convey. A bright red demands attention, while a darker shade exudes a more subtle power.
Who looks best in red?
The good news is a true red looks good on…well, pretty much everyone. Plus, it’s a power color (seriously, check out this Google result) that will give you a total confidence boost when you wear it.
Because it’s such a bold shade, some guys shy away from wearing red. But we’re here to tell you that red can be surprisingly versatile in a guy’s wardrobe.
What’s more?
Red looks great in ensembles both dressed up and for everyday, so there’s plenty of opportunities to wear this traffic-stopping color.
Wha are the best colors to wear with red?
So, what colors work best with red? The easiest colors to pair with red are neutrals like tan and navy. But that’s not all, you can also turn things up by pairing red with orange or purple. Yes, really!
A good red outfit rule of thumb?
The brighter the hue, the less square footage it should take up on your bod. So, when wearing vibrant colors like red, keep the shade to a minimum in your outfit.
Which isn’t to say you can’t wear a red jacket or bright chinos —seriously, go ahead, go for it. But if you’re usually a neutrals guy, start with accessories like ties, watch straps, and even sneakers in a bright red color.
Neutral Colors are Your Best Friend: Black, navy blue, and grey provide the perfect neutral backdrop to allow red to take center stage. A red sweater with dark wash jeans and black boots creates a bold yet sophisticated look.
Denim Duos: Red and denim are a match made in casual heaven. A red t-shirt with dark wash jeans and white sneakers is a foolproof weekend outfit. For a more dressed-up approach, try a red button-down with light wash chinos and brown loafers.
Complementary Contrast: Don’t shy away from a pop of color! Spin the color wheel and add a color like blue, purple, or marigold to create a vibrant contrast with red. Perfect for a statement-making outfit that will turn heads.
We love when a guy’s not afraid to let his look grab the spotlight—just be sure the rest of your ensemble balances out with slightly quieter color choices.
wear red on a date
SG Says: A bold color like red doesn’t mean you can’t wear other bold shades in an outfit, it’s all about balance.
The bright red pants here are tempered by a neutral-hued turtleneck and sneakers, while the denim chore coat tempers the whole look for an outfit that’s classy, not loud.
a casual red outfit
SG Says: Don’t be afraid to wear red in more than one item.
In this casual look, there’s just the slightest hint of red in the plaid overshirt, while the hoodie goes all-out.
The overall look suggests you’re confident mixing colors and patterns together. The result? You’ll look put together in a cool, not-trying-too-hard way.
In the summer, swap long-sleeve layers for short-sleeve tees.
wear red at work
SG Says: Wearing a bold tie with a patterned sport coat could feel like too much for some people..but those people aren’t you, right?!
Anchoring the outfit with subdued dress pants and a sensible penny loafer mean you’ll feel every bit the sophisticated grown man you want your closet’s contents to convey.
Wear a red sweater
SG Says: This red cardigan look is giving 2024 Mr Rogers. And we mean that in a good way, obviously.
For a more casual look, swap black jeans for the trousers.
SG Says: A red top means you can keep the rest of your look subdued and still stand out.
Wear a red jacket
SG Says: Red looks great as an accent. In the case of Ryan Gosling, he sports a light blue overshirt checked with warm red.
SG Says: With navy chinos and bright white sneakers (which you may want to change into whenever you get where it is you’re going), this bright red rain coat is another example of bad weather not breaking your spirit.
SG Says: Men’s style blogger Anthony Urbano makes a strong case for red outerwear with that puffer.
Especially in technical fabrics, red is way more fun than black or navy, which can help especially in the inclement weather these types of coats come in handy for.
Wear a red shirt
SG Says: Another cardigan! This one, in navy and shades of red, offsets actor Chris Pine’s tomato red camp collar shirt.
Wear red sneakers
SG Says: When it comes to wearing a red shoe, sneakers are your best bet for footwear in the color.
A pair of bright red sneakers complements a fleece with shades of red in it, too.
SG Says: Don’t be afraid to turn things up like D.Wade.
We know white jeans can feel intimidating, but look how they let the sneakers be the star! And with a navy leather jacket with just a teeny bit of red tying the whole thing together? It’s just ::chef’s kiss:: good.
When to wear red
Red truly shines in all seasons. A lightweight linen shirt in a cherry red keeps you cool in the summer, while a chunky burgundy cable-knit sweater adds warmth and depth to your fall ensembles.
But yes, we’re all suckers for how great red looks in winter. Just think about how a bright red scarf adds a festive touch to your winter coat, or how a red wool sweater can make you feel more merry!
How to shop for red clothes for your wardrobe
Red’s versatility allows it to be a statement piece or a supporting player in your wardrobe. Here are some ways to rock red:
Sweaters: A red top adds instant personality to a man’s outfit. Pair a red sweater or long-sleeve knit polo with dark wash jeans and classic sneakers for a weekend look. Or, wear one with chinos for a touch of boldness at the office.
Jackets: Outerwear in an unexpected shade always makes a statement. A crimson bomber instead of a black one. A cherry-red Harrington jacket. Once you have your go-to neutral coat rack sorted, have some fun with your jacket repertoire.
Accessories: Don’t underestimate the power of a red accessory! A red bracelet adds a pop of color to your wrist, while a red pocket square injects personality into a business casual blazer.
Shop stylish red clothes for men
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