From Gwyneth Paltrow to London Fashion Insiders, the "Pop of Red" Colour Trend Is Coming Back Again for Summer
Minimal effort, maximum impact
Scroll through Instagram right now, and you’ll quickly spot a common thread in the outfits of the women you follow. Adding a “pop of red” to an outfit has become a go-to for fashion insiders this spring. Just ask Gwyneth Paltrow, who was recently spotted wearing a red cropped blazer layered over a cornflower-blue Tory Burch dress, and red sandals, for her daughter's graduation.
Rather than leaning into full colour-drenching or head-to-toe monochrome, this styling approach uses tomato red — also named Royal Ascot’s inaugural Colour of the Year — as a striking accent to elevate an otherwise understated look. Whether introduced through heels, a lightweight knit, jewellery or occasionwear detailing, the vibrant shade brings instant polish and personality without feeling overwhelming. For occasionwear in particular, it offers a modern way to embrace colour: refined, confident and easy to wear, even for those who typically shy away from brighter tones.
The easiest point of entry is accessories, which was kickstarted last summer by The Row and its red-soled flip-flops that, even with their £600-plus price tag, sold out (like most The Row new releases) almost instantly.
Those flip-flops spawned a thousand alternatives, and whether for the subtle The Row connotations, this “pop of red” styling trick is now seen as adding instant kudos to any outfit.
Add a pair of red summer sandals to your go-to jeans-and-tee combo, alternatively, opt for a red rope lariat layered over a white T-shirt. If you’re feeling bolder, a red cardigan can be draped over the shoulders or tied around the waist for a surprisingly impactful finish.
A red jacket or pair of jeans may feel like more of a statement, but the key lies in the styling. A crisp white shirt and black flip-flops make red jeans feel like just another denim outfit, while a red sundress can feel softer against the skin than bright summer whites.
So whether you’re thinking of cautiously dipping your toe into colour or going all in, the “pop of red” styling trick offers an easy way to refresh familiar pieces and add an extra touch of personality — without much effort or the need for a complete wardrobe overhaul. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the standout buys worth adding to your wardrobe this season.
Shop our red edit:
Perfect for the current temperamental weather, a red jacket serves as a functional yet stylish addition.
Consider this dress your next go-to for a dopamine yet refined inspired summer look.
You heard it here first. Red denim is set to be everywhere this season, and Agolde's Arc silhouette is another fashion-insider go-to.
For a workwear-friendly piece, Rise & Fall's silk cotton cardigan comes in a cropped silhouette that styles effortlessly against denim, trousers, or silk skirts.
Dragon Diffusion’s basket bags are classic summer handbags that are guaranteed compliment magnets.
Don’t underestimate the power of a satin ballet flat—chic and practical, they can be dressed up for the office or down for an off-duty look.
For those looking to broaden their current summer jewellery arsenal, Tilly Sveaas’ classic T-bar necklace in a red leather cord is a fail-safe addition.
These M&S red shorts are a great addition for those looking to invest in the athletic shorts trend while still looking polished.
A great way to incorporate the look into your summer occasionwear is with this cropped short-sleeve blazer.
A summer classic, red flip-flops are an entry-level option for minimalists looking to add a slight pop of colour to their everyday looks.
My personal favourite way of tapping into this styling trick is to simply style a pair of red socks with my loafers or flats for a subtle pop of colour.
