What Is a Good Color to Wear With Red Other Than Bright Red?

Actress Candice Accola pairs skinny red pants with a white and black top at a Hollywood charity event.
... Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Bright red is one of the most eye-catching colors a fashion lover can wear, but its boldness requires the right separates to pull off a winning look. When a head-to-toe red outfit isn’t in your game plan, let your red piece take center stage by sticking with neutral, classic pairings and complementary prints.

1 Nice in Neutrals

The most timeless, obvious choice to team with red is solid neutrals. Clear, bright red pairs beautifully with white, ivory, gray, black and tan; navy and blue denim make for equally classic pairings. Slip on a white V-neck T-shirt with red skinny jeans and top with a black boyfriend blazer to dress up the look. Finish with black ankle booties and chunky silver jewelry. Introduce a nautical vibe by wearing the same red jeans with a long-sleeve white-and-navy striped tee and neutral canvas slip-ons. Wear gold accessories and carry an anchor-embellished tote to complete the seafaring ensemble.

2 Playful in Prints

Bold red holds its own against a variety of prints. While the easiest approach is to find a print that weaves in the same hue of red with a few other colors, you can also opt for a neutral animal print -- think zebra stripes or a brown leopard pattern -- or wear a laid-back graphic T-shirt. Team a solid red dress with leopard-print pumps, gold hoop earrings and a beige clutch for a dressed-up look. Or, go casual with red denim crops, a white cutaway tank and a red, pink and purple scarf. Finish with neutral ballet flats and an armful of colorful bangles.

Stacey Kole holds a Master's Degree in Education and has written for a variety of education publications. She also was managing editor of the International fashion and beauty publication Savvy, penning cover stories on such celebrities as Vanessa Hudgens and Julianne Hough.

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