By Linda Gallagher
First we had the little black dress, then the little white dress. Now it’s the little red dress’s turn to take centre stage. A key trend for Autumn/Winter ’09 the LRD as its also known, was seen to great effect at last weeks Emmy awards when actress Blake Lively vamped it up in scarlet Versace silk. (And boy did she look well!).
A favourite with celebs, particularly model Heidi Klum (pictured second image from left), the secret of its appeal is that it can be worn by all ages and all colourings- It’s just a matter of finding the right shade of red to suit you.
Blondes and brunettes look fab in pillar box red while tomato red is the perfect choice for redheads (remember Julia Roberts’ amazing ruby dress in Pretty Woman?).
The key to this look is attitude and as red is such a statement colour it needs very little adornment, simply accessorise with a skinny belt and high shine heels.
On my Christmas wish list is the Giambattista Valli paprika coloured shift dress with knotted rose detail (€1434) from www.matchesfashion.com. With its clean lines and 1960’s styling it ticks all the boxes for office wear. For a more polished evening look add classic pearl studs and glossy lipstick.
Calling all you Cheryl Cole wannabes, this spicy strapless mini with boned bodice (far left) from Australian design duo Camilla and Marc (€604) certainly has the X-Factor. Avoid the WAG tag by replacing the fake tan with black opaque tights.
‘The Hills’ star Audrina Patridge (pictured far right) was recently spotted in a dress similar to this one at the launch party of the October issue of Maxim magazine where she appears on the cover.
For forthcoming black tie balls, up the glamour stakes in this figure hugging crimson jersey gown by Jovani (pictured). The jewelled straps and sexy open back make this a guaranteed showstopper. Jovani dresses are for sale from Fran & Jane Blackrock Co. Dublin or from Lara, Dame Lane, Dublin 2.
So for autumn, be bold and inject a little colour into your wardrobe with this season’s hottest hue.
Linda Gallagher is passionate about fashion and interiors, having studied both. She also loves art, old movies, 1980’s music, biographies, current affairs and designer shoes.
October 1st, 2009 at 1:49 pm
I love wearing red, it makes me feel fantastic. I spent my youth thinking that red didn’t suit the Irish fair skin and it wasn’t until my twenties when I discovered that there’s a shade for everyone!
What’s the view on red dress & red shoes? – Personally they can be too much and matchy for me.
October 1st, 2009 at 5:13 pm
I agree with you Aoifs, a red dress and red shoes is a bit much. You could always go for a nude shade like what Blake Lively wore or a contrasting colour like purple would also look great.
October 1st, 2009 at 5:15 pm
I love red dress’ myself – it’s such a showstopping colour – recently switched from blonde to red and now will have to go searching for a tomato red dress.
On the shoes to match red dress – I would go with silver or gold or maybe nude … elongate the leg
October 1st, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Notice you did not mention the price of the Jovani one – that’s just gorgeous!
October 2nd, 2009 at 10:17 am
Thanks, would never thought of nude with a red dress – just metallic colours. It’s nice to team it with something different.
October 2nd, 2009 at 10:56 am
I have that red Jovani dress in Blue.. and was € 500 + in Ireland – Lara boutique.. worth it for a great occasion, but difficult to clean with all the beading..
I assume it can be bought cheaper online.
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:13 am
Victoria Beckham in her own red dress.. *and matching shoes ..
By the way apparently ALL the VB dresses in BTS are sold out!!!
http://www.peoplestylewatch.com/people/stylewatch/gallery/0,,20300887,00.html#20666904
And a beautiful set of gowns from the Emmy Awards:
http://www.peoplestylewatch.com/people/stylewatch/gallery/0,,20049306_20681531,00.html#20674704
RED GOWNS
Hayden Panettiere, Debra Messing and Blake Lively matched the red carpet at the Emmy Awards in their bold scarlet gowns.
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:46 am
You can buy that Jovani dress for $400 (€275) from american site http://www.edressme.com/195989.html# although they only accept US credit cards so its not much use to us Irish. Great if you have mates in the US who can buy it for you!
November 28th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
My boyfriend just proposed to me and in a few months. I am hoping for a later fall wedding but we haven’t complete much planning yet. somebody had any tips for when is the good time to buy the dress?
January 8th, 2010 at 12:09 am
I was delighted with your article on Best Dressed at Leopardstown Races.
Im in California for Christmas and was wondering who won. The Red looks fabulous. The Irish Ladies are definitely more stylish than the ladies over here.
Well done and keep up the good work
January 8th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
Thanks Claire. Go the Irish Stylish Ladies!
August 24th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
Aoifs: nude accessories with a red dress is gonna be BIG in autumn winter 2010 ! and now…onward to buy a nude skinny belt to go with the red dress