Red is in (and it’s not Taylor’s Version)

By: Atiya Dasté

This past year has been about the girlies ditching the confined confirmation of “clean girl” aesthetics or “baddie” core. 2024 is the year of the “cool girl.” She dresses how she wants, when she wants, and stomps on whoever has something negative to say about it under her vintage knee-high boots, then laughs it off.

As someone who was never allowed to wear red as a child, I am ready to desexualize it and start to weaponize it. While Wear Red Day is February 2nd, the girls have been incorporating a bit of cherry in every outfit year round. Incorporating some red will give your outfit the fierce kick that serves as a reminder: ‘you are that bitch.’

You may be wondering, how do you wear red without looking like a chic firefighter? How do you accessorize it? Take a seat, and let’s look at six ways to incorporate red into your classic, trendy, or just go-with-the-flow wardrobe.

fiery footwear

Starting strong, red shoes are all the rage this year (No, not the MSCHF Rubber Boots). Knee-high boots, ballet flats, stilettos, and platform heels are the top of everyone’s must-buy list this year. Shoes are one of the most important things that make or break an outfit. Red ballet flats are taking the world by storm, as seen most recently on top influential fashion figures such as Lily-Rose Depp and Sophia Richie. Can’t afford Miu Miu or Chanel? We’re in the same boat, diva. Not to worry, brands like Steve Madden, Circus NY, and even Amazon have amazing alternatives.

Photo from Pinterest

red leather

Red leather jackets are everywhere, from the runway to thrift stores. Leather jackets will never go out of style, and better yet, will just keep getting better with new ways to incorporate them into your closet. The newest addition to that is a red leather jacket, best paired on top of a solid-colored outfit, and even better when layered over black. This piece turns any outfit from basic to ‘all eyes on me.’

Photo from Pinterest

accent bags

An impactful but quiet place to start is arm accessories. Red statement purses are all that I see these days, and I just can’t help but stop and stare. A chic bag is a staple for brunch, or a night in the town. From handbags to shoulder totes, a dynamic red adds the perfect small but important pop of color to your look.

red nails

Red is here to stay and is dominating the nail scene in 2024. The viral sensation known as the "red nail theory" has taken the internet by storm, declaring that painting your nails with red polish can enhance your romantic allurement. Red nails are everywhere. Almond, sophisticated square, and even bold French. Stuck between designs at the salon? Start with red, the possibilities are endless.

Photo by Hailey Bieber

bold red lip

Unless you’re under a rock, cherry lips have taken over the makeup scene. Recently popularized by Hailey Bieber, cherry lips are the craze of every makeup lover. Yes, I am aware that red lipstick has always been in, but it was often seen as too sophisticated. This year we are taking that classic red lip and turning it chic. Try a deep brown or red liner and top it off with a lighter red gloss or lipstick. Looking to elevate your makeup routine? Try this technique, you’ll thank me later.

rosettes and bows

We are bringing fashion back fully unorthodox and there’s no better way to do that than paying homage to our beloved fashion icon, Carrie Bradshaw. As you know, we’re all for accessorizing this year to elevate our fashion. Bows are the number one trend so far in 2024. Go full coquette and add a bow to it. As for rosettes, they are fully back in and blooming on the spring and summer runways for 2024. Tired of your black dress? Add a red rosette. Tired of your hairstyle? Add a bow. Tie it around your neck or let it sit on your waist. Red accessories are full of personality and can be the heart of your next outfit.

Photo from Pinterest

Red is the color of 2024. It has stood the test of time, from 20s flapper girls to 50s Marilyn Monroe. Yet, when modern fashion arose, red-faced a huge fashion gap over the years. It’s a color that can make you stand out, feel confident, and have fun. It’s a color that can suit any occasion, style, and season. It’s a color that will transform your look and your mood.

What are you waiting for? Go and embrace the power of red. You’ll be surprised by how much it can change not only your wardrobe but your attitude. But remember, I warned you: once you go red, you will never go back.