Can Redheads Wear Red?

I’m all about RED. If you’ve seen me out in public, I’m never without my red lipstick (and most likely other red accessories). If you’ve seen my office, every single folder and desk accessory is this bold and beautiful color. And, of course, I never leave home without my little red glasses, so it’s no wonder that anything that has to do with this power color interests me.

So, it comes as no small wonder that when I saw a piece in a favorite mag, it struck my curiosity as to just how do redheads feel these days about wearing that matching color?!  Finding, what was once taboo, it seems is no longer. Redheads used to ‘not be allowed’ to wear red clothing. It was frowned upon, like wearing white after Labor Day. Well, times have certainly changed because along with it being fine to wear white after Labor Day and to pair navy with black, red on redheads is not only perfectly acceptable; it’s also fabulously chic.

I’ve rounded up some of the most fashionable women in Houston who all happen to be redheads. I’ve asked them the age-old question if they think it’s fine to wear red and if they ever do it themselves. We have some strong opinions on both sides of the coin.

Carol Barden says, “Yes, I wear red, but not as often as I wear brown, of course. I once had a red evening gown by Yves San Laurent; it went out of style so I gave it away.  I have a beautiful red wool Ferre suit that I love wearing in the Fall/Winter, and I have red sweaters and scarves.  I have worn Chanel red polish on my nails and toes for decades, and love a good red lipstick. I prefer real Chanel red; it’s bold and punchy, and has some orange in it! Of course redheads can wear red! Why not?? Fashion has changed radically since the “red” law was written.  I saw a beautiful redhead child at church yesterday (about 10 years old) in a red plaid dress.  She looked sensational – freckles and all.  This kid clearly has never heard “the rule.”

“I could not… would not… and do not own or wear anything red. I was a flaming red head at birth until 40…. then a strawberry blonde…. now I need to touch it up a bit. Red on red clashes on me,’ says Debbie Aspromonte Simon.

Carol Sawyer feels differently. “I never wore red as a child. It was always said that redheads don’t wear red–green and brown were supposedly their best colors. Perhaps it “clashed” with being a “carrot top?” On my 30th birthday, I bought and wore my first red blouse. I now consider it one of my favorite colors to wear and do so often. Red makes me feel vibrant and ablaze– posing the thought if the old adage ‘do redheads have fiery tempers?’ just might be true….”

Gracie Cavnar feels fine about red, if it’s the right shade of red. “My mother never dressed me in red and pounded in the no red for redheads rule my whole childhood. But, I have enthusiastically worn it since Valentino himself insisted putting me in his signature color for a runway show back in the 60s. It has to be that clear wonderful Valentino red, though.  No Burgundies or maroons for me. ”

A UT college student, Rachel Porter, feels the color is fine to wear, but others may be better. “I still remember perfectly a day about 8 years ago… I was shopping at Burberry and was admiring a red coat. The sales lady was quick to run up to me and say “Oh no, honey, you can’t wear red with your hair color!” So I’ve kind of always been told by people that I look better in other colors, but I DO wear red on occasion and will even wear red lipstick. Recently, I’ve been looking to buy a pair of red jeans. I can wear red because my hair is lighter, rather than an auburn color, so the red doesn’t really compete or blend in with my hair color. I think red is a very pretty color, but there are other colors that complement my hair color and skin tone better.”

These elegant and fashionable women who do wear red are in good company. Christina Hendricks, Karen Elson, and Emma Stone (all stunning redheads) have also been seen looking absolutely stunning in RED.

Some redheads still may not be into the whole idea of wearing red, but those that do certainly wear it well. The moral of this little story is that there are no fashion rules anymore. All is fair game in this industry, including RED on REDS!

 

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