Wardrobing: Your style issues sorted

Q I've just bought a bright red cocktail dress and I have no idea how to wear it, because it's that little bit too sexy. It fits and looks great, but every time I put it on, I end up leaving it on the hanger and stuffing it in the back of the wardrobe. I feel like I'm not brave enough to wear such a glamorous, out-there colour, liked I'm calling too much attention to myself. Sinéad, Co Cork

A Sinéad, if wearing a red dress is a sign of courage, then I dread to think what obstacles you face just leaving the house and going to the cornershop. You have definitely done braver things than wear a red dress. Secondly, you're from Cork, so you're perfectly situated to wear red anywhere, any time, for any reason (you don't have to be on the recently victorious camogie team).

It’s an outdated, irrelevant throwback to the tired “scarlet woman” stereotype. We shouldn’t be afraid to wear red. In a sense, wearing red is an act of bravery, because it rails against that viewpoint.

Even the celebs are getting in on the act, although a red floor with a red gown creates an optical illusion, leaving said celebrities looking as if they were part of the furniture. It’s time for a change. It’s perfectly acceptable for the red carpet to match the drapes. Sex appeal is in.

That said, if you want to tone down the all-in allure of red, then a touch of androgyny will balance it out. Think oversized men's jackets and practical shoes, slicked-back hair and natural make-up. And if it just isn't very you, that's okay too. The merest splash of red can be very effective. Cos has a great crimson hat and glove set coming this autumn.

Email sarah@thelicentiate.com with your wardrobe woes

(R-L) Dress, €31, Rare London. Carmen Dress by Victoria Beckham, €445, Brown Thomas. Slip Dress, €42, Topshop