Is red the colour of love?
Visit any retailer or online advertising space this week and you’re likely to see red. Is this a useful reminder to buy your loved one something for Valentine’s Day or do you metaphorically ‘see red’, viewing it as yet another marketing ploy or perhaps a depressing reminder that you’ll be on your own on 14th February?
Red in colour theory
In my newsletter last week, I referred to pink as ‘red’s softer, more romantic sister’. If pink is the colour of caring, red has more powerful connotations, with love but also with passion, excitement and even of danger and aggression. A number of research studies have sought to throw light on our perceptions of red. For their paper published in the National Library of Medicine, researchers found that ‘red clothing increases perceived dominance, aggression and anger’. Another study suggested male participants perceive women dressed in red as more attractive but also as more ‘sexually receptive'. Some argue that wearing red gives the impression of attractiveness, irrespective of gender whilst other researchers from their own experiments see no evidence of red impacting on human attraction. I've provided some of the links at the end for those interested.
How cool are you?
Although ‘true red’ (midway between a cool and a warm tone) suits all complexions, there will be a range of shades of red that you’ll look best in depending on whether you have a warm or a cool skin tone. But is your best red the colour of ‘Red’ Leicester cheese (which is orange) or the cool, pinky purple of a ‘red’ onion?!
Summer
The summer palette is full of soft pastels – tones muted by the diffused light of the hazy days of the season. In colour analysis (ironically) it’s a ‘cool’ season, so Summer reds have a lot of blue in them – think of berry tones and burgundies.
Winter
Winter complexions are characterised by contrast, with the sun having little impact on skin tone. For Winters, a strong, deep carmine red can be a stunning choice, along with bold wine tones for this cool skin tone.
Spring
Bright, clear reds are perfect for those of us with a Spring complexion: cherry, tomato and coral are all perfect for clothing and for use in make-up.
Autumn
Burnished orange and brick red are the best rich, warm tones for those with an Autumn skin tone, although you’ll also look great in the warmer burgundies which are closer to brown.
Should I wear red on Valentine’s Day?
Do you know your seasonal palette? A professional colour analysis will uncover a range of beautiful, flattering reds for you. There are also characteristics based on hair, eye and even vein colour which can give an idea of whether we have a warm or cool skin tone, but if you’re unsure, why not stick to a smaller amount of red in your outfit? A lipstick or an accessory can still speak the language of love.
Whilst ‘Mocha Mousse’ may be the Colour of the Year, red has a longer sell-by-date than February 14th and is another of the year’s on-trend colours. So, my advice is, find the most flattering red for your skin tone and personality, and wear as much of it in an outfit as you want. But a word of caution, especially if you’re on a first date: judge your date on their own merits, remembering that wearing red doesn’t mean they’re about either to punch you or jump into bed with you.
Commentaires