In Praise of Red

If a coat could give you confidence, this one from Rosella Jardini’s pre-fall 2017 collection would be it. $1,155, modaoperandi.com.

Fornasetti’s wax “Bacio” candle in a ceramic vessel featuring the nose and mouth of Italian opera singer Lina Cavalieri. Scented with thyme and lavender. $147, netaporter.com.

For Chinese New Year or anytime. MCM crossbody pouch in coated canvas with heart-shaped rooster graphic. $380, neimanmarcus.com.

Left: a warm red from Kevyn Aucoin’s Expert Lip Color, $35, kevynaucoin.com. Right: Lipstick Queen’s Brat Pack, a “red carpet” shade and case. $50, lipstickqueen.com.

The Eyebobs Losing It readers are a little pricey ($79, eyebobs.com) but oh so cute and despite the name, unlikely to disappear — at least not easily.

This bright cerise mug from Creuset will wake up your morning coffee. $14, creuset.com.

Lycra rouge tights ($39.50, fogal.com) give legs a subtle shimmer. Come on, brighten up all that black.

Left: Asian wrap shorty pjs are more pink than red, but they’re still a hot buy (20 percent off $64, garnethill.com). Right: Natori’s Dynasty Printed PJ’s ($160, neimanmarcus.com) will elevate your lounging-around style.

RED IS the color to wear to be noticed—for a national debate, TV interview, magazine cover, any occasion that demands high visibility—and to signal strength. Think Hillary Clinton in red Ralph Lauren at her first presidential debate, Michelle Obama in red Narciso Rodriguez in Nov. 2009 on the evening of Barack Obama’s election, and, of course, who can forget Nancy Reagan in her signature color at so many events?  But the convergence of Chinese Year of the Rooster (January 28-Feb. 15), National Wear Red Day (Feb. 3, to raise awareness about heart disease) and Valentine’s Day gives us all an excuse to be women in red—yes, for some sartorial relief amid endless gray days but also to connect with our own individual power and courage.

You say red’s not your hue? Too bold? Perhaps then a handbag with a rooster graphic from MCM, Fogal‘s opaque cherry tights or a Fornesetti candle emblazoned with crimson lips to light up and scent your home decor. Plus, some more ways to energize the days ahead with red and as an antidote to a series of hard-to-stomach political events.

—Janet Kelly