Now that we’re on the eve of crisp fall weather, we have something on our mind: how can we give our fall wardrobe a bright injection of color? Problem solved! A bright red dress—whether it is a ruffled party iteration, a skintight mini, or a floaty bohemian-luxe style—is, simply put, the most effortless way to infuse your fall aesthetic with vivid color. Plus, thanks to tastemakers like Lily Aldridge, Isabel Lucas and Jessica Szhor, there is a slew of style inspiration to mull over! Whether you opt for rocker-chic accessories à la Alexa Chung, or a laidback look like Isabel Lucas, we’re sure you’ll find plenty of ideas in today’s Style Tips story! Read on!
#1. Give your red dress a glam-rock twist with edgy accessories.
Last year, British TV presenter and model Alexa Chung was spotted at the Calvin Klein boutique opening in New York in, of course, a bright Calvin Klein Collection minidress. Naturally, she gave it a unique spin by pairing it with patent black ankle boots and a statement necklace (or two!) The result? A bold, sassy look that, with the right attitude, works for day and night. For a similarly stylish ensemble, start with Roxy’s Get One Dress ($44.50) or French Connection’s Ann Sharp Shoulder Dress ($53.92). Add Free People’s Chain & Feather Bib Necklace ($38) and a pair of patent ankle boots; we like Proenza Schouler’s Bentel Patent Wedge Ankle Boots ($995) and Velvet Angels’ Vox Lace Up Ankle Boots ($189.72).
#2. Mix a formfitting minidress with nude pumps for a subtly sexy look.
A simple minidress is not-so-simple when finished in a pop of bright red, as evidence by Cameron Diaz, who wore a bright Oscar de la Renta minidress to the LA premiere of Shrek Forever After. Naturally, Cameron is totally in tune with her overtly sexy dress and, for that reason, paired it with minimalist nude pumps for a subtly sexy look. To recreate Cameron’s ensemble, start with a bold red minidress—we like Oasis’s Bow Shoulder Shift ($92.68) and Sparkle & Fade’s Knit Bow Back Dress ($48). Then, simply add a pair of French Connection’s January Platform Heeled Court Shoes ($168.50) and a slick of Tarte’s Natural Lip Stain ($24) in Charmed. So easy and so effortless!
#3. Add the cool factor to your ensemble with studded boots.
Actress Sienna Miller is known for her ability to mix and match pieces to perfection, creating cool mash-ups with a rock and roll edge. Case in point: this edgy ensemble, which Sienna wore for a London dinner date with Jude Law. Alone, her dress is sleek and sophisticated. With the addition of studded boots, it is as cool as Sienna herself. If you love this look, start with Kova & T’s Jeannie Open-Back Silk Dress ($173.25) and add a pair of studded booties; we like Rosegold’s Halle Suede Studded Cuff Booties ($177) and Giuseppe Zanotti’s Suede Ankle Boots ($450). For the finishing touch, add Topshop’s Leopard Tassel Cross Body Bag ($60).
#4. Give your red dress a flirty twist with oversized ruffles and a sweetheart neckline.
At the Hollywood premiere of Piranha 3-D, actress Jessica Szohr looked perfectly polished in a cherry-red Notte by Marchesa dress. We love how the oversized ruffles are balanced by the fitted waist and sweetheart neckline—all in all, this is a perfect party look for the flirty femme, and one that is easily achieved with some smart styling. For an equally elegant combo, try pairing ASOS’s Bow Front Bandeau Dress ($77.51) or Juicy Couture’s Strapless Dress ($104.40) with Claudia Ciuti’s Dionex Pumps ($196.35). To complete your look, add a cute clutch; we like Juliette Jake’s Wrap Around Clutch ($575) and Lauren Merkin’s Diana Metallic Snake Clutch ($195).
#5. Pair your red dress with loose hair and leather sandals for a hippie-luxe look.
Australian actress Isabel Lucas consistently impresses us with her vintage dress collection, so we weren’t surprised to see yet another cute sundress on Isabel when she was spotted out and about in Los Angeles last month. We love how the dress’s breezy fabric and loose silhouette give her ensemble an unfussy vibe. Likewise, we’re smitten with her low-key accessories! Overall, it’s an effortless look worth repeating! To take a leaf out of Isabel’s book, start with a lighthearted dress like Nasty Gal’s Farrow Lace Collar Dress ($58) or Forever 21′s Retro Woven Dress ($24.90). Complete your ensemble with loosely-tousled hair, Cordani’s Yari T-Strap Sandals ($299) and Ankora’s Love Braided Bracelet Set ($133).
#6. Perfect your “I’m with the band” ensemble with a breezy shirt dress and a cool attitude.
We admit it: we’re a little jealous of Lily Aldridge. After all, she’s a jet-setting model with a body to die for, she has a rock-star for a boyfriend, and, most importantly, she has a killer sense of style. Proof positive: last year, she was spotted leaving a Kings Of Leon concert in a red hot shirtdress, which she paired with simple leather sandals. The result? An effortlessly cool look that is sure to turn heads. For an equally easy look, we like TBags’ Button Front Belted Dress ($119.99). Worn with a pair of sandals, such as Tibi’s Eden Flat Sandals ($330.95) or DV By Dolce Vita’s DIOS T-Strap Sandals ($54.95), you’ll be ready to live the rock and roll lifestyle in no time.
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Images: Getty, Matrix, NPG, Splash, Wireimage
