As a fashion stylist assistant, I’m often asked if it’s okay to wear red and black together. The short answer is yes, you absolutely can wear red and black together stylistically. However, there are a few guidelines to follow to ensure your red and black outfit looks chic rather than dated or messy. In this article, we’ll explore how to successfully wear red with black through color theory fundamentals, pop culture references, celebrity examples, and styling do’s and don’ts.
The Fundamentals of Wearing Red and Black
In color theory, red and black are complementary colors, meaning they’re opposite each other on the color wheel. This contrast is eye-catching and makes for a bold color combination. However, complementary colors can also clash if not balanced properly. The key is to make one color more dominant. For red and black, black should serve as the anchoring neutral and red as the accent color.
A common concern with wearing red and black is that it looks overly dramatic or vampire-esque. However, there are ways to offset this Gothic vibe. Using red as a accent ensures the look doesn’t skew overly dark. You can also brighten up the palette with additional colors and prints. Finally, strategic styling and fabric choices help make red and black wearable for daytime.
Pop Culture Moments for Red and Black
Red and black have long been a favorite color combo for bold pop culture figures across the decades. In old Hollywood, femmes fatales like Marlene Dietrich often donned slinky red and black ensembles. Musical icons like The Beatles and Elvis Costello embraced a red and black aesthetic for their album covers and merch. In the 1980s, pop stars like Madonna and Whitney Houston wore red and black in music videos and concerts. More recently, Lady Gaga and Rihanna have rocked red and black looks on the red carpet.
On the menswear side, Michael Jackson memorably wore a red leather jacket with black pants in the Thriller video. Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day favors red and black as part of his punk stage style. In the 1990s, the popular Matrix franchise heavily utilized a red and black palette in their characters’ sleek futuristic wardrobes.
So while red and black may trigger Goth, biker, and rocker references in pop culture, it has also been embraced by mainstream artists and adapted in more polished ways.
Ways Celebrities Wear Red and Black
Many top Hollywood celebrities incorporate red and black in their looks, proving it can work for glamorous formalwear or casual daytime outfits. Here are some examples of how stars successfully style red with black:
- A black dress with red accents – Think Angelina Jolie’s iconic Atelier Versace gown with a thigh-high slit and red lipstick.
- A red dress with black accessories – Rihanna stunned in a red gown and black sandals on the Met Gala carpet.
- A black suit with a red shirt or bag – Jessica Chastain opts for this classic combo on the red carpet.
- An all-black outfit with a red lip and nails – Esta stone vamped it up with this look for a premiere.
- A casual chic look with black jeans and a red top – Katie Holmes does model-off-duty with this formula.
As you can see, old Hollywood glamour, formalwear, and casual looks can all work with red and black. The key is keeping the stylistic context in mind.
Do’s and Don’ts for Wearing Red and Black
Use these handy dos and don’ts when putting together your own red and black outfits:
Do:
- Make black the base color and red the accent
- Add metallics like gold or silver to brighten the palette
- Incorporate lighter tones like white, tan, or nude
- Try a muted maroon red rather than bright primary red
- Choose matte fabrics like wool or linen over shiny leather or vinyl
- Wear red and black for evening glam or weekend casual
Don’t:
- Wear bright/true red with solid black or vice versa – this can be jarring
- Style overly matchy looks, like a red shirt with black pants and red and black checked coat
- Go for an all-red outfit with black accessories like bag and shoes
- Pair vivid red with black for daytime business wear
- Opt for cheap-looking shiny fabrics like pleather – keep it luxe
Sample Red and Black Outfit Formulas
Here are some example red and black outfit formulas to follow:
| Occasion | Outfit Formula |
|---|---|
| Office | Black trousers or pencil skirt with red blouse or sweater |
| Date Night | Little black dress with red heels and lip |
| Casual Brunch | Black denim jacket over red dress and booties |
| Girls’ Night Out | Black jumpsuit with red clutch and jewelry |
| Cocktail Party | Black suit with red silk camisole underneath |
Tweak these guidelines by season, such as swapping out booties for sandals in summer. Having go-to formulas makes getting dressed easy while looking chic and pulled-together in red and black.
Conclusion
Red and black are classic, complementary colors that pack a stylish punch when worn together. By following some basic guidelines, this dramatic color pairing can work for day or night, dressy or casual outfits. Focus on making black the base and red the accent. Break up the darkness with metallics and lighter tones. Avoid cheap, synthetic fabrics. Most importantly, have fun with this striking color combination and make it your own!
