Retailers in the United States sell red merchandise in November and December because people tend to wear more red during the holidays. Some of my clients, both men and women, don’t wear red at all during the year, but will pull out a red top, sweater, dress, skirt, bag or shoes, and wear them for dressy or casual Christmas events. There is something about the colour that makes them feel extra festive at this time of year.
Twenty-five years ago, I couldn’t understand why anyone wouldn’t like the colour red. To me, it is virtually a neutral. And I mean all shades of it. From the brightest orangey tomato red, to a true fire engine red, and bluer based darker reds like oxblood, claret and burgundy. Of course, I soon realized that colour preferences are highly subjective and can stir up a lot of emotion.
Most of my clients enjoy wearing a darker, blue based red like oxblood and burgundy, while a smaller team bats for brighter, orange based reds. Many of them will wear their preferred shade of red throughout the year, but amp things up at Christmas time. Others prefer to wear red in a more subtle way, like as an accent in a pattern, or in an accessory like a scarf, bag, hat or eyewear, as a lipstick, or on a pair of shoes. A handful of my clients won’t touch red at all.
A bright, happy and sour tomato red has been one of my favourite colours for as long as I can remember. I will wear it at any time of the year, and in just about any wardrobe item. I don’t make a point of wearing more red during the holidays, but will gladly do so if it works out that way, as it did with my outfit for this year’s holiday bash at The Georgian.
Over to you. How do you incorporate red into your style, and do you make a point of wearing more of it during the holidays? Or do you not wear red at all?
