by Clutched.
Adding Vibrancy With Red
If you’ve been relying on neutrals this autumn, it’s time to rethink your palette. Red injects energy, warmth, and character into layered outfits, and it works across every wardrobe component. The trick is to pick pieces that feel natural to your style, then layer them in ways that bring the colour alive.
*Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
The Red Knit Edit
Start with knits. A scarlet or ruby jumper can lift everything from trousers to relaxed denim. Look for materials like cashmere or fine wool as they carry the colour beautifully. You can layer a bow-detailed jumper over a skirt for a playful touch, or opt for a slim-waisted cardigan to add warmth while keeping proportions elegant. These pieces are versatile, so wear them under coats, over shirts, or with wide-leg trousers for a stylish mix.
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Claudie Pierlot
Red Knit Jumper with Bow Details – £249
Whistles
Red Wool Collar Neck Knit – £109
ME+EM
True Scarlet Red Cashmere Slim Waisted Cardigan – £250
Calvin Klein
Collection Lila Red Wool Cardigan – £550
Outerwear in Vibrant Reds
A coat in red changes how the rest of your outfit presents. Choose fabrics like wool or mohair, and don’t be afraid of deeper shades such as royal red or scarlet. (A puff-sleeve or belted coat draws interest) Layer over neutrals or tonal reds for outfits that are cohesive and dynamic.
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Harris Wharf London
Puff Sleeve Pressed Royal Red Wool Coat – £750
Giuliva Heritage
The Aida Belted Red Wool & Mohair Blend Coat – £1,580
Reiss
Lucia Petite Double-Breasted Red Wool Blend Coat – £348
Bags That Carry the Season
Red bags are your easiest tool for introducing colour. Compact crossbodies, shoulder bags, or quilted velvet designs add interest to jeans, knits, or coats. Burgundy or ruby tones are particularly easy to mix with autumn neutrals, while brighter scarlet options can act as the colour anchor for tonal dressing.
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Alaïa
Le Coeur Heart Shaped Laque Leather Crossbody Bag – £1,000
Isabel Marant
Bolton Bag Deep Red Leather Shoulder Bag – £1,190
Neous
Pavo West Burgundy Leather Shoulder Bag – £760
Coach x Disney
Mickey Tabby Red Leather Crossbody Bag – £325
Givenchy
Voyou Mini Red Leather Shoulder Bag – £1,600
Jimmy Choo
Ruby Red Quilted Velvet Crossbody Bag – £695
Shoes in Scarlet and Ruby
When it comes to footwear, red has always brought about a playful vibe. Complete your outfit with pumps, mules, or slingbacks. Pair patent or velvet styles with cropped trousers, skirts, or knits to keep the colour integrated. The key is consistency, so remember, coordinate your shoes with other red accents for that desired lively look.
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Jimmy Choo
Brigitte Ruby Red Patent Leather Pumps – £650
Manolo Blahnik
Callasli 90 Red Leather Slingback Sandals – £675
Gianvito Rossi
Cara Red Glossy Nappa Slingback – £730
Malone Souliers
Maureen Red Lace Gloss Mules – £625
Amina Muaddi
Alexa 95 Wine Mesh Heeled Mules – £620
Accessories that Lift
Finish outfits with accessories that echo or complement your reds. Scarves, gloves, and sunglasses are ideal for spreading the colour through layers without being too flashy. These small red touches will make your outfit feel lively from head to toe!
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Burberry
Oxblood Red Check Cashmere Scarf – £465
Celine Eyewear
Triomphe Oval Red Frame Sunglasses – £400
Agnelle
Kate Red Leather Gloves – £115
Final Thoughts
Think of red as a tool rather than a trend. It injects vibrancy into autumn outfits, connects layers naturally, and gives each look a sense of power. Start small with knits or accessories, then experiment with coats, bags, and shoes. By weaving the colour thoughtfully across pieces, your autumn wardrobe will feel energetic, cohesive, and unmistakably alive.
How to Wear Red This Autumn
Knitwear
- Opt for scarlet, ruby, or true red tones.
- Materials: cashmere, fine wool, or blended knits that hold colour beautifully.
- Pair over skirts, trousers, or relaxed denim. Layer under coats or over shirts to mix textures naturally.
Outerwear
- Choose wool, mohair, or blended fabrics in red shades from scarlet to deeper tones like royal red.
- Play with coat shapes like belted or puff-sleeve styles to introduce dimension to outfits.
- Combine with neutrals or tonal reds for effortless cohesion.
Bags
- Red bags act as a focal point; try crossbody, shoulder, or velvet styles.
- Burgundy or ruby tones integrate seamlessly with autumn neutrals.
- Brighter scarlet options work well for tonal dressing and linking red accents across pieces.
Shoes
- Red pumps, slingbacks, mules, or boots infuse outfits with playfulness.
- Materials: patent, velvet, or glossy leathers enhance richness of colour.
- Coordinate with other red accents in the look to maintain harmony.
Accessories
- Scarves, gloves, and sunglasses are ideal for subtle injections of red.
- Spread the colour thoughtfully through layers to lift the whole outfit.
- Combine different reds across accessories and wardrobe pieces for visual interest.
Styling Tips
- Start small with knits or accessories, then layer in bags, shoes, and coats.
- Balance reds with autumn neutrals for an energetic yet cohesive wardrobe.
- Think of red as a tool for style expression, connecting layers and textures naturally.
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