Why Wearing Red Makes You More Attractive

written by Sarah Levey December 22, 2016

Psychology of Color: The Red Dress Effect

If you want to stop traffic, wear red. In college I had a bootcamp trainer named Roland Burks who was known for his motivational motto, “don’t just turn heads…break necks.” Roland’s mantra can be applied to the color red when used in fashion – the color that is literally used to stop traffic on the roadways – and has become well-known for its ability to halt most men in their tracks; this phenomenon is known as The Red Dress Effect.

The Red Dress Effect is theorized to be the subconscious act of perceiving people wearing red clothing as more appealing than if they were wearing another color (Huff Post). The theory states that wearing the color red increases attractiveness, desire and sex appeal. Additionally, red has long been associated with passion and romance; think red roses and bright red lipstick.

The Red Dress Effect does not just apply to dresses. Jessica of the blog White Oak and Ivy proves this point while looking red hot in this fabulous jumper. Click here to read more about her holiday outfit.

“Red is arguably the most vibrant color on the color wheel,” according to color psychology. “It is attention-getting and induces a sense of power and excitement.” Red is a show of status and power; a color that makes both men and women feel and look more attractive and confident (Brain Fodder).

For example, In 2014, car manufacturer Kia took a survey of what makes people feel confident, a few of the things included in the top 10 list for women included: high heels, a little black dress, designer perfume and the color red. If you opt not to wear that LBD, red is the perfect year-round color and is always a show-stopper at holiday parties.

Jason Qualls Photography || Dress: Nicole Miller from Kiki Risa || HAMUA: Rachel Christine

“Clothing significantly influences how others perceive you and how they respond to you,” Professor Karen J. Pine, of the University of Hertfordshire (U.K.) writes in her book Mind What You Wear: The Psychology of Fashion.“When we put on a piece of clothing we cannot help but adopt some of the characteristics associated with it, even if we are unaware of it.”

So if you want to feel powerful, vibrant, confident, attractive, passionate, desirable or sexy, in theory…wear red.

Jason Qualls Photography || Shoes: Christian Louboutin || Bag: Carolina Herrera

Red is on the Rise:

Not only is red considered hot, but it is also in style. Fashion retailer JD Williams told the Evening Standard that sales of red dresses have outstripped black ones by 43% this year.

We are still swooning over this red-hot Beach Holiday photograph that appeared on the cover of last year’s November/December edition of The Thirty-A Review! Volume 10 of Thirty-A Review will always have a very special place in our hearts; it was our first cover to both style and shoot. Piper Arielle stuns in this red number from ISHI? on 30a (ISHI? now has locations in Homewood and Montgomery in addition to its 30a store – with an ISHI? Luxe boutique in Mountain Brook).

As a review of “30-A’s Finest People, Places and Things,” The Thirty-A Review is published every other month and focuses on the stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast commonly referred to as 30a. The magazine serves South Walton Beach and its surrounding areas and appeals to both locals and tourists alike (Thirty-A Review). We also had a Nautical Wedding feature in the issue – but we will save that for another time.

Flowers: Bella Flora Weddings || Hair: Rachel Christine || Makeup: Morgan King Makeup || Props: Hemstitch Vintage Rentals

Below: DH Designs by Destani Hoffman at Mobile Fashion Week 2016

I got my red dress on tonight
Dancing in the dark in the pale moonlight
Done my hair up real big beauty queen style
High heels off, I’m feeling alive
[….]
Honey, I’m on fire, I feel it everywhere
Nothing scares me anymore…

-Lana Del Rey