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Since January, as award season continues, we have witnessed a multitude of celebrities gracing various red carpets with their stylish ensembles. We have noticed an increase in the appearance of one particular hue: red.
Fashion professionals state that red is universally recognized as a flattering color. In her blog, certified image consultant and artist Lorne Alexander explains that red looks good on most individuals. It is no shock that red has become a popular trend in celebrity fashion. Reese Witherspoon, for instance, has consistently incorporated a bold red into her wardrobe during her career in Hollywood. The actress even wore a strapless red gown to the SAG Awards on February 26.
The Emmy Awards in January made it clear that red is a highly popular color this year. Katherine Heigl from Grey’s Anatomy, Janelle James from Abbott Elementary, and Camila Morrone from Daisy Jones and The Six all looked gorgeous in their understated yet classy red gowns. This trend is not limited to just dresses, as actor John Krasinski from The Office and Barry Keoghan from Saltburn both donned dark red suits for the Golden Globes this year.
On Sunday 10 March, our favourite stars will be making their way to the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles for the 96th Annual Academy Awards. While we have no idea what celebrities will be wearing, we can likely expect some bold, red looks at the ceremony. Amid the renewed rise in popularity of the colour, stylists have shared their take on the universal shade and whether red will continue to dominate on and off the red carpet.
Grace Thomas, a stylist from Portland, shared with The Independent that high-end designers have influenced red carpet fashion trends, with their designs being seen on and off the runway. In the year 2023, luxury fashion brands incorporated bright red fabrics into their collections, including Valentino suits and dress shirts that were worn by models during a Paris Fashion Week show in March. French fashion brand Dior also joined in on the trend, as evidenced by Jennifer Lawrence’s appearance at the 76th annual Cannes Film Festival in May 2023, where she wore a stunning red gown by the brand.
According to Thomas, famous individuals often seek out clothing from exclusive designer fashion shows rather than purchasing off-the-rack items. This results in more personalized and high-end garments on the red carpet, heavily influenced by the fashion industry. This trend was particularly evident in women’s fashion.
According to the speaker’s observations, men’s fashion has often been influenced by trends in women’s fashion, particularly with the color red. This bright and bold shade has remained popular over several seasons and is often emulated by others in the industry. When it becomes prevalent, it inspires people to incorporate it into their own unique styles.
Image from The Recording Academy event, provided by Getty Images.
Numerous studies have delved into the significance of colors, one of which is Verywell Mind’s article on the psychological effects of red. According to the article, red is commonly associated with emotions such as anger, strength, desire, and affection. Moreover, a 2017 research from the European Journal of Social Psychology focused on the attractiveness linked to the color red. The study involved 180 college students who were instructed to wear either a blue or red shirt and participate in various activities, including self-reflection. The results revealed that those in the red shirt reported feeling more attractive than those in the blue shirt.
No matter your location, feeling at ease and satisfied with your outfit can increase your self-assurance. As red is often linked with strength, Patrick Kenger, a personal stylist for men who has styled celebrities, notes that more famous individuals have been choosing this bold hue for red carpet events. Though he doesn’t think their choice to wear red has a significant message.
According to Kenger, wearing bold red colors requires confidence rather than choosing a neutral option. This confident choice reflects the wearer’s level of confidence. Instead of playing it safe, they choose to make a statement with their outfit. However, most people are selecting it as a stylish choice rather than using it to convey a specific message.
Thomas believes that celebrities deliberately choose showy outfits for award shows, knowing they will catch attention. Media outlets then promote these looks, providing inspiration for fans to incorporate into their own style.
According to her, individuals desire to capture images of trendy and current things, resulting in an increase of fashion-focused photographs. As publications strive to align with current trends, there will be an abundance of fashion-related photos and coverage of events. This allows the average person to seek inspiration and incorporate similar styles into their everyday wardrobe.
While the iconic red dresses donned by Reese Witherspoon may serve as inspiration, it is important to remember that colors can appear different on each individual. In considering whether or not red is a suitable hue for ourselves, we must consider the multitude of shades available. Thomas warns against the assumption that one particular shade of red will suit everyone and instead advises selecting a shade that complements our natural skin tone. She also mentions that fashion designers and celebrity stylists are mindful of this when choosing colors for runway shows and red carpet events.
Currently, we are observing a deep red shade in fashion shows and a vibrant orange-red hue. We should consider which undertones suit us best. While apple red may look great on someone like Reese, it may not be flattering on everyone. However, there are always ways to experiment with red and find the perfect shade for each person.
Celebrities rely on their stylists to determine which colors complement their appearance. This trend has now spread beyond Hollywood, with the use of viral color analysis to help individuals discover the most flattering shades for them. This can be achieved through personal color consultations, during which professional stylists use large, colorful swatches to assess an individual’s coloring. These appointments also involve stylists suggesting color combinations, outfit ideas, and makeup tips, followed by the provision of a fabric swatch as a shopping guide. The trend has continued to evolve, with the introduction of seasonal color analysis where individuals determine which of the 12 color palettes, inspired by the four seasons, best suit them.
According to Thomas, in an interview with The Independent, there are ways to determine which colors enhance your complexion, but it is not necessary to follow this approach when selecting a red ensemble.
She remarked that there are individuals who strongly embrace color analysis and only wear a specific shade of red because they know it complements their skin tone and looks better than other colors. However, choosing colors and styles also involves personal preference. One’s skin tone may not have as much of an impact on their choices.
According to Kenger, those considering investing in daring red clothing should ease into it by starting with more muted tones. He advises clients to try burgundy first, as it is not as bold or bright as other shades of red. This can serve as a good introduction to wearing red for those who are not accustomed to it or prefer a more subtle look.
As the Oscars approach, fashion enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the stunning looks that will grace the red carpet. Thomas and Kenger predict that red suits, dresses, and ties will be a popular trend among celebrity styles this awards season. Additionally, as winter ends, we can expect to see stars donning equally vibrant and daring colors besides red.
According to Thomas, there is a growing interest in pastel and bright shades among people who are tired of wearing dark colors all winter. The timing may be a bit early due to the awards season, but it’s refreshing to see more vibrant hues on the red carpet as we move towards warmer months. This signals a shift towards the arrival of spring and the anticipation of incorporating more color into our wardrobes.
The source is the independent.co.uk website.
