A Pop of Red: An Easy Way to Refresh a Vintage Outfit

Some outfits just need one little twist. A flash of red can wake up your favorite vintage basics, bring a new mood to a familiar look and make getting dressed feel fun again. The secret is to let red be the detail that catches the eye.

Which shade of red should you look for?

Cherry red is bright, lively and a little playful. Try it in a scarf, bag, belt or shirt when you want a clear pop of colour.

Scarlet red is bold and crisp. It makes a simple outfit feel more deliberate: think a red knit with dark trousers, or a red shirt peeking out beneath a neutral jacket.

Burgundy is deeper and softer, with a rich, almost wine-like feel. It's an easy choice if you prefer colour that blends beautifully into an autumn wardrobe.

Colours and prints that love a little red

Red with navy feels classic but never dull. Try a cherry-red scarf with a navy coat, or a red shirt tucked into navy pants. A striped designer shirt can bring the two colours together beautifully.

Red with black or charcoal gives the colour a sharper edge. A red accessory can lift a dark outfit, while a red sweater with black vintage trousers makes a simple combination feel striking.

Leopard print with red makes a confident combination. Let the print take the lead with a red knit, or keep it simple with a red bag or scarf alongside a leopard-print piece. 

Cherry red with purple is for when you're ready to have a little more fun. Keep one colour as the main focus and use the other in a smaller detail, perhaps a red shirt under a purple layer or a purple knit with a cherry-red scarf.

Burgundy with navy or grey is an easy, understated pairing. Try a burgundy knit with navy pants or add a deep red scarf to a grey coat.

Red with soft pink creates a softer, tonal look. Mix a strong red with pale pink, or pair burgundy with dusty rose for a more muted combination.

Start small, make it yours

You don’t need a whole new outfit to try the colour. Add one red detail to pieces you already love: a scarf over a vintage knit, a belt with your favorite flare or a bright shirt under a classic jacket. Try a few shades and combinations until one feels like you. Be quick! You might still find a little red in our stores ;)