Photo: Instagram.com/yasmine_sabri
The fashion world’s new favorite, the red maxi dress, is bolder than ever this season, as we transition from the summer of Barbie and enter fall, with pink slowly making way for a broader spectrum of must-try hues. From the runways of Ferragamo and Loewe, to Valentino, Gucci, and Stella McCartney, the verdict has been made clear: Fall 2023 is about to be painted in a fiery and vibrant red, and it seems like Tomato Girl has won the war of niche TikTok aesthetic for now, though Strawberry Girl remains a strong contender.
Recently, three major celebrities have made appearances wearing outfits featuring the same striking silhouette in a fiery shade — it’s a fashion moment worth noting. Emily Ratajkowski, Dua Lipa, and Lily Allen all stepped out in slinky red dresses within just a few hours of each other. This vibrant and bold choice is taking over the internet, signaling a refreshing departure from muted ensembles, and a deeper dive into styles that demand attention. From the sultry temptation of Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge to Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, or Marilyn Monroe exuding timeless elegance at the opening of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, the long red dress has been a staple throughout pop culture history. Now, this emblem of love, passion, and power finds itself back in our imagination as it dominates the runways for autumn/winter 2023.
Diala Makki in a red maxi dress. Photo: Instagram.com/dialamakki
Along with the likes of Bella Hadid and Diala Makki, the latest celebrity spotted making a statement in a vibrant red dress was Jennifer Lopez, who wore a long red dress with a halter neck for a casual outing in July. The star styled the all-eyes-on-me look with large sunnies and a matching scarlet handbag. Take a closer look below.
Jennifer Lopez in a red maxi dress. Photo: Instagram.com
All the celebrities we’ve spotted in long red dresses
Bella Hadid in a flowy red maxi dress. Photo: Instagram.com/bellahadid
While red is certainly coming into the limelight this fall, many of our favorite celebrities have been sporting this bold hue for a while, providing the perfect lesson for how to dress in red. At the Met Gala 2023 after-party, Priyanka Chopra served formal sophistication in a red shirt dress featuring the most seductive high slit, while Kylie Jenner arrived at the gala in a custom-made Jean Paul Gaultier piece exuding bold red glamour. Earlier in the year, Bella Hadid provided some red-hot inspiration in a red maxi dress from Egyptian designer Amy Shehab featuring long asymmetrical draped sleeves.
Kylie Jenner in a red off-shoulder maxi dress. Photo: Instagram.com/kyliejenner
Closer to home, stars have been giving the most stunning answers to anyone who asks, “Why wear a red dress?” The long red dress seems to have become a staple in many wardrobes across the region. When Karen Wazen accepted the global fashion brand ambassador of the year award at the EMIGALA 2023, the Lebanese beauty looked absolutely breathtaking in a red Carolina Herrera gown. Others, like Razane Jammal, Diala Makki, and Dorra Zarrouk have provided ample inspiration for nailing the red maxi dress too.
Karen Wazen in a long red dress. Photo: Instagram.com/karenwazen
How to wear the red maxi dress
Elegance surely meets versatility when you slip into a maxi dress. While the classic black maxi has its own undeniable charm, if you’re aiming to turn heads and make a statement, the red maxi dress is your go-to showstopper. Whether you’re strutting your stuff at a cocktail party, embracing the glamour of prom night, or gracing a formal event with your presence, the red maxi dress truly captivates with its ability to create a striking and gorgeous look. Here are a few ideas on wearing this look this season.
- The gorgeous dinner date look: Rock a red satin slit dress with spaghetti straps. Keep it effortless with casual hair, light makeup, and minimal accessories. Add a touch of sophistication with a clutch, and complete the look with heels.
- A red casual dress look: If you’re a minimalist who loves a casual look, try a spaghetti strap, V-neck, ruffled hem mini red dress. Keep it simple with light makeup and bold lips, and complete the outfit with brown ankle strap block heels.
- Rock this color for your fall look: Elevate your fall look with the pop of red with black lace-up ankle boots.
- A bright beach day look: For this playful beach look, embrace a sleeveless V-neck red wrap dress, paired effortlessly with bold pink cat-eye sunglasses. Why not add a big hat to top it off?
Razane Jammal in a red evening gown Photo: Instagram.com/razanejammal
Where to wear this perfect seasonal dress
With enough inspiration and motivation to paint your wardrobe red for fall, it is time to find out where exactly you can find the perfect red maxi dress. From an embellished Reem Acra crepe gown, and a ruffled charmeuse from Lanvin, to a fishtail number from Blumarine or a draped treasure from Yousef Akbar, Vogue Arabia brings you the best of the iconic red maxi dress.
Your guide to styling the red maxi dress
Below, discover a number of options to make your wardrobe a little more vibrant this fall.
Keep it simple: Let your red maxi dress do the talking with minimal accessories in matching hues.
Mystery Girl draped silk-crepe maxi dress, Rosamosario
Criss-cross for the win: Play with fun silhouettes, like an unconventional neckline for added drama.
Evelyn cutout satin halterneck maxi, Galvan
Amp up the volume: A kaftan with billowing sleeves promises to add just the right amount of pizzazz to your modest wardrobe.
Embellished crepe gown, Reem Acra
Red maxi dress + black accessories: This fail-safe combination will always have you looking your best.
Ruched jersey-crepe halterneck maxi dress, Proenza Schouler
Try the trail: Lanvin’s long red dress comes with a trail for your very own movie star moment.
Ruffled charmeuse gown, Lanvin
Give cut-outs a chance: For an unconventional look, opt for a red maxi with cut-outs.
Marquis Open-back Maxi Halter Dress in Viscose, Shona Joy
Style with sparklers: Why not accessories your dream red dress with chunky rhinestones this festive season?
Fishtail Maxi Dress in Textured-jersey, Blumarine
Lovely in lace: Give your red maxi dress a feminine touch with micro-florals and delicate lace.
Bonnie Bow Gown in Embroidered Tulle, Needle & Thread
Button it up: Eschew predictable cuts for a long red shirt dress.
Belted button-embellished silk maxi shirt dress, SemSem
Lean on lighter fabrics: Who says red dresses can only be formal? Give the trend a brunch-ready spin with light fabrics.
Camilla wrap-effect organic cotton-poplin maxi dress, Joslin
Mermaid cut: No red maxi dress will create quite the impression that a body-skimming mermaid number can.
Lula halterneck mermaid dress, Solace London
Gold details: Almost identical to Jennifer Lopez’s long red maxi dress, this number comes with a thick gold neckpiece.
halterneck backless dress, Michael Kors
Weave through the details: Playful textures can instanlty amp up a simple red dress.
Emotional braided maxi dress, Atu Body Couture
Power shoulders: Give simple red dresses a skip for a power player with exaggerated cuts.
Kara Maxi Dress, The Attico
Ruching never fails: Strategically placed gathers can make your red maxi dress more forgiving than you know.
Benson Ruched Maxi Dress in Lycra, Alex Perry
Play with drapes: Yousef Akbar’s one shoulder red maxi is one for the books.
Draped Chain Gown in Jersey, Yousef Akbar
What makes the red maxi dress so well-loved is its ability to look great on people with different body types and skin tones, making it inclusive and accessible. Its loose and comfortable design offers both style and comfort, and it can be dressed up or down in many ways. Moreover, the red maxi dress has become a symbol of self-expression and individuality, celebrating diversity and embracing changing fashion trends while staying true to its classic charm.
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