How to Wear Red and Black Clothing: Basic Dress and Jacket Layering

Matching red and black clothing up is an easy task as black can be paired with anything and not be out of place. However, red is a particularly bold color and it works perfectly as a contrast to an over worn color in the business world. There are a few fun ways to pair up red and black clothing without looking like a year-long ode to Valentine's Day or Christmas, and they are acceptable both in the office and on the town.

At the more casual workplace you may consider wearing black trousers with a well-shaped cable knit sweater in the winter and with a crisp V-neck short-sleeve or sleeveless sweater in the warmer summer months.

If your work place requires a bit more pop than slacks and an ordinary shirt, consider a red sheath dress with a black jacket. The black jacket should fall straight in the back (no tucks, belts, etc) and shouldn't be over an inch or two longer than your dress. This combination works particularly well for a pear shape figure as it balances the body. An hour glass figure could consider this ensemble with a waist cinching belt or forego the jacket and wear an oversize belt over a sleek dress. Make sure the belt is eye-catching enough to really show a color contrast versus a hint of color.

Add Pop to the Basic Dress and Jacket Layering

You can add an extra dash of boldness and power to your red and black power color pairing by utilizing a contrasting black and white print on your jacket. A toile style print, bold black flowers on a white back , or a really splashy mid-scale zebra pattern all would work at maintaining a sense of decorum while still showing off exceptional style.

Match It Up with Contrasts

The pairing of red and black doesn't always have to happen at the closet door, it can happen at the tailor or the factory depending on your income level. Department stores routinely offer contrasting dresses, and If you keep your eye out you can find a sharp red and black number. A favorite of in recent years has been a figure hugging red dress with black cap sleeves added at a decided diagonal angle. The angle is superb because squared off color combos are a bit early 1990s for modern times.

Keep your eyes open at the department store both for clothing with red and black contrasts "sewn-in" and also for individual pieces that showcase these colors. In no time you will have a bolder wardrobe and be mixing red and black like a pro!