When putting together an outfit, it’s important to consider how different colors, textures, and metals complement each other. Red dresses are a bold, eye-catching choice that can be paired with silver accessories for a glamorous look. Here’s a closer look at whether silver goes with red, tips for combining these hues, and examples of red dress and silver accessory pairings.
The Short Answer
Yes, silver accessories can absolutely be worn with a red dress. Silver and red are both bold, eye-catching colors that complement each other beautifully. The metallic sheen of silver jewelry and accessories pairs nicely with the rich, vibrant hue of red. Silver also helps tone down and balance out the intensity of a bright red dress.
Factors to Consider
There are a few factors to take into account when pairing silver and red:
- Shade of red – Silver pairs best with true reds and blue-toned reds. Orange-reds and pinkish reds may clash with cooler toned silver.
- Style of dress – Silver works with just about any red dress style from cocktail to formal gowns. For casual daytime red dresses, more understated silver accessories are best.
- Jewelry and accessories – Stick to silver in the same color family. Sterling silver, platinum, nickel and pewter all complement a red dress. Avoid mixing in yellow gold.
- Skin tone – Silver and red suit both warm and cool skin tones. Olive and darker complexions really shine with this pairing.
- Makeup and hair – Cool toned pinks, nudes and classic red lipstick complement the look. Warm smoky eyes or bronzed cheeks also flatter.
Tips for Wearing Silver with Red
Here are some top tips for accessorizing a red dress with silver:
- Match metals – Wear silver jewelry, handbag hardware, shoe buckles, hair accessories, etc. Mixing metals can look mismatched.
- Try metallic shoes – Silver strappy heels or sandals really pull the look together.
- Stack silver bangles – Wearing multiple shiny silver bracelets amps up the drama.
- Diamonds and crystals – Silver jewelry with diamonds or crystals sparkles beautifully against red.
- Red bag – Carry a small silver clutch or handbag in a coordinating red hue.
- Minimal makeup – Let the red dress be the star and keep makeup minimal.
- Sleek hair – Wear hair tucked neatly behind ears to showcase silver earrings.
- Red lipstick – A bold red pout complements the look.
Silver and Red Dress Styles
Here are some stunning ways to wear red dresses with silver accessories for different occasions:
Cocktail Party or Wedding Reception
- Knee-length or tea length bright red dress
- Sparkling statement silver necklace
- Silver strappy heels
- Silver chandelier earrings
- Silver clutch bag
Black Tie Event or Gala
- Floor-length red evening gown
- Diamond silver bracelet
- Diamond silver necklace or choker
- Elegant silver wrapped heels
- Silver sequin handbag
- Silver hair comb or headband
Date Night
- Short red dress
- Dainty silver pendant necklace
- Silver drop earrings
- Thin silver bangles
- Silver ring
- Red heels with silver accents
- Small silver box clutch
Casual Daytime
- Red sundress or wrap dress
- Silver pendant or charm necklace
- Silver watches
- Red sandals with silver buckles
- Red crossbody bag with silver hardware
Guidelines for Wearing Silver Jewelry with a Red Dress
Follow these guidelines when selecting silver jewelry to pair with your red dress:
| Jewelry Type | Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Necklace | – Pendant, choker, or statement necklace |
| Earrings | – Studs, hoops, or chandelier |
| Bracelet | – Bangle or tennis bracelets |
| Rings | – Cocktail rings or stacks of bands |
| Watches | – Mesh, chainlink or leather strap |
- Stick to sterling silver, platinum, white gold, or diamond jewelry.
- Silver with red gemstones like rubies or garnets are perfect.
- Aim for jewelry with cool tones that match the silver.
- Pick silver jewelry with intricate details, stones or patterns.
Conclusion
Silver and red are striking together for any occasion. With so many ways to wear the combination, from minimalist daytime style to dramatic evening glamour, it’s a foolproof pairing. Keep silvers in the same color family, let the red dress pop as the main event, and choose pieces like metallic shoes, diamond jewelry and a coordinating red bag to complement your look. With the right styling, silver accessories will always perfectly complete a red dress.