Return of the Scarlet Starlet: Forget muted autumn tones and embrace the sheer glamour of head-to-toe red loved by Meghan Markle and Serena Williams
Over the past few years, you might have noticed a grown-up, more restrained feel to the red carpet.
Dramatic gowns gave way to androgynous trouser suits, the colour palette was muted and moody, and flat shoes were seen in the most unlikely places.
Even the red carpet at the Oscars last year was a frankly boring beige (hard as they tried to claim it was ‘champagne’).
Well, forget all that – the stars are back to doing what they do best: making an ultra-glamorous statement. And this season, there’s only one hue to do it in – vibrant, glowing scarlet.
Kate Winslet caught the mood in a head-turning custom Roland Mouret jumpsuit for a visit to the Zurich Film Festival last month, while Halle Berry channeled 1950s siren glamour in a ruffled midi in LA.
Kate Winslet caught the mood in a head-turning custom Roland Mouret jumpsuit for a visit to the Zurich Film Festival last month
Halle Berry channeled 1950s siren glamour in a ruffled midi in LA
And style icon Serena Williams kept all eyes on her in a figure-hugging mesh dress by Dolce & Gabbana.
Safe, subtle black doesn’t get a look in, with even Jenna Ortega moving away from her gothic Wednesday Addams wardrobe for the Venice premiere of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, opting for a gloriously romantic Dior gown of ruby red tulle.
And this newfound confidence mirrors fashion’s return to form after years of leisure wear and comfort dressing.
It’s so refreshing to see all that blindingly bright, blingy red.
Even the ultimate ‘stealth wealth’ label, The Row, known for its muddy minimalism in black, beige and brown, bucked the trend by sending vivid red down the catwalk, as did Schiaparelli for its Spring 2025 show. And the colour was embraced by a newly-blonde Kendall Jenner and Cara Delevingne at Paris Fashion Week, too.
Of course, flashy fashion isn’t for the faint-hearted, but you don’t need to colour drench from head to toe.
Have a look at our picks below for how to get the look – and remember, you can mix and match these items, or pair them with more dressed down styles you already own.
Red trousers teamed with a white T-shirt is a classic, sophisticated everyday look.
Style icon Serena Williams kept all eyes on her in a figure-hugging mesh dress by Dolce & Gabbana
Jenna Ortega moved away from her gothic Wednesday Addams wardrobe for the Venice premiere of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, opting for a gloriously romantic Dior gown of ruby red tulle
Red was embraced by Cara Delevingne at Paris Fashion Week, too
Bold red is an easy way to inject confidence into your wardrobe, as Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, proved when she stepped out alone in a reworked Carolina Herrera dress in Los Angeles last month
Bold red is an easy way to inject confidence into your wardrobe, as Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, proved when she stepped out alone in a reworked Carolina Herrera dress in Los Angeles last month.
Her Aquazzura heels matched – red with red is always a punchy finish – but there are plenty of neutral alternatives if you prefer mixing it up.
Or go for royal-worthy glitz by pairing with gold accessories.
The look won’t cost you a king’s ransom to recreate, though, as the High Street has plenty of choice to get you started.
From attention-grabbing dresses for the party season to simple accessories that offer a colourful pop, seeing red has never looked so good.
How to get the look
By Emma Mesquita
