Some trends are born on the catwalk and some are born on the streets. This season's look led by street stylers, models and editors alike? Head-to-toe red.
Back in August, we tipped the colour to be the shade of autumn, thanks to everyone from Dior to Balenciaga via Valentino and Ashish featuring red in their AW17 collections. After the February shows, Instagram followed suit, with Freja Wewer, Emili Sindlev, Reese Blutstein and Jeanne Damas all donning the colour. So what's changed between then and now? Rather than pairing a red blazer with your blue jeans, or choosing a red bag to complete your get-up, girls on the street have made it clear: it's time to go all-in and colour block from head to toe.
Not sure where to start? The street style in New York, London, Milan and Paris this SS18 is all the inspiration you need. Go all-out with a red maxi dress and boots or mix prints, shades and fabrics for a patchwork of the timeless colour. Much like lipstick, there's a red to suit everyone, whether you're more burgundy (go for plush velvets) or pillar box (grab a scene-stealing suit).
This season, go bold or go home. Click through to see our favourite styling tips, straight from the streets of fashion month.
Suit Up
Perhaps the most versatile way to colour block your red, the suit is both workwear-appropriate and casually cool enough for evenings and weekends when paired with trainers and a cute neckerchief.
Reference everyone from Bowie to Jagger with a bold two-piece and wear any which way you like; the looser fitting, the more relaxed – ideal for layering over roll-necks come winter. Here Hannah Almassi, editorial director of Who What Wear UK, pairs her Mango suit with Uterqüe sandals.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
This peg-leg style looks fierce with stiletto heels or mules.
Zara Double Breasted Jacket, £79.99, and Trousers, £29.99, available at Zara
The perfect fit: the shoulders are sharp and the trousers are flared.
Gabriela Hearst Angela Wool-Blend Blazer, £1,225, and Flared Pants, £785, available at Net-A-Porter
Dress It Up (Or Down)
Midi floral dresses really aren't going anywhere, so invest in one from Ganni or Topshop to see you through each season. Now it's autumn, we're wearing our red-toned botanicals with knee-high patent boots. The contrast of prim and sexy makes for the perfect texture clash.
Pandora Sykes wears her Magda Butrym floral dress with knee-high scarlet boots.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
The dipped hem of this Boutique dress is ideal with a pair of high-shine boots peeping out underneath.
Topshop Silk Poppy Skater Dress By Boutique, £120, available at Topshop
If patent or vinyl is too bold for you, this Uterqüe matte pair is a good choice.
Uterqüe Red High-Heel Knee-High Boots, £200, available at Uterqüe
Another beauty from H&M – when it gets colder, we'll be layering this with everything from knitwear to poplin shirts.
H&M Frilled Dress, £49.99, available at H&M
Keep It Casual
Want to try your hand at the trend but not one for dressing up? No problem – just paint your streetwear red. Relaxed trousers and oversized knits are the most comfortable autumn attire, and in recent seasons have evolved into workwear (praise be). Team with your best heels to sharpen the look, or keep it cool with box-fresh sneaks at the weekend.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Whistles is our go-to for winter knits.
Whistles Funnel Neck Wool Knit, £109, available at Whistles
Racing stripes? Tick. Ankle-skimming length? Tick. Red? Tick. Cheers, Gigi.
Tommy Hilfiger x Gigi Hadid Flared High-Rise Jersey Jogging Bottoms, £115, available at Selfridges
This wine-coloured piece from Max Mara is super luxurious.
Max Mara Belgio Textured Wool-Blend Turtleneck Sweater, £265, available at Net-A-Porter
COS brings the goods once again; this red-brick tone is great for clashing shades.
COS Knitted Wide-Leg Trousers, £79, available at COS
Cover Up
It'd be remiss of us to leave outerwear out of the equation. We're nothing in winter without warmth, so paint the town red with your coats and jackets. Go for interesting textures like this teddy bear shag – extra points for layering over an already-red get-up.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
We're fans of anything oversized and this H&M coat is a classic that will see you through, year on year.
H&M Wool-Blend Coat, £99.99, available at H&M
This Max Mara piece would be like taking your duvet to work. We're sold.
Max Mara Pappino Oversized Camel Hair and Silk-Blend Coat, £1,740, available at Net-A-Porter
For those who need to keep it smart, a more tailored fit.
MO&Co. Worsted Wool-Blend Coat, £125, available at Selfridges
Velvet Underground
Back in July, we made a case for jewel-toned velvet in summer and the crushed texture is staying put for autumn. A more exciting way to tackle red-to-toe, the sumptuous feel of velvet is perfect for this time of year. Wear via two-pieces, smoking jackets and boots.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
This jacket feels regal, particularly when layered over a heritage floral.
Mango Velvet Blazer, £89.99, available at Mango
Alexachung's line is filling up our Christmas list too quickly. We'll take this party dress for NYE, please.
Alexachung Bow-Embellished Velvet Dress, £410, available at Net-A-Porter
Wear with loose red trousers, sock boots and a black knit.
Racil Windsor Velvet Coat, £625, available at Selfridges
High Shine
Patent, vinyl, high-shine...whatever you're calling this futuristic fabric, the main thing is that you load your winter wardrobe with it. We wore black patent trenches last autumn for sci-fi vibes but now we're choosing pieces in cherry, crimson and scarlet.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Miss Selfridge may have been your go-to in year 10 for Saturday night party dresses, but it's getting an aesthetic overhaul – this mac is a good indication of where it's headed.
Miss Selfridge Red Vinyl Mac, £59, available at Miss Selfridge
No introduction needed. We're pairing these boots with anything and everything we own.
Zara Gathered Leather Over The Knee High Heel Boots, £129, available at Zara
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