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 for parties and holidays like Valentine’s Day.
If you do not feel comfortable in an all red outfit, opt for a pop of red on your lips. Or you can really make a statement and wear a red outfit paired with a red lippie. My favorite red lip color is BC Red, Beautycounter‘s signature red lip color. Check it our by clicking here.

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

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…

Photo Credit: Pure 7 Studios || Styling: The Southern Atelier || HAMUA: Rachel Christine
Rosemary Beach Branding Campaign
23 comments
Red is one bad ass color. I can’t agree more with this post! When in doubt, wear red!
Red is one of my favorite color! May it be in fashion, lips stick, nail color, cars or shoes! Definitely a show stopper!
#allredeverything
This is such a fun piece! So many of my clients are wearing red these days in sessions… super popular!
Red is definitely a big trend lately!
My winter jacket is red. Right out of my comfort zone but definitely get stopped all the time for compliments on it!
Red is a show stopper, whether it’s lipstick, shoes, nails, or lingerie !
Well, I know what color I’m shopping for this week. Great post!!
What a fun article. My hubby bought me a red jumper for Christmas so he must agree, lol.
lol! I guess he does!!
You look lovely in red! I have never had the nerve to wear it, adding it to my 2017 list of things to do! Now it’s a must!!
Thank you! I really rarely wear red. I had to dig to find those photos! After researching this article I’m going to try to wear it more often…
This is a great article.
Thank you – I really enjoyed researching/writing it!
Love all the reds
This was a very interesting post. I would love to read more, I will definitely have to follow your blog
Love all the red! so powerful!
I feel like red doesn’t look good on me but now I will start trying on some red clothing. Great post.
I completely agree with wearing red. I always tell my clients to try to wear something red at a networking event to stand out. Great post!
Red is such a power color!
I totally agree! Red has a magic power <3
Buying a red top today!
Wow very interesting post. I love wearing red:)