Seeing Red — Our Sustainable Guide for Cherry Red Fashion this Autumn

AS WE MOVE INTO AUTUMN THE COLOURS GET WARMER, DARKER AND A LITTLE BIT MORE MOODY. THIS AUTUMN THE KEY COLOUR IS CHERRY RED, WHICH HAS A MORE SOPHISTICATED FEEL TO IT. RED IS ALWAYS A CLASSIC COLOUR, WHATEVER THE SEASON, BUT THIS TIME ROUND IT’S MAKING A SPECTACULARLY FIERY ENTRANCE.

words by HOLLY KELSEY
creative direction by SARAH MARIE DAY
photographs by ANDREW DAY & COURTESY OF BRANDS

The Power Of Red Fashion

Cherry red brightens the usual muted tones of the Fall and gives your look a touch of life. Introducing this signature shade of red to your attire will give a polished and effortless feel to an outfit. This sensational hue can warm up any chilly day. Whether it’s a staple autumnal item like a blazer or something more striking such as statement boots, just one red accessory is guaranteed to completely transform an outfit.

Red symbolises many things: passion, confidence, strength and love. In psychology, red has a number of important meanings: subconsciously, if you wear red, it inspires and helps you to take action and succeed.

Cherry Red in Movies and on the Runway

Fashion history has witnessed many iconic moments with the colour red. These are our unforgettable top three: Cindy Crawford’s Versace gown at the Oscars in 1991, which she attended with Richard Gere, Audrey Hepburn’s strapless dress on the steps of the Louvre in the film Funny Face. And of course the iconic mini dress as worn by Alicia Silverstone’s character Cher in the movie Clueless.

This renaissance of red can be seen in several shows for the 2023 season. Ganni’s Autumn 2023 collection included a showstopper dress, boots and bags in a ravishing shade of red. Stella McCartney used a brilliant red throughout her show, from striking flashes on clothes and accessories through to head to toe statement outfits.

Our Sustainable Cherry Red Shopping Favourites

We’ve curated a selection of ways to incorporate this ravishing shade of red into your look, whether it’s from sustainable brands, renting, vintage or even from some ethical beauty brands.

Sustainable Brands

01 / Borneo Set from Nénés Paris
This organic cotton set is all about comfort; perfect for lounging at home or even to take on vacation somewhere sunny!
— Shop here

02 / Amelie Dress from Olana
Fun, feminine and flirty! We absolutely love this dress from Olana with its bow tie shoulder detail and cinched waist.
— Shop here

03 / Red Cherry Nail Varnish from The Manucurist
If you want to be subtle for your look and keep the pop of colour, try cherry red just on your nails. We adore this shade from our favourite Paris-based non-toxic nail brand The Manucurist.
— Shop here

04 / Plunging Back Cowl Dress from Mirror Palais
Mirror Palais has always created figure flattering garments and this captivating dress will definitely make a dazzling entrance at a formal soiree!
— Shop here

05 / Elsa Bustier from Murlong Cres
Murlong Cres’s iconic Elsa bustier now comes in an elegant dark red and it just oozes luxury.
— Shop here

06 / Mini String Dress from Tae Park
This silk mini dress is such a dream with its delicate and darling details, making it perfect for any celebration.
— Shop here

07 / Unlocked Satin Crème Lipstick Red from Hourglass
A statement red lip can be that final touch to make any look polished and chic. This Hourglass lipstick is 100% vegan and the ideal choice!
— Shop here

Rental Fashion

01 / Bing 100 Mules with Chrystal Strap from Jimmy Choo via Tulerie (US based)
This elegant mule is an eye-catcher and turns any outfit into a fun look! We rented them from the New York City based rental platform Tulerie, who operates on a peer-to-peer basis. To see their full closet, download the app and make an account.
— Shop here

02 / Mini Drew Bijou Bag from Chloé via Une Robe Un Soir (EU based)
Its jewellery inspired chain and quilted leather detailing makes this bag the ultimate accessory for any season. Stop by the Une Robe un Soir showroom in Paris when you’re in town to see their beautiful dresses and accessories.
— Shop here

03 / Mckenna Leather Top from Cinq à Sept via Rent the Runway (US based)
This faux leather top can be easily styled with a classic pair of jeans or even a silk skirt.
— Shop here

04 / Aurora Astrid Dress from Cinq à Sept via Hurr Collective (UK based)
Eye catching and elegant, this dress is the perfect combination of sexy and elegant with its figure hugging silhouette and thigh high split.
— Shop here

05 / Jayda Blazer Dress from Simkhai via Rent the Runway (US based)
We love a blazer dress, this one from Simkhai brings both glamour and sophistication, whether you want to wear it for cocktails with the girls or for a work dinner, it’s so versatile!
— Shop here

06 / Burgundy Bergen Bag from Demellier via Rent the Runway (US based)
Demellier is one of those brands we keep seeing everywhere over social media right now, with Rent the Runway you can try out this elegant embossed bag for a few days.
— Shop here

07 / Rose top from With Jean via Hurr Collective (UK based)
The rose top is sure to make a statement with its open front design. It can be worn during the day with jeans and with a silk skirt or high waisted suit pants at night.
— Shop here

08 / Silk Picnic Dress from Zimmerman via Une Robe Un Soir (EU based)
This Zimmerman dress is perfect for formal occasions. With its flowy and sleek details you will definitely be gliding gracefully into any room.
— Shop here

Vintage Fashion

01 / Heart Heels from Yves Saint Laurent via Sororité (US based)
These one of a kind heels are both cute and contemporary by combining canvas and quirky leather hearts.
— Shop here

02 / Belted Leatherjacket from Bermans via The Vintage Twin (US based)
The fitted form of this jacket can easily give your look a polished feel with an edge. Mix it with some grey staple pieces, like a turtleneck and a suit pants.
— Shop here

03 / Leather Tempe 85 Knee High Boots from Jimmy Choo via Vestiaire Collective
These boots are made for walking! The ultimate Autumn/Winter style accessory and can be perfectly paired with a layered look.
— Shop here

04 / Red Epi Noé from Louis Vuitton via What Goes Around Comes Around (US based)
The Noé bag is a classic, and this red version will give that extra bold feel to any outfit!
— Shop here

05 / Envelope Wallet-on-Chain Bag from Yves Saint Laurent via What Goes Around Comes Around (US based)
Ideal day or night - this mini bag with its iconic logo is a timeless accessory that is just so easy to style.
— Shop here

06 / Leather Belt from Prada via Vestiaire Collective
With its refined style and opulent colour, this belt will give an elegant pop-up colour to your outfit. Belts are always a great way to elevate a look and create a feminine silhouette. Try it with an oversized blazer!
— Shop here

07 / Y2K Maxi Ruffle Dress from Elana Kattan via the Vintage Twin (US based)
Designed with a fluid fabric and floaty hem this dress moves beautifully with you as you walk.
— Shop here

Further Reading