Selectively Bullish on Red
How to wear red at work without raising red flags.
Above from SS2026 runways, the red light top layer: Prada, Jil Sander, Prada, Chanel, Versace, Prada.January 20, 2026. Red has been one of the most persistent accent colors since 2025 and is forecast to remain strong in 2026, judging by runways at Balenciaga, Chanel, Celine, Givenchy, Loewe, Bottega Veneta, Prada, and Fendi. While there are slight variations in tone across collections, the dominant expression that emerges is scarlet—a clean, saturated red with clarity and bite. On the runway, while red is sometimes worn head-to-toe, it is also worn as an injection of color fors tark contrast against neutrals (black, camel, burgundy).
In professional environments, that distinction matters. The runway lesson for work is placement, not saturation. Red succeeds when it appears once, is structurally anchored, and is surrounded by neutrals or muted tones that absorb its intensity. If you are feeling too shy at first, try red via makeup (lips or nails), paired with otherwise minimal makeup. It adds polish without adding visual bulk to the outfit itself—an easy way to introduce red on days when the clothes need to stay quiet.
Shoes.
Red shoes are the safest—and often smartest—entry point. They sit far from the face, carry low visual risk, and read as confidence rather than expression. Think of them as punctuation, not a headline. For work, we particularly like kitten heels, low pumps, or slingbacks, which feel sharp without tipping into statement territory. (Below from SS2026 runways, the red shoes: Celine, Givenchy, Erdem, Givenchy, Alberta Ferretti, Alaïa.)
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A Knit Layer.
A fine-gauge red knit—worn under a blazer, coat, or trench—is one of the most effective office translations. Concealed rather than dominant, red reads as warmth and depth, not surface noise. Light turtlenecks, slim crewnecks, or delicate knits work best here. (Below from SS2026 runways, the red light top layer: Prada, Jil Sander, Prada, Chanel, Versace, Prada.)
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Small Accessories & Scarves.
These pieces succeed because they’re visually light and sit outside the outfit’s structural core. A red scarf against camel or grey, or a subtle ribbon in the hair, introduces red without committing the outfit to it—and can be removed easily if needed. (Below from SS2026 runways, the red small accessory: Celine, Celine, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Chanel.)
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