When Lady Starmer chose to wear a tomato red midi dress from high street brand ME+EM for her debut at 10 Downing Street, it marked the start of the “little red dress” trend.
Indeed, within hours of her appearance, the £275 collection had sold out, clearly demonstrating that the public wanted to own the look.
Others who have recently worn red include Melania Trump, who wore a Republican red Valentino dress to a political fundraiser in Manhattan last week, and Queen Letizia of Spain, who nodded to the national colors in a red Carolina Herrera dress to welcome the European soccer champion.
Even our former Prime Minister Liz Truss jumped on the trend, choosing a red dress for the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee (stealth was not her strong suit).
Of course, it’s no surprise that the wife of the new Labour Prime Minister has chosen to wear red – it’s a no-brainer attire decision that shows you understand the task.
However, it can be a difficult color to achieve, especially since it has historically had a rather risky reputation. In Hollywood, red dresses are often used as shorthand for femme fatale, such as Scarlett O’Hara Gone like the wind or Julia Roberts Beautiful woman.
And many women are definitely nervous about wearing this colour that screams ‘look at me’. But as Lady Starmer proves, there’s no reason why LRD can’t be a sleek, wearable part of your summer wardrobe – if it’s done right.
“The joy of a red dress is that it’s impactful and yet requires little thought beyond some carefully chosen accessories,” says stylist Lucy Walker. “It’s a powerful piece of clothing with a feminine kick.”
“Red is such a bold colour that it’s hard not to be drawn into its associations with stop signs, danger, sex and certain political allegiances before we even think about which colour looks best on us,” says Alexandra Fullerton, stylist and founder of my3words.co.
“Different colors have different cultural meanings around the world, but regardless of local traditions, red light waves reach our retinas deeper than any other hue. When combined, this makes for a powerful choice in appearance, especially when used for a dress that is a bigger visual statement than individual pieces such as a skirt, top, jacket or accessory.”
Wearing red has also been proven to have psychological benefits for how others see you, as fashion psychologist Dr. Dion Terrelonge explains: “We are naturally drawn to the color red because it is easy for our eyes to see in our environment; it is noticeable.
“When someone wears red, it helps them stand out from the crowd. A person wearing red is perceived as confident or exuding power – and by associating with that, it can make us feel the same way about ourselves.”
When it comes to how to choose the right LRD for you, Walker says fabric and cut are especially important. “Look for fabrics that feel expensive, like crepe, silk, and wool,” she explains. “Stick to simple, minimal shapes that go at least to a midi length, and avoid anything revealing or body-hugging. Color is also important. Some wear bright, orangey reds beautifully, and others look much better in shades of blue.”
Needless to say, there are some situations where a red dress would probably not be appropriate (weddings are generally off-limits, especially if the bride is Indian, as she will also be wearing red), but it is certainly possible to design a dress for the office, for example.
Look for extra coverage, such as longer sleeve and skirt lengths and higher collars, and pay attention to suit details such as pockets and lapels. Keep your accessories and jewellery simple and minimal, too, so you avoid looking like you’re wearing a special occasion outfit.
“I usually leave it in my wardrobe for the workday, unless it’s a board meeting or an after-work event,” Walker says. “Wear your red dress when you want to lift your mood and make a strong impact. Pair it with kitten heels and carefully selected, minimal modern jewelry.”
“A well-chosen red dress can work for any occasion,” says Fullerton. “Be prepared to be noticed more than if you chose a safe LBD or a conservative (small C) shade of blue.
“The right red dress, however, is less about the actual colour and more about the silhouette and style you choose. Whether you choose a sleek structured shape for a speech, a flowing, bohemian embroidered kaftan style for a relaxed beach club lunch, or a puff-sleeved cottagecore design for manning a stall at a village fete, red is a cheerful, dopamine-inducing colour that can be worn in any social setting.”
And while designers like Roksanda, Victoria Beckham and Emilia Wickstead all offer great colourblock options, there’s plenty to choose from on the high street too. Ro&Zo at John Lewis has a statement coral midi in a heavyweight linen blend, with fun puff sleeves and a buttoned detail on the bodice. Meanwhile, Cos has a gorgeous high-necked knit version with a ruffled hem and a darker burgundy shade.
One last tip? Avoid anything frilly unless you want to look like the dancing lady emoji.
Try these…
Ponte jersey, £250, ME+EM
Ponte jersey, £250, ME+EM
Jacquard, £255, Rixo
Linen, £139, Align
Reformation Puff Sleeve, hire from £51.23, Hiiiiiiii
Organic cotton dress, £85, Nobody’s Child