6 street style-approved ways to wear red this National Day

Let Yoyo Cao, Diya Prabhakar, Zoe Tay and Hannah Cheng-Bradshaw inspire your National Day get up

Wear Red
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The colour red symbolises many things to different people across the world. On our shores, it is used to represent unity in our flag and on every National Day, we wear the vermillion hue with pride to celebrate our country’s achievements — and this year will be no different. Okay, maybe just a little.

(Read also "The Best National Day Feasts For Delivery And Takeaway")

Even as the National Day Parade is postponed to a later date, what’s to stop us from donning red on August 9? Here, we take inspiration from some of our favourite style stars.

1. Business Casual

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If you’re celebrating this special occasion with your loved ones at home, why not play dress up and do like Yoyo Cao and put on a blazer? It doesn’t even have to be completely red; subtle pops of colour is key here. Wear it over a black lace camisole tucked into pair of leather shorts or your favourite maxi skirt and you’ve got yourself an Instagram-perfect National Day outfit.

Straight Linen Blazer, S$139, Zara

Credit: Zara
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Double-Breasted Velvet-Trimmed Checked Wool Blazer, S$3,407, Alexander McQueen at Net-a-Porter

Credit: Net-a-Porter
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Sleeveless Belted Technical-Gabardine Jacket, S$3,860, Valentino at Matchesfashion

Credit: Matchesfashion
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2. Do It With A Playsuit

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Playsuit—or jumpsuit—is a great way to wear red without the hassle of mixing and matching pieces together.

Bow-Detailed Floral-Print Cotton-Blend Poplin Playsuit, S$824, Oscar de le Renta at Net-a-Porter

Credit: Net-a-Porter
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Asymmetric Satin Jumpsuit, S$99.90, Zara

Credit: Zara
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Flounce-trimmed playsuit, H&M

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3. Say Yes To Babydoll Dresses

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Dressing up should be fun, and since there’s no dress code for when you’re at home, put on your frilliest, puffiest babydoll dress and have a ball.

Crochet-Trimmed Cotton-Blend Corded Lace Mini Dress, S$186, Self-Portrait at Net-a-Porter

Credit: Net-a-Porter
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Shell-Print Puff-Sleeve Dress, S$816, Kika Vargas at Farfetch

Credit: Farfetch
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Floral Appliqué Tulle Mini Dress, S$1,328, Loulou at Farfetch

Credit: Farfetch
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4. Shorts Story

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Shorts are one of the staples in all our wardrobes, especially in Singapore where it’s hot and humid. Follow in Kaci‘s footsteps and wear it with a cropped top or with an oversized shirt, half-tucked. To up the ante, go with printed, flared or tailored shorts to complete the look.

Flared High-Waisted Shorts, S$296, Styland at Farfetch

Credit: Farfetch
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Skort With Bow, S$49.90, Zara

Credit: Zara
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V-logo belt pleated toile shorts, S$1,835, Valentino at Matchesfashion

Credit: Matchesfashion
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5. Sweater Weather

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Sweatshirts are a great way to look contemporary cool quick with minimal effort—especially when worn over a crisp white shirt. Or you could do like Diya Prabhakar and opt for a more casual look by wearing it with jeans—we recommend white.

Ruffled Striped Wool & Cashmere-Blend Sweater, S$639, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini at Net-a-Porter

Credit: Net-a-Porter
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Stretch-knit sweater, S$1,380, Bottega Veneta at Mytheresa

Credit: Mytheresa
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GG Jacquard Wool Sweater Vest, S$1,400, Gucci at Mytheresa

Credit: Mytheresa
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6. Go All Out

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When all else fails, dress in your most luxurious maxi dress (like Zoe Tay) complete with jewellery and get the party started.

Cape-Effect Gathered Silk Crepe De Chine Gown, S$7,551, Elie Saab at Net-a-Porter

Credit: Net-a-Porter
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Lace-Insert Pleated Maxi Dress, S$1,528, Rhea Costa at Farfetch

Credit: Farfetch
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Belted Asymmetric Two-Tone Satin Maxi Dress, S$2,241, Halpern at Net-a-Porter

Credit: Net-a-Porter
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This article was first published in Harper's Bazaar.

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