Reading on Red: what is it about a red dress?

The red fashion trend has been simmering for several seasons now—and it’s set to be the hottest colour for autumn. With hues ranging from Baywatch swimsuits to an especially striking sunset to a rich barolo, red is a re-energizing colour, whether in the office or strolling to dinner.

For millennia, red clothing was a sign of status—the intense tone ensuring that the rich and powerful were the centre of attention. As a colour of strength, crimson was worn by the Spartans in battle, and in Rome, it symbolized the god of war, Mars. The Venetians were incredibly clever at working with scarlet dye. They dressed many dignitaries and religious leaders in the colour that symbolised willpower above all. 

In the Middle Ages, red became associated with prostitution, but by the French Revolution, it was worn by all manner of women to show their rebellious streak and to challenge traditional gender roles. (Red, a ‘strong’ colour, was usually reserved for men.) Moving right along to the Victorian era, red was a secret symbol of a woman’s provocative and alluring nature.

Still today, red is the colour of the blood that pumps through our heart, perhaps even faster if we see someone walk down the road in an LRD (little red dress). Some of pop-cuture’s most memorable dresses – from Betty Boo’s sweetheart mini in the cartoons to Julia Roberts’ off-the-shoulder gown in Pretty Woman and Cameron Diaz’s tight dress in The Mask – all have the powerful colour to thank for lasting impact.

The highly charged colour has become emblematic of our highly charged times, too. With millennial pink a mere twinkle in our eye, women are stepping into their power by stepping into a red dress. Yes, it can carry so many connotations when hanging on the rack, but it transcends trends and undertones when a woman wears red with a knowing wink. 

Online at Reformation, there are not one or two but 114 red dresses to shop. From the ‘sundress’ to halternecks and picnic checks – there is a full spectrum of styles to find your match. Also putting on a passionate display is Realisation, with a selection of their silk georgette and crepe de chine dresses in pops of red. Jacquemus offers rouge accessories and dresses that deserve a matching lip as part of its cherry obsession. For the romantics, Rixo’s patterned red dresses have all the frills but can be thrown on without fuss. 

Those who plan ahead can keep that red-hot feeling into winter. All you need to do is pick up a pair of red tights and layer them under your favourite frock. Swedish Stockings offers both a burgundy and a sharp red; Calzedonia’s soft-touch 50-denier tights come in a light and dark red, while Falke’s 30-denier approach is a little more sexy and sheer.

Behold, now is the time to be bold.

Jessica-Belle Greer is a freelance writer based in the UK.