Let’s take red.

No matter where we are or what we’re doing, red always commands attention. It’s stimulating, active, and bright.

Red speaks of vitality – carnal desires, health, passion, determination, the sheer will to live. It’s also tied to instinct, courage, aggression, and raw energy. No wonder it excites and warms us.

Red feels like a beginning. A woman in red is noticed – seen as energetic, ready to prove herself, ready to start something new.

On a physiological level, red makes quite an impact:
• stirs the endocrine system,
• boosts adrenaline,
• connects with reproductive energy,
• raises circulation, body temperature, and blood pressure,
• activates muscles and joints,
• and even increases efficiency, especially welcome when we’re feeling sluggish.

Red has long been associated with fire, blood, life, energy, danger, rage, war, destruction, strength, leadership, power, potency, passion, desire, and love.

It’s often the color of leaders – ambitious, energetic, domineering, confident, brave, quick-tempered, strong-willed, and unwilling to settle for routine. Red brings intensity, courage, and a push to act.

Still, not everyone feels comfortable with it. Avoiding red often reflects either over-excitement or low energy. For some, it can feel overwhelming, threatening, or too much for those sensitive to conflict.

In fashion, women in red are often perceived as alluring, while men in red appear more aggressive. But of course, context matters, and the shade makes all the difference.

And red has many shades – pink, alizarin, amaranth, coral, cerise, scarlet, crimson, magenta, burgundy, maroon… each with its own mood.

Here’s how different reds tell different stories:

So many ways to wear red, and each one creates a different impression.

The Secret to Wearing Red Without Guesswork

Red has a way of making an entrance. It grabs attention, energizes, and adds instant life to any outfit. It’s both simple and surprisingly complex: simple because it naturally stands out, and complex because among hundreds of shades – from warm to cool – it can be tricky to find the ones that truly glow with our natural coloring.

The “perfect” red is really about harmony with our coloring or color season. Warm reds flatter warm palettes; cool reds suit cool palettes. Choosing reds aligned with our personal palette – whether in clothing, accessories, or makeup – can make the difference between looking tired and looking radiant.

For example:
Winters: Hot pink, magenta, ruby red, burgundy
Summers: Dusty rose, crimson, strawberry, raspberry
Springs: Coral pink, hot coral, watermelon, salmon
Autumns: Brick red, cardinal, cinnabar, tomato

Quick tip: If red isn’t in our Power Colors™ or DNA Colors™ palettes – or if wearing it feels bold – adding a couple of striking red accessories, like shoes or a handbag, can still make a stylish statement.

The Takeaway

Not all reds are created equal. The right shade can warm us, empower us, and make us shine – while the wrong one can wash us out or feel heavy and overpowering. When we find our reds, the ones that harmonize with our natural coloring, we don’t just wear the color… we wear confidence.

The good news: We don’t have to figure it out alone.
Many of us weren’t taught how to pick colors that highlight our natural beauty, but it’s never too late to learn. That’s where understanding your Personal Color Code™ comes in.

Through our webinars and training programs, women are discovering how to move past random color choices or predictable black-and-white closets and embrace a personal style that celebrates individuality.

And since style is personal, I’d love to hear from you. What is the #1 struggle or challenge you’re dealing with when it comes to expressing your true self - your personal style, wardrobe, and getting dressed?

Click the button below and share your thoughts. I’ll be reading every response.