
Have you heard of the "unexpected red" theory?
Coined by Brooklyn-based interior designer and TikTok creator Taylor Migliazzo Simon, her theory says that adding a hint of red to your space can immediately improve its visual appeal. And it works best when the pop of colour is entirely unexpected — for example, in a bathroom or kitchen setting that might otherwise be awash with neutrals.
The term took the interior design industry by storm earlier this year, with people sharing their own attempts at introducing red to their space — via coffee table books, lamps and feature walls.
Watch: Mamamia's Emily Vernem tries the Style Maths method. Post continues below.
You came here for a fashion story though, so I'm here to tell you that you can also apply this styling hack to your wardrobe.
It might not be a hot take, but red remains one of the best ways to incorporate a hit of colour into your look. It sits back beautifully with denim, it compliments beige or brown, it's practically synonymous with stripes AND it plays nicely with other colours too (pink and red? *Chef's kiss*.)
Like butter yellow and lime green, red is emerging as one of the key shades of this season.
But let me be specific: this is not maroon. This is not tomato and it's not terracotta.
It's the cherry red of coke cans and Taylor Swift's lipstick. It's bright. Hot like a chilli. Like the saturation's been turned right up.
Loads of the influencers I follow have steadily been incorporating cherry red into their looks across daywear, activewear and swimwear, proving its versatility.


I had a shopping day recently (it's called research) and started noticing it at all my favourite retailers. A dad cap at Viktoria and Woods. A belted-mini dress at Oroton. The perfect oversized shirt at Zulu and Zephyr. These Adidas Gazelle's in the window of Stylerunner.
These pieces were on the spendy side, but there are lots of affordable finds I've hunted down that hit the target, too.
And if you need an excuse to shop, just say you're getting in on the festive spirit. Because I'm pretty sure this is the EXACT Pantone shade of Santa's suit.
The best cherry red pieces to shop now.
Cos The High Line T-Shirt, $69.

Vrg Grl Nessa Linen Smock Top Chilli, on sale for $66.75.

Target Lily Loves Collared Vest, $40.

Lack of Color The Loc Cap, on sale for $48.

Oroton Fringe Detail Dress, on sale for $299.

Cotton On Body Plush Essential Gym Short, on sale for $17.99.

Poppy Lissiman Zan Sunglasses, on sale for $135.

H&M Drawstring Detail Cotton Dress, $49.99.

Adidas Originals Gazelle Indoor, on sale for $150.

Zulu & Zephyr Signature Eco Nylon Surf Shirt, $200.

Cotton On Haven High Neck Maxi Dress, on sale for $35.99.

Araminta James Fantastico t-shirt, $109.

Big W Circuit Women's Seamfree Crop Top, $8.

Wittner Daya Rosso Red Leather Flat Sandal, on sale for $79.

Aere Linen Button Down Mini Dress, on sale for $91.

Commonry Flat Front Linen Pant, $179.95.

Will you be shopping the cherry red trend? Let us know in the comments.
Feature image: Instagram/@sincerelyjules; Instagram/@mecahwirht.
At Mamamia, we independently curate and write about products we rave about in our group chats and think you should know about too. If you purchase a product we have recommended, we may earn a small commission.
Tamara Davis
Author
No Comments
Be the first to leave a comment