Here’s how to rock pink and red together like a pro

Like navy and black, or purple and green, pink and red is a colour combination with a marred reputation.

As prescribed in the unofficial rule book of sartorial guidelines, wearing red and pink together has long been considered a major fashion faux pas. It was believed that hues that sat opposite each other on the colour wheel were ‘complementary’, and therefore made for a chicer outfit when paired together. However, the sister shades are actually two of the easiest colours to combine and—when styled well—pink and red make for a powerful, punchy combination that will elevate and add fun to your outfit.

In recent years, designers have begun to see the benefits of the once-shunned colour combination, with Jacquemus, Giambattista Valli, and Blumarine sending optimistic collections drenched in the colours down the runway. Accordingly, pink and red is making its way into the mainstream, slowly beginning to shed the shackles of its stigmatised past.

If you want in on the controversial trend yourself, we break down how to perfectly pair the two tones to prove that fashion rule-breaking never looked so good.

Colour block

One can never go wrong with colour blocking—especially when it comes to these sister shades.

Given the colours can appear visually similar, blocking a deep cherry shade against a bubblegum or watermelon pink is a great way to highlight their harmony without having them appear too alike.

Ensuring the colours are clearly separated by a geometric line further differentiates them from each other for a chicer, more put-together look.

Pick a hero colour

If you’re still on the fence about breaking a fashion guideline, why not begin by just dipping your toe in the pink and red trend. Instead of going for a full, half-and-half fit, make one colour your statement, opting for accessories or accents in the opposite shade.

It works with either red or pink as your hero, as evidenced by these inverted looks from Giambattista Valli’s Spring 2022 ready-to-wear collection.

Choose your tone

As with any other colour combination, you want to choose shades of pink and red that complement each other.

If you are going for Valentino vibes or shades of fluro or fuschia, balance it with a bright or electric red. Alternately, pair deep wine and maroon shades with pastel and pale pinks.

Accessorise

Another way to incorporate the pink and red trend into your sartorial roster is through smart accessorising. You can start small, by adding subtly patterned scarves or red and pink jewellery, before working your way up to more statement-making pieces.

If you have a pink outfit, why not opt for a scarlet hat or shoes? Or, for a red outfit, select peach statement earrings or a candy-coloured scarf.