When it’s this cold outside, it’s hard to roll out of bed and not want to throw on a sweater. But who says it needs be another grey one? While I love the neutral in all its many variations, here at Vogue, our editors have been keeping things lively in the office with a pop of color—red to be exact. This past Wednesday saw not one, nor two, but at least half dozen staffers in some shade of red. So I did what any observant editor would do: Find out where their sweaters were from and see how they’re styling them.
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Red Sweaters
Whether you like to keep it casual in jeans, want to create contrast by dabbling in Prada color theory, or pack on the personality with a snazzy brooch, their answers are a welcome reminder that there’s always room to play in a winter work wardrobe—no matter how many black knits you own. (Me? 7 and counting.) Sometimes the quickest cure to outfit fatigue is simply adding a bright hue into the mix—below are 15 to consider.
Libby Page, executive director, shopping
“As someone who never wears color, a pop of red feels like a safe space. I love this Uniqlo sweater because the rib is perfect—as is the weight— it looks great under a shirt and jacket, and the red is nice and tomato-y. I will be styling it with pale blue and black.”
Naomi Elizée, fashion market director
“You can never go wrong with a cashmere sweater from Suzie Kondi. It’s such an easy staple, and I love wearing it draped over my shoulders with a blazer and pants for a simple pop of red that still feels pulled together!”
Talia Abbas, shopping director
“Prada color theory may not be an officially university course but I really think it should be—I was channeling Miuccia and Raf’s (and a little bit of Auralee Ryota Iwai’s) irreverent school of thought when I paired red with purple and plum. As for the knit itself: it’s People’s Republic of Cashmere, a Danish brand that sets the bar exceptionally high for what quality cashmere should look and feel like. If I could own a sweater of theirs in every color, I would.”
Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty commerce writer
“You simply can t go wrong with a J.Crew cashmere sweater. The cashmere high V-neck sweater manages to be super cozy without being bulky—plus it comes in a moody burgundy and bright true red.”
Fred Sahai, associate commerce producer
“Unfortunately my favorite red sweater is not shoppable because it was lovingly knit by my grandmother, but this chunky Almina Concept cardigan is the next best thing! I love styling it how I wear virtually all my sweaters: with a pair of Levi 501s and some ballet flats.”
Elly Leavitt, lifestyle editor, shopping
“It’s the perfect shade of bordeaux and has an equally perfect boxy fit (go one size up); this cashmere V-neck is currently my favorite knitwear child. I’ve been wearing it a lot with these pale yellow ballerinas from Margaux for a bit of brightness.”
Christian Allaire, Senior Fashion Style Writer
“I just got a delicious red Ralph Lauren quarter-zip sweater as a holiday gift, and I have been wearing it on repeat. I have been loving wearing it with a pair of light-wash flared jeans, in a very Michael Rider-for-Celine way, with my go to heeled boots.”
Minty Mellon, commerce market editor
“I’ve been loving Guest in Residence’s red cashmere button-down ever since spotting it in the store. Lightweight yet incredibly soft, it earns its keep year round. I wear it with denim, layered under a V-neck sweater, or over a white tee. It’s best used as a playful pop of color in my wardrobe rotation.”
.jpg)
Andrea Zendejas, commerce market editor
“A flash of red in your wardrobe adds the right amount of pop and polish. I love to wear a V-neck red sweater, add a white or black tee, a silk scarf, and a pair of rinse-wash denim to complete the look. I also love wearing an over-the-shoulder over any look. Treat red as the new neutral.”
Lilah Ramzi, contributing editor
“I own this Polo Ralph Lauren sweater in three colors, but the red is, by far, my favorite—it’s that perfect tomato shade, what I like to think of as Slim Aarons red. I also love that (forgive me, Ralph) it’s blissfully free of a polo logo on the breast. I’ve always preferred to let good taste speak for itself, flying under the radar when it comes to labels. I’ll pair it with classic Akris pants, a felt Gigi Burris hat, and a vintage brooch as the final touch.”
Florence O Connor, content manager
“The With Nothing Underneath Cornwall Jumper is the perfect red sweater, in my opinion. It’s the ideal hue of cherry red (not too blue or too pink) and the 100% wool composition means that it actually keeps you warm in the depths of these cold winter months!”
Kasey Busiel, marketing production manager, commerce
“My Ralph Lauren quarter-zip sweater is a total MVP in my outfit rotation. It’s cozy enough to handle brisk New York mornings, and that bold red hue feels like a little burst of sunshine when the city turns gray and moody during winter. I love pairing it with a white tee, gray tailored trousers, and a chunky belt — a look that’s polished enough for the office but still totally weekend-ready.”
Taylor Lashley, Manager, Social Media
“I’m the first to admit that there’s very little color in my closet, but one of the few colorful pieces I own is this red cashmere sweater from J.Crew. I love tying it around my waist to add a pop to a monochromatic ‘fit or layering it over a white tee paired with jeans or my go to black trousers.”
Sache Taylor, director, special events
“I style my Linder Sport red sweater like it’s a personality trait: low-rise Abercrombie jeans, a white shirt layered underneath so it looks intentional, and the general confidence of someone who absolutely did not plan this outfit in advance. Perfect for confusing everyone!”
Alexandra Ditch, associate commerce producer
“I remain loyal to the J.Crew Rollneck sweater, and I have it in so many colors! I style these with my favorite ’90s pinch waist jeans by Agolde, chunky loafers by G.H. Bass, and ruffled Bombas socks—a simple everyday look with a pop of color!”
