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How to Style a Red Sweater: 5 Easy Outfits for the Holidays

Learn how to style a red sweater for the holidays: stripes with wide trousers, a red cardigan with tights, a burgundy knit dress and more, with real photos.

By How Do You Fashion · Updated · 3 min read

How to Style a Red Sweater: 5 Easy Outfits for the Holidays

Red is the color of the season, and a red sweater is the easiest way to wear it. It looks festive for the holidays but also works for everyday winter outfits. This guide shows you how to style a red sweater in 5 easy ways, using real photos from women in the US and the UK.

Quick answer: Pair a red sweater with neutral pieces like black, brown, cream or denim so the red stands out. Add black tights and boots for a dressy look, or wide trousers and a hat for a casual one.

Step 1: Wear Red Stripes With Dark Wide Trousers

Woman in a red striped sweater, wide brim hat and dark wide trousers1Wide brim hat2Red striped sweater3Dark wide trousers
Photo: Edaowo Fashion on Instagram

A red striped sweater is fun and easy. Pair it with dark wide trousers that pick up the dark stripe, and add a hat to finish the look.

Quick tip: Tuck just the front of the sweater to show your waist.

Step 2: Try a Red Cardigan With Tights and Boots

Woman in a red knit cardigan, black tights and knee high boots1Red knit cardigan as a top2Black tights3Knee high boots
Photo: Kathleen Post on Instagram

For holiday parties, button up a red cardigan and wear it with a short skirt, black tights and knee high boots. It is warm, cute and festive.

Quick tip: Black tights and black boots make red look even brighter.

Step 3: Belt a Burgundy Knit Dress

Woman in a belted burgundy knit dress and sheer black tights1Burgundy knit dress with a belt2Sheer black tights
Photo: Carson Light on Instagram

A sweater dress in burgundy is a softer way to wear red. Add a thin belt to show your waist and sheer tights for a polished look.

Quick tip: A dark red shade is easier to wear every day than bright red.

Step 4: Wear a Matching Knit Set

Woman in a matching burgundy knit top and skirt with slingback heels1Burgundy knit top2Matching knit skirt3Simple slingback heels
Photo: 9to5Chic on Instagram

A knit top and skirt in the same red shade looks like a dress but feels cozier. It is a great choice for office parties and holiday dinners.

Quick tip: Keep shoes and bag in black or brown so the set stays the focus.

Step 5: Go Head to Toe Red With a Coat

Woman in a long red coat and burgundy scarf on a city street1Burgundy scarf2Red coat over red knits
Photo: Edaowo Fashion on Instagram

Feeling bold? Wear your red sweater under a red coat with a burgundy scarf. Mixing bright red and dark red shades makes the look rich, not loud.

Quick tip: Mix shades of red, like cherry and burgundy, instead of one exact color.

Red Sweater Mistakes to Avoid

  • Pairing red with too many other bright colors.
  • Picking a red that clashes with your coat. Test it in daylight.
  • Wearing a red sweater that is pilled or faded.
  • Adding a busy print skirt. Keep the bottom plain.

FAQs

What colors go with a red sweater?

Black, cream, camel, brown, navy and denim blue all look great with red.

What pants go with a red sweater?

Dark wide trousers, black pants and blue jeans are the easiest.

Can you wear a red sweater to a Christmas party?

Yes. Pair it with a skirt, black tights and boots or heels for a festive look.

What shoes go with a red sweater?

Black boots, brown loafers and simple heels. Red shoes can also work if the rest is neutral.

Now You Know How to Style a Red Sweater

Pair it with neutrals, add tights and boots for parties, or try a knit set or a red coat. A red sweater is the easiest way to look festive all season.

More ideas: how to style a sweater, how to style knee high boots and red Christmas outfits.

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