Call it contrived if you may, but red symbolises good luck and prosperity in the Chinese culture, and who doesn’t want the God of Fortune on our side during a round (or two) of mahjong during Chinese New Year?
But before you nab just about any red piece you can get your hands on, remember this: not every shade of red flatters every skin tone. For instance, an orange-red will look frumpy on someone with a cooler undertone, while a bluish-red will be unflattering for those with a warm undertone.
To determine which is best, take a look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. Are your veins green or do they appear blue or purple? Or do you have an equal mix of both? Once you’ve made your assessment, the following steps will be a breeze. Here, we have the ultimate guide for you to discover the perfect crimson shade that matches your unique undertone.
Determining factor: Greenish blood vessels are prominent at your wrist. Generally, your skin’s overall tone will lean towards a peachy or golden hue.
Type of red you should go for: Warmer, olive-toned reds that sport orange, or greenish, pigments underneath. Think of hues like scarlet, cinnabar and chilli red.
Silk-blend polka dotted jacquard dress by Alexachung, £595 (S$1,072), via Net-a-Porter
To ensure maximum comfort during visiting, pick a pair of pants that is billowy, or a dress that’s forgiving in silhouette (previous slide).
High-waist flared trousers by 3.1 Phillip Lim, S$998, via Farfetch
If you’re baring your shoulders and collarbone during house visits, such as with this airy halter piece, make sure you cover your legs up for contrast. We recommend either a midi skirt, or a pair of denim jeans.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with a sequin skirt for Chinese New Year. Tame this bold skirt down with a striped shirt and a pair of ballerina flats.
Determining factor: Bluish or purplish blood vessels are prominent at your wrist. Generally, your skin’s overall tone will lean towards a pinkish or reddish hue.
Type of red you should go for: Cooler reds that sport blue pigments underneath. Think of hues like carmine, crimson and cardinal red.
Silk-habotai maxi dress by Kalita, US$712 (S$976), via Matchesfashion
Show your feminine side with a blouse that features a peter pan collar and a pussybow at the front. Complement this soft silhouette with a pleated midi skirt and a pair of mid-heeled sandals.
Pussybow crepe de Chine blouse by Gucci, US$1,372 (S$1,881), via Matchesfashion
For an extra dose of luck, let your lingerie be in the shade of the auspicious colour as well. This lace piece will give its wearer confidence and maybe, just maybe, keep bad spirits at bay at that.
Determining factor: Green and purple blood vessels are both present at your wrist. Your skin’s overall tone will have a mixture of both yellowish and pinkish hue.
Type of red you should go for: Any. You’re one of the lucky few who can pull off any shade of red. We suggest you go for either fiesta or jester red, as they are both trending hues based on Pantone’s NYFW Spring/Summer 2019 Colour Trend Report. Time to go bold.
Printed cotton t-shirt by Givenchy, €360 (S$564), via Mytheresa
Make a statement at gatherings with a fun and bold skirt. Wear it with a white cotton T-shirt and a pair of leather brogues, and round up the look with a straw hat for a modern vibe.
Leopard printed denim mini skirt by Current/Elliott, £200 (S$360), via Net-a-Porter
If wearing red’s not your thing, you can still infuse the shade into your ensemble by making use of accessories. Give your ears a pop of colour with this striking pair of hoop earrings.
Love munching on New Year goodies? Get a boxy yet billowy dress to conceal your potential food baby — it’ll give you more room for extra servings of cookies.