black and red together is dated? really? - YouLookFab Forum

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black and red together is dated? really?

qfbrenda

Veteran

I read that in InStyle and now I'm paranoid about mixing those colors. They go together to MY eye, but what say you? Is there a certain red that screams "dated" when paired with black, or what? If you have a red dress, does that mean you can't put black tights and boots with it?? I sure hope not.

General

36 replies

Latest reply was from Freckles

Queen Mum

Veteran

first I've heard of this.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Pshaw, then I'm dated

I do red dress + black leather belt or black blazer all the time! I usually soften the look with brown or other colours though; not just red and black. Maybe that is what they mean?

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Um, hogwash?

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/173118

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/173111

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/169716

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/169542

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/170761

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/169586

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I heard or read somewhere that a good way to update or amp up the sophistication of red and black looks is to add cream to the mix.

That said, I think it's a classic combination.

qfbrenda

Veteran

You all are giving me hope, thank you! I really want this to be hogwash.

DressLover

Veteran

I've seen it mentioned that pairing a "crayon box color" top with a black bottom and matching or black shoes and purse is dated. I can kind of see that argument. As for a black and red print dress or black and red separates paired with contrasting accessories like animal print and silver, then no, I don't see it at all.

Irene

(website)

I believe so, especially when black mixed with tomato red.
Every time I see it, I remember mid-80's, when influence of Japanese designers was overwhelming, and everybody wore black coat with red scarfs, handbags or boots. Black + red in pattern is OK, but solid black pants with solid red top or vice versa is definitely bad example of retro, IMHO.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Well, if that is dated, I'm perfectly happy to be old-fashioned and stick to my guns.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Uh oh, that's a combination I wear all the time.

catgirl

Veteran

I think anything CAN look dated. Or it can look classic, or modern, or edgy. No worries.

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

Guess what I'm wearing today? Red top with black jeans, gray denim jacket & red & black multi scarf. What are they talking about? I like this combination and I don't want to blow my horn, but at the airport today, one woman said she liked my red bag when I was getting coffee, the flight attendant said she liked my red accents and bag as I got on the plane and my seatmate in 4C said she'd been admiring my booties (alas, not red or black), as I was waiting to board. So, something must have been working.

Aziraphale

Veteran

My absolute favourite colour combination is black top, very dark jeans and red shoes -- so I must be dated too. Tough noogies.

rachylou

Veteran

This season was supposed to be all about brights. But it's already passe. I'm sure black and red is already back for a revival... hehe.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

When I wore a dark blue-red blouse with black skirt, boots and belt, people on the forum did say it looked dated and not great. Part of that was the blouse itself (it was too big, even belted, and was a sort of buttoned-up style with a mandarin collar that might not appeal to everyone). But I do think part was the colour combination.

The thing is, it's all how you do it. I think mine was a poor example so people brought out the "dated" word; if I had worn some of the combos that people have described in this thread, it could have looked great.

stringy

Veteran

Pfft. Black and red is classic. I don't think a colour combination can ever be dated - it's more to do with the cut and fit of the items, in my opinion.

PS: thanks Elisabeth for reminding me of the phrase "tough noogies". Another timeless classic!

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

I'm with Irene - red and black screams '80s to me. Kind of like orange and brown looks '70s. I must have worn too much red and black back in the day because it looks very harsh to me now.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Oh tell me it ain't so!!! It's one of my favourite colour combinations.

Adelfa

Veteran

I agree with DressLover that the real problem is pairing a red top (or any bright solid) with black pants, black shoes, and black bag. I cringe when I think of how many outfits like that I wore as a young woman, but at the time I was so glad to know I was a Winter, and black was a revelation after the browns of the '70s, making me feel classic and sophisticated.

I think it's not the combination as such that's the problem with this look as much as the lack of effort to pull two contrasting colors together. A scarf or waistcoat with red, black, and at least one other color (or many!) would go a long way. Or you could do what many style bloggers do so successfully--I've never had the nerve to try--and add one or two accessories in different bright colors, letting the brights balance each other out. Aqua shoes! Yellow belt! This look probably requires a lot of experimentation:-)

rae

(website)

Veteran

I just wore a black/red skirt today with no one crying foul. I think that mags sometimes manufacture these statements to scare us into buying new stuff.

Refugee

Veteran

OMG, red and black is so last month! The last time The Sartorialist featured someone in red and black was the beginning of October
http://www.thesartorialist.com.....a-paris-2/
FWIW, the Aldo ad above the reply box has a woman in a red and black outfit.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Honestly I don't see how a color combination can be dated. Colors either work together or they don't. I would be more careful about the cut and style and how you put the items together rather than colors alone.
Oh, and I did wear a black t-neck with a red / black patterned scarf today...

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

A color combo can appear dated if it is strongly tied to a certain decade...like my orange/brown '70s example. YMMV based on different countries/cultures, I'm sure! Neon colors is another 80s throwback, which was discussed on YLF not too far back, along with how to make it look current.

(BTW if red/black tickles your fancy, rock on!!!)

Amy

(website)

Veteran

I agree with Mampicklejuice. If something really tickles your fancy, whether it's "in" or "out," enjoy it. Don't fret! Fashion should be fun--and those sets of restrictive rules really take the fun out of it.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Pshaw! Hogwash!

HelenInCanada

Veteran

I love the black and red combo, and wear it alot. I do see what the super fashionistas mean when they advise adding a neutral to 'modernize' it, though - sometimes it's as simple as a piece of silver or brown leather jewellry, or the bag. I think blonde hair (which I def. don't have!) can even 'soften' the boldness of the colours. But all in all, a fave of mine.

Marley

Veteran

I think that any color combination can probably work if it is styled right.

That being said, for myself, I try to stay away from a black/red combo, because it feels and looks dated - for my style. Everyone's style is different, though - so I'm not saying it can't work for others. For myself however, my thought process is that anyone can (and will) wear red with black - it seems like such an obvious (and for me) would be a lazy choice of color combos, unoriginal, and dated.

Also, black and red is not my favorite combination in the first place because when I see the two colors together I immediately think of an Italian restuarant tablecloth!

Jonesy

Veteran

I think it depends on a lot of factors! So many great thoughts about this in this thread...To me, there are certain combos that seem dated. Does anyone remember when that sort of dusty blue and dusty rose were all the rage in home decor? I still see some doctors' offices done up in this color combo. To me, this is a very dated combination, just because it was so commonplace and is just not my style, but others may find this combination fresh. For me, black and bright, firetruck red is not a combo I would typically wear (reminds me too much of the '80s, and I don't usually like bright, clean primary colors--they remind me of children's rooms/toys/etc.) but others may love it and rock it. I agree that you should wear whatever color combos make you happy :)!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

This is a great discussion!

Sveta and I see this in the same way: How can a colour combo be dated if the variables and execution are right. I wear black and tomato red a lot - and, well it's up to you to judge whether I look dated. I like to mix it with white for that "crisp factor". You know me and my love for white

HelenInCanada

Veteran

Check out Duchess Catherine (yes, Kate Middleton herself!) - style icon extraordinaire - donning the red and black combo recently on a royal trip to Denmark: chic & gorgeous!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/.....ml#s448985

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