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Not long ago, I was sitting on my couch, scrolling through images of fuschia dresses, neon pink handbags, and baby pink heels in search of the perfect, trendy investment buy. I am a person who wears black year-round, so hot pink was a massive change for me—and not one that I clung to after seeing the Barbie movie for a third time this summer. However, the incoming fall season—because yes, it’s almost fall despite the sub-tropical weather outside—has presented me with a new trendy color to try: Red. 

I had tried to avoid the onset of what the rest of the internet was calling “Tomato Girl Fall.” Born and bred Italian as I am, dressing like my favorite fruit was not something I intended to do. At least, not until I looked back on the dozens or so collections from the Fall/Winter 2023 season and realized that red was, in fact, everywhere. Some designers, like Ferragamo, included red in several different forms within their respective collections. Other brands like Tibi only used it sparingly in the form of a bright cardigan or a pointed-toe ballet flat. 

Either way, I'm convinced that red is going to be my color for this season and the year ahead. Spoiler alert: The shade also popped up on some of the Spring/Summer 2024 runways, so it’s safe to assume that it will be around for a little while longer.

“I think red is trending as a fall-appropriate version of Barbiecore pink as people are looking to continue experiencing feelings of dominance, power, and enthusiasm in their wardrobe,” says Shakaila Forbes-Bell, a Fashion Psychologist and author of the book Big Dress Energy: How Fashion Psychology Can Transform Your Wardrobe and Your Confidence. “Historically, pink was often viewed as a watered-down version of red, so this tracks.”

Red is a “long wavelength color,” she continues. “When exposed to long wavelength colors like red, sympathetic neurons in our autonomic nervous system (ANS) become activated.” This means that activity is increased in the parts of our body that are affected by the ANS, like our liver, stomach, heart, or lungs. This, in turn, impacts our behavior, making us more “alert or reactive.” Forbes-Bell points to studies that have shown that “people are more aroused when their partner wears red makeup or clothing in romantic settings. Athletes have also been found to be more aggressive when wearing red uniforms.” So if you feel powerful wearing red, there could be a scientific reason for that.

Caroline Maguire, the Fashion Director at Shopbop, echoes this sentiment. “ To me, it’s a color that symbolizes luck and good fortune,” she says. “It has great energy and chi, which I think is a positive thing and perfect for the Fall 2023 season.” Maguire points to brands like SEA, Proenza Schouler, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and STAUD as brands that have mastered the trend for everyday wear.

“Red can be so versatile,” she says. “It pairs nicely with neutrals like khaki, olive, stone, or even ivory, but you can also be bold and pair red with other bright hues like hot pink—I LOVE pairing reds with any shade of pink.” This just goes to say that maybe you shouldn’t do away with your Barbie-themed pink pieces just yet. 

The inclusion of one new red piece into an otherwise neutral look is also a super simple way to update your collection for the new season. You’re not required to wear the hue from head to toe to look trendy. Sometimes, a single accessory like a pair of flaming hot-hued cashmere socks or a dainty hair bow can instantly transform your look.

No matter how you choose to wear red for fall, I’ve rounded up a few ideas to get you started. Below, You can shop red in every category, including a few fall dresses that come in the hue to a pair of dainty Mary Janes—one of Fall 2023’s biggest shoe trends—that channel Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz. Keep scrolling to see all the best picks

Best Red Tops

J.Crew Emilie Patch-Pocket Sweater Lady Jacket in Stripe

Tibi Soft Lambswool Distressed Vest

ANINE BING Jaci Sweatshirt

Zara Knit Zip Sweater

H&M Rib-Knit Mock Turtleneck Top

M.M.LaFleur The Eloise Vest - Cable Knit

Best Red Bottoms

NIA Ravello Skirt

Theory Double Pleat Straight Leg Pants

Hill House Home The Florence Nap Skirt

Rolla's Sailor Jean

H&M Knot-Detail Skirt

Urban Renewal Remnants Textured Floral Jacquard Column Maxi Skirt

Best Red Dresses

3.1 Phillip Lim Cotton Voile Midi Dress with Smocking

Norma Kamali Diana Gown

Free People Cooper Maxi Dress

Banana Republic Aicha Maxi Sweater Dress

Diesel D-Ruchi Mini Dress

Zara Flowy Draped Fitted Dress

Best Red Jackets

Mango Pocket Tweed Jacket

ba&sh Zeo Cropped Puffer Jacket

Alice + Olivia Landon Cropped Tweed Jacket

By Anthropologie Faux Leather Vest

Best Red Bags

Tory Burch Lee Radziwill Leather Cat Eye Bag

Puppets and Puppets Small Rose Top Handle Bag

Florian London Ava Bag

Longchamp Small Le Pliage Energy Recycled Canvas Crossbody Bag

Proenza Schouler White Label Large Morris Coated Canvas Tote

St. Agni Mini Bon Bon Suede Bag

Best Red Shoes

Mango Patent Leather Shoes

Ganni Red Wide Welt Buckle Ballerinas

Sam Edelman Vance Knee Boot

Kate Spade New York Martiza 65MM Pointed Slingback Pumps

Gola Hawk Sneakers

Vince Venice Leather Slingback Flats

Best Red Accessories

Le Bon Shoppe Her Socks

Quince Featherweight Cashmere Silk Frayed Edge Scarf

Urban Outfitters Satin Bow Hair Slide 6-Pack Set

Loewe Cat Eye Sunglasses, 54mm

SHUSHU/TONG Silver YVMIN Edition Enamel Flower Pave Earrings

Mejuri Gumball Pearl Reversible Hoops

Best Red Beauty Products

Glossier Candle in "Glossier You"

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

Chanel LE VERNIS Longwear Nail Color in "151 Pirate"

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner

Tata Harper Crème Blush in "Naughty"

Bobbi Brown Dual-Ended Long-Wear Waterproof Cream Eyeshadow Stick

Meet the Experts

Shakaila Forbes-Bell is a Fashion Psychologist, consultant, speaker, podcaster, founder of the platform 'Fashion is Psychology' and best-selling author of the book “Big Dress Energy”. Throughout her career, she has worked with global fashion brands, including Depop, Maybelline, Next, eBay and Stitch Fix, and is the current in-house fashion psychologist for Afterpay. She has lent her expert insights to This Morning (ITV), Lorraine (ITV), ‘‘How Do They Do It’ (Channel 5), Breakfast Television in Canada and NBCLx in the USA. She has by-lines in Mr Porter, Marie Claire and i-D, has been profiled in Sunday Times Style, Business Insider and Forbes and has been featured in numerous global publications such as Business of Fashion, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue Business and more.

As Shopbop Fashion Director, Caroline Maguire brings her signature style, keen eye, and over 15 years of industry experience to the role. Since joining the organization in April 2016, Caroline has partnered closely with creative, buying, PR, and marketing team members to determine fashion direction across the company. She also serves as Shopbop’s primary brand ambassador in press interviews and media appearances, and delivers key style takeaways to the customer in creative onsite editorials.

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