Red-letter day: Fashion goes rouge for Valentine’s

Wear it loud, wear it soft; there’s a shade of red for everyone

From Valentino Haute Couture 2022
From Valentino Haute Couture 2022

Valentine’s Day is here and, with it, its traditional association with all shades of red (there are said to be about 90 different tones).

Love You Fur Ever earrings, €25, Om Diva
Love You Fur Ever earrings, €25, Om Diva
Derry dress in red needlecord, £425, cabbagesandroses.com
Derry dress in red needlecord, £425, cabbagesandroses.com
Crossbody red leather bag by Demellier, €430, at Arnotts
Crossbody red leather bag by Demellier, €430, at Arnotts
Sequinned flat with red tassel by Nicki Hoyne, €205, Brown Thomas
Sequinned flat with red tassel by Nicki Hoyne, €205, Brown Thomas

The colour commands attention, raises the pulse and quickens the heartbeat, so it’s not surprising it’s on the radar come February whether fire engine red, cranberry, Venetian red, magenta, fuschia or vermilion. Here are some ways to introduce it to your wardrobe.

Paper bag skirt in red needlecord £275 with long blue cable knit, £230, cabbagesandroses.com
Paper bag skirt in red needlecord £275 with long blue cable knit, £230, cabbagesandroses.com
Multi-coloured scarf, €160, Weekend MaxMara at Arnotts
Multi-coloured scarf, €160, Weekend MaxMara at Arnotts
Double breasted red blazer Arteusa, €295, Marella at Arnotts
Double breasted red blazer Arteusa, €295, Marella at Arnotts
Pink knitted cardigan, €88, from Oasis
Pink knitted cardigan, €88, from Oasis
Red and pink heart print jumper, €25, Dunnes Stores
Red and pink heart print jumper, €25, Dunnes Stores
Stripe knit by Munthe, €240, Arnotts
Stripe knit by Munthe, €240, Arnotts
Chain printed mini dress from Marella Odeon, €270, at Arnotts
Chain printed mini dress from Marella Odeon, €270, at Arnotts
A model walks the runway at the Richard Quinn show during London Fashion Week February 2020. Photograph: Estrop/Getty
A model walks the runway at the Richard Quinn show during London Fashion Week February 2020. Photograph: Estrop/Getty
Jewelled power crown, €165, by Margaret O Connor margaretoconnor.ie
Jewelled power crown, €165, by Margaret O Connor margaretoconnor.ie