The Tamesis
It’s so cold outside that it’s hard to get out of bed no I want to put on a sweater. But who says it needs another gray one? While I love variations on neutral colors, here Fashionour editors have been using a pop of color—red, to be exact—to liven up the office. Last Wednesday, not one, not two, but at least six staff members were seen wearing some form of red. So I did what any careful editor would do: find out where their sweaters came from and see how they styled them.
FashionGuide to the Best Red Sweaters
Whether you prefer casual jeans, want to create contrast by experimenting with Prada color theory, or make a statement with a trendy brooch, their answers are a reminder that there’s always room for play in your winter work wardrobe—no matter how many black sweaters you own. (Me? 7 and counting.) Sometimes, the quickest way to beat outfit fatigue is to add a bright hue to the mix—here are 15 colors to consider.
Libby Page, executive director of shopping
“As someone who never wears color, pops of red feel like a safe space. I love this Uniqlo sweater because the ribbing is perfect, the weight is perfect, it looks great under shirts and jackets, and the red is nice and tomatoey. I would style it with light blue and black.”
Naomi Elizée, Fashion Marketing Director
“You can never go wrong with a cashmere sweater from Suzie Kondi. It’s a simple essential that I love throwing over my shoulders with a blazer and pants for a simple pop of red but still feeling put together!”
Talia Abbas, Shopping Director
“Prada color theory may not be an official college course, but I really think it should be—when I pair red with purples and fuchsias, I’m channeling the irreverent school of thought of Miuccia and Raf (and a little bit of Auralee Ryota Iwai). As for the knitwear itself: This is the People’s Republic of Cashmere, a Danish brand that sets the bar extremely high for what premium cashmere should look and feel like. If I could own one of their sweaters in every color, I would.”
Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty business writer
“You can’t go wrong with a J.Crew cashmere sweater. This cashmere turtleneck is super comfortable without being bulky, and it comes in moody burgundy and bright true red.”
Fred Sahai, Associate Commercial Producer
“Unfortunately, my favorite red sweater is unavailable because it was lovingly knitted by my grandmother, but this chunky Almina Concept cardigan is the next best thing! I love styling it with almost all my sweaters: with a pair of Levi 501s and some ballet flats.”
Elly Leavitt, Lifestyle Editor, Shopping
“It’s the perfect Bordeaux hue, with the same perfect boxy fit (one size up); this cashmere V-neck is my favorite knitwear right now. I often wear it with Margaux’s pale yellow ballet flats for a little extra brightness.”
Christian Allaire, senior fashion and style writer
“I just received a delicious red Ralph Lauren quarter-zip sweater as a holiday gift, and I’ve been wearing it on repeat. I’ve been loving pairing it with a pair of light-wash flared jeans, in a very Michael Rider for Celine way, paired with my go-to heeled boots.”
Minty Mellon, Business Markets Editor
“I’ve been loving Guest in Residence’s red cashmere button-down shirt ever since I saw it in the store. It’s lightweight and soft and can be worn year-round. I wear it with jeans, a V-neck sweater, or a white T-shirt. It works best as a playful pop of color in my wardrobe.”
Andrea Zendejas, Business Markets Editor
“A pop of red in your wardrobe can add just the right pop and sparkle. I love wearing a V-neck red sweater with a white or black T-shirt, a silk scarf, and a pair of washed denim to complete the look. I also love wearing an off-the-shoulder top with any outfit. Think of red as the new neutral.”
Lilah Ramzi, Contributing Editor
“I own this Polo Ralph Lauren sweater, which comes in three colors, but my favorite so far is the red, which is that perfect tomato hue that I like to think of as a Slim Aarons red. I also love (forgive me, Ralph) that it doesn’t have the Polo logo on the chest. I always prefer to let good taste speak for itself and stay off the radar when it comes to labels. I’ll pair it with classic Akris pants and a felt Gigi Burris top A hat and a vintage brooch complete the look.”
Florence O’Connor, Content Manager
“In my opinion, the With Nothing Underneath Cornwall Sweater is the perfect red sweater. It’s the ideal shade of cherry red (not too blue or too pink) and the 100% wool content means it’ll actually keep you warm during those cold winter months!”
Kasey Busiel, Business Marketing and Production Manager
“My Ralph Lauren Quarter-Zip Sweater is the best option in my outfit mix. It’s comfortable enough for New York mornings, and its bold red hue feels like a ray of sunshine when the city gets gray and moody in the winter. I love pairing it with a white T-shirt, gray tailored pants, and a chunky belt—a look that’s both office-appropriate and totally weekend-ready.”
Taylor Lashley, Social Media Manager
“I’m the first to admit that I have very little color in my wardrobe, but one of the few colorful pieces I own is this red cashmere sweater from J.Crew. I like to tie it around my waist to add pop to a monochrome style, or layer it over a white T-shirt and pair it with jeans or my go-to black pants.”
Sache Taylor, Director of Special Events
“I designed the Linder Sport red sweater like it was a statement piece: low-rise Abercrombie jeans layered with a white shirt that looks intentional and has the general confidence of someone who definitely didn’t plan this outfit ahead of time. Perfect for confusing everyone!”
Alexandra Ditch, Associate Commercial Producer
“I’m still loyal to the J.Crew turtleneck, and it comes in so many colors! I pair it with my favorite Agolde 90s slim-waisted jeans, GH Bass platform loafers, and ruffled Bombas socks—an easy everyday look with a pop of color!”
