From The Straits Times    |
red after cny 200.jpg

Much as we love our festive colours, bright hues like red may not work so well post-Chinese New Year, as part of our daily outfits. You’re not alone if you find these wardrobe problems familiar but don’t throw away those red items yet.

To plan ahead, we list the most common problems with wearing this fiery hue, along with how to get more ‘wear’ out of your red buys.

Situation 1: Your fire-engine red dress makes you look like a restaurant waitress.

britney red, 6 ways to wear red after Chinese New Year

Not a good colour or fit on a pop star like Britney and not for you either

It looks good for day one of the Lunar New Year; it obviously pleases the elder folks too, but to wear it in the office?

Solution: Matching a vivid red with black can look too severe; why not soften the look for the office by opting for navy.

saturdayclub red dress, 6 ways to wear red after Chinese New Year

Crepe dress, $48 from Saturday Club. Image: Saturday Club

A structured dark denim jacket as seen here will easily do the trick. Try to get a dress at midi length and longer sleeves to make your purchase more work-appropriate too.

Alternatively, try shopping for dresses in a few tones darker or in an abstract print like this style from H&M.

Hm dress1, 6 ways to wear red after Chinese New Year

Viscose dress, $24.90 from H&M, leather cord bead bracelet, $175 from Bimba y lola. Image: Jasper Yu/ herworldPLUS; read the full story here.

Situation 2: Your red shoes look like Dorothy’s from The Wizard of Oz.

Unfortunately these work no fashion magic for you. It’s the case of the shoe being too loud for your personal style; you’ll wear it once for this festive period and then never ever again.

Solution: Think of it this way: These can become your go-to party shoe instead. Black dress, red heels; that’s a combination that can’t go wrong, right? Repetto ballerina flat.jpg

Patent leather shoe, $420 from Repetto. Image: Repetto

It’s also a helpful reminder to shop for styles that you actually wear on a daily basis, like the ballerina flat. Avoid grabbing a pair of red stilettos for the Lunar New Year if you’re not really a heel-wearing office lady.

Situation 3: Your red pants or jumpsuit look more ‘getai’ (Chinese stage attire) than ‘OL’ chic.

It looked brilliant on the model. But when you’re putting it on, you look too much like you’re wearing the Singapore flag or a stage costume.

 Emma stone in red pantsuit, 6 ways to wear red after Chinese New Year

For most part, only slim and svelte Emma Stone looks this good in full red.

Solution: The same discerning rules apply: If it’s in a style that you’re unused to wearing, don’t get it in bright red. Simple pant styles work best, like with straight-cut pants.

Situation 4: You bought a mini red bag that’s too loud to go with any outfit.

The bag was so cute, that you couldn’t resist! But what could you possibly style with it? That’s why it’s still sitting in its dust bag, somewhere in your room.

Solution: Before you make your purchase, ask yourself this; how many outfits can you pair with this bag? If you can think of only three or less, seriously, don’t buy it.

shopthemag matter matters red bucket bag, 6 ways to wear red after Chinese New Year

Matter Matters leather bucket bag, $789 from Cool-Find. 

 Burberry Banner bag small, 6 ways to wear red after Chinese New Year

Banner Leather bag, $2,395 from Burberry. Image: Burberry 

Be realistic about the bag size too. If you’re going to have to carry an extra tote to store all of your ‘extra’ essentials, the petite handbag — no matter how adorable it is — will not do for you.

Situation 5: Your tight red skirt doesn’t match any of the tops that you own.

This is why you’re not wearing it at all, not even for the Chinese New Year visits. Yes, you do have that basic top but you still don’t feel comfortable with wearing this skirt out …

not red but blue, 6 ways to wear red after Chinese New Year

Solution: Like with the bag situation, resist the urge to buy a style that doesn’t really match your existing wardrobe. Bandage skirts, micro mini skirts are a no-no; you’ll want your skirt to look classy, not tacky in the office. The midi should be the preferred length.

zalora skirt1, 6 ways to wear red after Chinese New Year

Cotton midi skirt, $36 from Zalora

Try picking a more subdued tone like burgundy, or opt for a more versatile print like tartan that is more easy on the eye.  

Situation 6: Your red top is too flashy to wear after Chinese New Year.
It’s bright, ill-fitting and shiny; possibly the worst combination ever.

Solution: Avoid light-catching fabrics like satin that can make the top look cheaper than it is. 

igc red top, 6 ways to wear red after Chinese New Year

Bonded cotton top, $119 from In Good Company

Local label In Good Company for instance, has a good selection of bonded cotton tops and dresses in red, yet it’s a safe notch below the fire engine tone.

You can also try these other lucky colours; find out the auspicious hues for your zodiac in the Year of the Goat.

 

STOCKISTS
BIMBA Y LOLA, ION Orchard, #B1-04.
BURBERRY, ION Orchard, #02-16/17/18.
COOL-FIND THE ONLINE STORE, http://stm.cool-find.com.
H&M, Orchard Building.
IN GOOD COMPANY, Tangs Orchard, Level 2 and http://www.ingoodcompany.asia.  
REPETTO, ION Orchard, #03-15B.
SATURDAY CLUB, http://saturdayclub.com.
ZALORA, http://www.zalora.sg.

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