Choosing the right colors to pair with red can make all the difference in an outfit. The color that you combine with red will impact the overall look and feel of your attire. When selecting a color to complement red clothing, hair or accessories, keep in mind that some shades will make the red pop while others may clash. The goal is to find a hue that makes the red stand out in a harmonious way.
Quick Answer
The color that brings out red the most is green. Green and red are complementary colors opposite each other on the color wheel. This contrast makes them really stand out when paired together. Other colors that make red pop include fellow primary colors blue and yellow. Neutral shades like white, black and gray also help red stand out and look vibrant.
Why Green Brings Out Red
Green is the best color for bringing out red due to the strong visual contrast between the two shades. Green and red are complementary colors, meaning they are directly opposite each other on the color wheel. This creates a vibrant pop of color when the two hues are combined.
The contrast is partly due to the difference in light wavelength reflected by green and red. Red has the longest wavelength while green has a much shorter one, so they have maximum contrast in terms of hue. In addition, green and red are both primary colors, so they have a high level of intensity when paired.
Since green and red are opposites, they attract attention and stand out when combined. The high contrast creates visual interest. At the same time, the complementary colors balance each other out so the pairing isn’t jarring. Overall, green makes red look more noticeable and vivid.
Other Colors That Complement Red
While green brings out red the most, there are several other hues that also complement and accentuate the bold shade nicely:
Blue
Like green, blue is a primary color that stands out against red. Blue has a calming effect that can tone down the intensity of red without dulling it. Darker blues like navy pair especially well with red. Light and bright reds also pop against pale blues.
Yellow
Another primary color, yellow grabs attention and livens up red even more. However, too much red and yellow can be overwhelming, so aim for softer tones. Mustard yellow, pale yellow, ochre and orangey corals help make red lively but not garish.
White
White acts as a neutral canvas that allows the true nature of red to shine. It lightens and brightens the red without competing. Crisp white backgrounds and accents let red make a bold statement.
Black
The classic pairing of black and red is high-contrast yet stylish. Deep black makes red look richer. Black’s neutrality also focuses attention on the red. Use accessories like belts or shoes to add black to red outfits.
Gray
For a more subtle contrast, pair red with gray. Medium grays enhance red’s intensity while softening its impact. Charcoal gray and darker silvers work well, as does heathered gray.
Choosing the Right Shade of Red
The specific shade of red you’re working with impacts which hues complement it best:
Dark red
Deep reds like burgundy, maroon and oxblood look beautiful with charcoal gray, navy blue, hunter green, black and dark brown.
Bright red
Vivid reds like cherry, fire engine and crimson work well with white, light gray, royal blue, pale yellow and lime green.
Orange-red
Warm shades like tomato, coral and rust pair nicely with turquoise, peach, cream, moss green and brown.
Pink-red
Cooler reds with a pinkish tinge such as fuchsia and ruby look pretty with emerald, lavender, robin’s egg blue, pink and peach.
Tips for Combining Red and Green
Since green is the best match for red, here are some tips for wearing these complementary colors together:
– For more contrast, pair bright versions of red and green like cherry red with lime green. For a more subtle look, try burgundy with sage green.
– Use one color as an accent by pairing a green top with red pants or accessorizing a red dress with emerald jewelry.
– Alternate red and green pieces, like a striped top and plaid bottoms. This helps the colors complement each other instead of competing.
– Add a neutral third color like white, tan or brown so the red and green don’t become overwhelming.
– Think about undertones so the shades of red and green flatter each other. Pair clear bluesy greens with pinky reds and yellowy greens with orangesy reds.
– Use red and green in different textures, such as a red satin blouse and green linen pants. This adds visual interest.
How to Use Color Combinations
Once you’ve identified colors that complement the red clothing or accessories you want to wear, it’s time to use them for maximum impact. Here are some ways to effectively combine colors with red for stylish looks:
Mono-chromatic
Stick to shades of red like pairing maroon pants with a red top. This mono-chromatic scheme is bold yet sophisticated. Add small accents in green, white or black.
Red focal point
Make red the star of your outfit by pairing it with neutral colors. Try a little red dress with nude heels and accessories.
Color blocking
Use blocks of color next to each other like a red skirt with a green shirt. Thisdirect contrast draws the eye to the colors.
Pattern mixing
Pair red and green patterns such as buffalo check with houndstooth. Start with small accents before combining full red and green prints.
Tonal
Mix different shades of red from light pink to maroon to create a tonal look. Incorporate some green as an accent.
Triadic
Use three colors equally spaced on the color wheel such as red, yellow and blue. This color harmony grabs attention.
Achieving Color Balance
Whichever color combinations you use, aim for balance so one shade doesn’t overpower the other:
– Use about equal parts of each color. Too much red paired with a little green may become Christmasy.
– Try 60% dominant color, 30% secondary color, 10% accent color. This creates a focal point.
– Alternate placement of colors throughout the outfit rather than having one color up top and one on bottom.
– Use a lighter and darker version of each color so there is some variation in shading.
– Incorporate neutrals like black, white or tan to tone down bright color combos.
– Limit accents to two or three bold colors so it’s not chaotic.
– Choose colors of a similar intensity so one doesn’t stand out too much.
What to Avoid with Red
Some color combinations don’t complement red well. Colors to avoid include:
– Brown: Brown has red undertones so pairing the two browns out the red and looks muddy.
– Pure orange: This creates too much contrast with red and is jarring. Try burnt orange instead.
– Neon colors: Pairing brights like electric purple overwhelms the red. Subtle pastels work better.
– Red and pink: This can look dated and overly sweet. Use one shade as an accent.
– Too many competing colors: More than three bold colors alongside red looks messy. Stick to two complementary hues.
– Matching red top and bottom: Wearing head to toe red overwhelms the eye. Break it up with other colors.
– Red and black checked patterns: This traditional pairing can appear dull and flat without enough contrast.
Conclusion
Green is the number one color that highlights red for an eye-catching yet balanced look. The complementary colors attract attention while their contrast showcases the best of both shades. But don’t be afraid to experiment with other hues like blue, yellow, white and black to accompany your favorite red outfits. Just be sure to use color combinations thoughtfully by selecting shades of similar intensities in pleasing proportions. With some practice, you’ll be able to unlock the power of color pairing to make any red clothing or accessory pop.
| Color | Why it complements red |
|---|---|
| Green | Complementary color on the color wheel; creates strong visual contrast |
| Blue | Primary color; dark blues are sophisticated with red |
| Yellow | Primary color; brightens up red for an energetic pairing |
| White | Neutral brightness allows red to stand out |
| Black | Classic and stylish; makes red look richer |
| Gray | Subtle contrast softens and enhances red |
