Things are hotting up this season – and no we’re not talking about the unseasonably balmy temperatures we’ve been experiencing in the UK – and it’s all because of the LRD (The Little Red Dress, duh). Sorry LBD, you have some competition.
Fashion folks have been seeing red wherever they go over the last six months, whether it’s traversing the fashion week catwalks (props to Maximilian’s Ferragamo debut collection for putting the shade back in the spotlight), stepping out of blacked-out cars or gracing Vogue’s street style galleries. But it’s the siren-worthy red dress that has particularly captured the imagination of the fashion crowd this season, and if the latest spring/summer 2024 collections are anything to go by, it’s a style set to continue long into next year.
Runway
The little red dress appeared in all manner of guises on the autumn/winter 2023 runways: from Dolce & Gabbana’s strappy showstopper (worn by Ashley Graham, no less) and Gucci’s sheer knee-grazer, to the everyday appeal of Eudon Choi’s stop sign-red shirt dress. Its chameleonic qualities mean it can look just as good as a party-ready look worn with strappy heels as it can on the weekend with chunky boots. The dress gained even greater momentum in the spring/summer 2024 collections, spreading its effervescent charms at Sarah Burton’s last McQueen show (via dramatic draping and seductive lace), Alberta Ferretti, Burberry, Fendi and Khaite, to name but a few. They say three is a trend, but the runway’s red dress count extends into the tens and twenties.
Celebs
While red can hardly be considered a shy and retiring shade, this season’s iterations have taken on an unexpectedly minimalist spin, in no small part thanks to the pared-back stylings of brands like The Row. The hues are as fiery as they come, but the silhouettes are more sculptural and the fabrics unprinted – block-coloured and bold, they’re essentially walking Rothko paintings. With that in mind, the key to styling the LRD is simplicity: whether you’ve opted for a daytime dress or dramatic eveningwear number, we recommend keeping your accessories simple (think silver hoops and sneakers) and your hair and make-up low-key.
Street style
This is a trend that will also come into its own for party season, so keep an eye out for silken maxis and curve-clinging bandage dresses in shades of scarlet and crimson – a stylish, endorphin-pumped alternative to last year’s crystal-clad and monochrome styles. Contemporary brands such as Staud and Ganni have some great options in right now, while higher-end offerings like Loewe and Molly Goddard should be your go-to for dance floors.
So if you want to add a little spice into your autumn/winter dress capsule, consider the Little Red Dress. Scroll down to see and shop Vogue’s LRD shortlist.
