Right as Red...

How to get the three season fashion trend

Color of the moment.... Red clothing trends to get next season's look now!

Right as Red ...
How to get the three season fashion trend + shopping guide for red

Dear Sharon: I'm trying to keep one step ahead of fashion trends, but feel like I'm lagging behind. I watch all the runway shows and red carpet events wishing that I could afford everything I see, but alas my eyes are bigger than my budget.  

Don't get me wrong, I can afford nice things, just not something that's out before it even gets from the runway to the stores! What's a good fashion investment to keep my wardrobe up-to-date and last awhile? -- Ahead of the Trend, Marblehead, MA

Dear Ahead of the Trend: Here's a concept: Stop thinking like a consumer and start to think like a stylist. If you want to get longevity out of a trend, look at what's right on the streets (designers do), what's on the catwalk for the season ahead, and what's saturated in the stores, because once a trend is all over the place, it's out.

Red is kicking around a bit, but it is going head-on strong from this spring right into a heavy hit for fall 2008” that's three seasons that are as right as red! From the international runways of Balenciaga, Tommy Hilfiger, Zac Posen, Tuleh, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Vickor & Rolf, and Gucci for guys, red is making a very visual impact in their collections.

You can get the nuance of the designer trend with just the precise punch of color! And, best off, since a little bit of the classic color adds a lot, merely a hit of passion-evoking scarlet, vermillion, cherry, stop light, or crimson can packs a major wallop of modernity to your style” look out our street-style glamourellas and you'll see just how easy this look is to master.

Right now, why not add a pair of cutting-edge red tights to an otherwise black outfit? Or, keep the black tights, but wear a pair of skyscraper red platforms. I know that I can't wait for the warmer weather to wear my new bright red Paul Smith cropped trench coat- it looks so chic with just a white shirt and dark trousers. April showers style-on with some cute red Wellies or a red headband to hold your ponytail back. As the weather warms up, try a red mini with bare legs and a neutral wedge shoe in tan or taupe. That gorgeous red, silky blouse will work right into fall.

The dark eye and pale lip is so over-rated, glom on to an old-time Hollywood glamour of a neutral eye and very precise matte red lip ”bright or deep- to really look hot. At night, add a dash of gloss on top, but do keep your hair slightly undone for a younger look.

Whatever you, keep in mind that red is a very powerful accent color, do not drown yourself in too much of a good thing. Style on.

--April 1, 2008