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by Olatinpo Odutola

Dressing up in red

If used properly, the colour red can be a powerful tool for dressing. Apart from its brightness, it connotes confidence.

Nevertheless, it’s not everyone who wears red do so with poise. Some people could be so loud in their use of the colour that it loses its beauty. It becomes so unattractive that it discourages others from wearing it at all. You could wear a red blouse with red bags and shoes, but it becomes exaggerated when you add a red rose brooch; red necklace, earrings, bracelets, and ring; red hair accessories; a red belt; a red wristwatch; red lipstick, red nails, red eye shadow; red ‘all’. We must therefore resist the temptation to wear ‘everything red’, all at once. Most times, our desire to show off our wardrobe overshadows our dress sense.

The colour red means more than just danger. Blood is red, so there is something in us that draws us to it, in different ways. Red gives us a good chance of creating a lasting impression. Aside from the fact that it easily catches the attention of others, it is also an extremely emotionally intense colour. It increases our rate of respiration and blood pressure, which is one of the reasons manufacturers and retailers use red significantly in their sale reduction adverts. The management of commercial industries seem to understand the power of colour red. This could account for why many top banks have their logos in red. Red is also significantly used in advertising. Since red is so vibrant, we must ensure that the impression we create is that of dignity, and not humour.

By so doing, we must remember one rule of thumb- a little bit of red goes a long way. Red is so powerful a colour that small splashes do a better job than a total red look. For the perfect outfit, a red pair of shoes, a red bag, and red jewellery accessories is all right. A red bag and a red belt is good combination. A red pair of shoes, with a catchy red brooch, is fine. Outfits that are not completely red but have streaks of red are ideal for a casual look.

However, there are two places where even the most sublime of reds will not work - the interview and the workplace. A bright red skirt suit in an office will make you look overbearing. However, a red jacket over black trousers is a preferred combination.

Another way in which red might not go so well is how we wear it. For instance, an overly bright red lipstick, and even nail polish, gives off a sensual aura, giving one the wrong type of attraction. Although this colour does attract the opposite sex, ensure that they are being drawn for the right reasons. If approached, don’t get too carried away. Remember: what you want might be a meaningful friendship, and not just another meaningless relationship. Even if it’s a contract you are trying to procure, you don’t want to come off as though you are willing to do anything to get it. Do you?

When in red, you don’t only attract

the attention of the opposite gender, but every gender. Red is such a powerful colour that even people of your gender will notice you in it, either in a positive or negative light. For instance, if you wear a beautiful red dress to a party, especially in this Christmas period, you will definitely attract attention. As you look good in red, remember to keep a good facial expression; it will add to the impression you are trying to create. However, just as smiling in red will attract and draw people to you, a frown will leave in them unpleasant memories about you. So keep smiling in red.

Red gives us a good chance of creating a lasting impression.

How to look great in black & white

Black and white doesn’t have to be drab, it can also be feminine. Many fashion experts predict it may stick around for a very long time. Also a variation on the trend comes in mixing black with off white or nude. If you want a crisp look, you wear black and white. If you want something a little more subdued, then you choose black and nude.

Clothes Courtesy of: Lophix 23, Opebi Road, Ikeja,Lagos. Pictures: Lemosh

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