Life

Red alert: 4 ways to wear the hottest colour of the season

From tomato to burgundy, red ruled the autumn/winter catwalks this year. Katie Wright shares her top picks from the high street

Baukjen Aileen Ecovero Dress, £119; Signature Gold Buckle Belt, £65; Rosamunde Necklace, £29, available from Baukjen (boots, stylist's own)
Baukjen Aileen Ecovero Dress, £119; Signature Gold Buckle Belt, £65; Rosamunde Necklace, £29, available from Baukjen (boots, stylist's own) Baukjen Aileen Ecovero Dress, £119; Signature Gold Buckle Belt, £65; Rosamunde Necklace, £29, available from Baukjen (boots, stylist's own)

EACH fashion season, there’s one colour that takes over the catwalks – and for this autumn/winter it’s all about ravishing red.

From statement suits and ultra-bright boots to show-stopping dresses, designers went crazy for crimson with their catwalk collections.

But how do you take such a bold hue and make it wearable? Fortunately, it’s easy to take this look from runway to real life – and have some fun with it.

Here are four ways to tap into the seductive scarlet trend…

DAY DRESSES

A long-sleeved midi dress in a blood-red or burgundy shade is perfect for winter when you want to look pulled-together but not overdressed, especially if it’s got a pussy-bow or high neckline. For an interesting mix of textures, team a flowing dress with knee-high suede boots and a belted wool or leather coat.

:: Baukjen Aileen Ecovero Dress, £119; Signature Gold Buckle Belt, £65; Rosamunde Necklace, £29 (boots, stylist’s own)

:: New Look Red Floral Frill Neck Tiered Midi Dress, £20.99

:: Dorothy Perkins Raspberry Ruched Bodycon Dress, £15.99 (was £19.99)

OCCASION DRESSES

While ‘party season’ is effectively cancelled this year, why not take the opportunity to dress up on Christmas Day in a fabulously festive scarlet frock?

:: Karen Millen Sequin And Beaded Tassel Dress, £161.40 (was £269) (shoes, stylist’s own)

:: Monsoon Florence Embellished Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress Red, £170

TOPS

Not feeling a frock? Try colour blocking instead. A crimson velvet blazer is a festive fashion classic that can be paired with tuxedo trousers or slipped over an LBD. For a more glitzy option, a tomato-red sequin shirt adds a touch of disco glamour.

:: Tu at Sainsburys Dark Red Velvet Jacket, £22

:: Marks and Spencer Autograph Sequin Long Sleeve Shirt, £41.30 (was £59)

BOOTS

Head-to-toe red is the coolest way to wear the trend – so you’ll be needing a pair of bright boots to complete your look. Block-heeled knee-highs will serve you well for seasons to come. But for the most on-trend approach, it’s got to be shiny flared-heel ankle boots.

:: Dune London Selsie Red Over The Knee Boots, £176 (were £220)

:: Topshop Viva Red Flared Boots, £79