Chinese New Year is fast approaching and that means it’s time to get your hands on some fiery red pieces for a traffic-stopping look. After all, the striking hue symbolises good luck and prosperity in the Chinese culture, and we all want the God of Fortune to be on our side during a round (or two) of mahjong, no?
But before you nab just about every red piece you can find, remember this: Not every shade of red flatters every skin tone. For instance, an orange-red will look frumpy on someone with a cooler undertone, while a bluish-red will be unflattering for those with a warm undertone.
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To determine which is yours, take a look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. Are your veins green or do they appear blue or purple? Or do you have an equal mix of both? Once you’ve made your assessment, the following steps will be a breeze. Here, we have the ultimate guide for you to discover the perfect crimson shade that matches your unique undertone.
Text: Sean Tham / Feature photo: Shutterstock
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How to tell if this is your skin tone: Greenish blood vessels are prominent at your wrist. Generally, your skin’s overall tone will lean towards a peachy or golden hue.
Type of red you should go for: Warmer, olive-toned reds that sport orange, or greenish, pigments underneath. Think of hues like scarlet, cinnabar and chili red.
You can look both prim and a little flirty when you pay your relatives a visit. This piece shows off your collarbone area, and yet it manages to keep things demure with its longer hemline.
To ensure maximum comfort during visiting, pick a pair of pants that is billowy. This jewel-toned number will look great when worn with an off-shoulder top.
If you’re baring your shoulders and collarbone during house visits, such as with this airy halter piece, make sure you cover your legs up for contrast. We recommend either a midi skirt, or a pair of denim jeans.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with a sequin skirt for Chinese New Year. Tame this bold skirt down with a striped shirt and a pair of ballerina flats.
How to tell if this is your skin tone: Bluish or purplish blood vessels are prominent at your wrist. Generally, your skin’s overall tone will lean towards a pinkish or reddish hue.
Type of red you should go for: Cooler reds that sport blue pigments underneath. Think of hues like carmine, crimson and cardinal red.
Balancing casual and elegant, beat the heat with this maxi dress that sports skinny shoulder straps and a scooped back. Wear it with a pair of strappy sandals for a breezy summer vibe.
Show your feminine side with a blouse that features a peter pan collar and a pussybow collar. Complement this soft silhouette with a pleated midi skirt and a pair of mid-heeled sandals.
For an extra dose of luck, let your lingerie be in the shade of the auspicious colour as well. This saucy lace piece will give its wearer confidence and keep bad spirits at bay.
Show your love for your culture by wearing a lacey, oriental number like this piece. To avoid coming off as old-fashioned, match it with a pair of contemporary block heels and chunky accessories.
How to tell if this is your skin tone: Green and purple blood vessels are both present at your wrist. Your skin’s overall tone will have a mixture of both yellowish and pinkish hue.
Type of red you should go for: Any. You’re one of the lucky few who can pull off any shade of red. We suggest you go for either fiesta red or jester red, as they are both trending hues based on Pantone’s NYFW Spring/Summer 2019 Colour Trend Report. This is the time to go bold!
Nothing beats a cotton t-shirt when it comes to keeping yourself cool in the sweltering weather. Wear it with a pleated skirt for that dose of girlishness, or a pair of smart trousers for a boyish approach.
Make a statement at gatherings with a fun and bold skirt. Wear it with a white cotton t-shirt and a pair of leather brogues, and round up the look with a straw hat for an edgy street vibe.
If wearing red’s not your thing, you can still infuse the shade into your ensemble by making use of accessories. Give your ears a pop of colour with this striking pair of hoop earrings.
Love munching on New Year goodies? Get a boxy yet billowy dress to conceal your tummy — it’ll give you more room for extra servings of cookies.