Black and red? - YouLookFab Forum

This might sound really rudimentary, but I'm trying to sort something out here:
I was always under the impression that black and red/burgundy looked good together, and so I never hesitated to sport the combo. But since frequenting this site I've seen decidedly mixed impressions of that colour pairing.
I'm at work right now currently wearing an outfit I don't know if people would approve (no pics possible today, I'm afraid). It consists of cream twill pants, a burgundy piece of knitwear, a black tailored jacket and pearls. (black ankle boots and black cock croc purse too).
My uncertainty comes from the fact that I've seen a couple of people commenting on the fact that red and black, when worn together, can look very dark. Does the outfit described above sound like it would be too severe, or is it appropriate for a cool fall day? Is the severity offset by the pearls and pants? Or is it just not a good idea?

Thanks so much, all! I'll be back soon with another series of blind-guy questions, this time about silhouettes that I can't picture.

16 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

It sounds like you have done fabulouosly by pairing the combo with pearls and cream. I think the black and burgundy combo is only too dark if those are the only colors you have in the whole outfit.

Sarah

(website)

Your outfit sounds lovely for sure. Have you considered pairing red with brown? I think it's such a rich, less harsh (typically) pairing than black and red.

Michelle

Sarah, I don't own a lot of brown because it's such a difficult shade for me to picture. But yes, I have worn that combo in the past (usually a red top with brown pants).

shiny

This is tough, Michelle. I'm thinking about my own closet. I wish I could share the pics with you. I have:

1) A knit burgundy cowl neck - which I never pair with black. I love it with cream, tan/khaki and with brown. It is too dark to go with black and looks "off" that way.

2) A silk burgundy blouse - which has black rosette detailing at the neckline. I routinely pair this with black. Yes, it is dark. A string of pearls offsets this. (I also, just yesterday, discovered I could pair this with gray pants and a burgundy tweed jacket that is a direct match).

3) Burgundy leather boots - which I do pair with black skirts and dresses. I think this works because of the contrast of textures.

4) Cranberry tops of various materials - don't own anything in this color at the moment, because I overdosed on it awhile back. I would absolutely pair this with black. Cranberry, like burgundy, is a blue-red, but the intensity is different. Cranberry is brighter and not as muted.

5) True red - which is even brighter than cranberry. This is in the category of the color of the lipstick you wear, which I love on you so much. True red can be an orange-red (tomato - Angie wears this color a lot) or more of a blue-red (the color of a crayon that is labeled red, or a stopsign ;-). It is BOLD. I would and do wear this color with black.

"Not a color expert"

Louise

Can't be sure without a picture but sounds ok to me as you have on light trousers and the pearls to lift the darkness of the other pieces. Do you perhaps have a cream bag which you could swap the black one for? x

medusa

Michelle, it sounds OK to me. Personally I like the combination of red and black, it's a fun contrast.

marianne

Active Member

Michelle, your outfit sounds great to me. I think the "rule" is to add another neutral to the combination. Cream sounds like a perfect addition.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Marianne said what I was going to say. I always offset black and a colour with white or cream somehow. You did just that!

lex

I personally dislike black with burgundy or red (too flamenco? too harsh?) but I agree, the addition of cream/white helps

Anonymous

It sounds like you have a wonderful outfit with the cream and pearls added. It wouldn't seem dark at all.

RoseandJoan

I love the sound of your outfit Michelle and I have also learned from your question. Thank you.

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