I can still hear the sizzle of cumin seeds hitting hot oil in my mum’s kitchen. The air was thick with the scent of turmeric, garlic, and the unmistakable warmth of home. My siblings and I sat around the table, in deep debate about some school gossip. The radio hummed in the background, the familiar voice of Billy Ocean crooning, “What is the colour of love?” And then, out of nowhere, my mum shouted, "Red!"
We fell silent, spoons hovering mid-air. My mum, catching our confused stares, grinned and said, “He’s asking what’s the colour of love! It’s red!” And just like that, she went back to her cooking as if she hadn't just made a bold declaration about the most powerful colour in existence.
She wasn’t wrong. Red had been used as far back as the Stone Age when red clay was ground up to make body paint. As language developed red is the third colour to be named after black and white. Through the ages the colour red has represented life, divine love, lust anger and danger.
Fast forward to today, and February with Valentine’s Day still arrives cloaked in red — red roses in bouquets, red dresses on mannequins, red décor in restaurants trying to lure in starry-eyed couples. The colour of love, passion, confidence, and power is everywhere, wrapping us all in its fiery embrace.
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But did you know that red isn’t just about romance? It has a psychological effect on how we perceive attractiveness. Studies have shown that women wearing red are rated as more desirable by men, and men who wear red (even just a tie) are seen as more powerful and dominant. The colour red grabs attention — it’s why red lipstick is an icon, why sports cars in red seem faster, and why a red saree at an Indian wedding is the ultimate statement of beauty and tradition.
In Indian culture, red is the colour of auspicious beginnings—brides wear red to symbolise prosperity, fertility and passion. Sindoor (red powder) marks a married woman’s commitment, and red bangles adorn hands in celebrations. But it’s not just reserved for weddings and rituals. Red is a statement colour, and the right shade can make you feel unstoppable, whether you’re stepping into a big meeting, heading on a first date, or just wanting to turn heads at brunch.
But here’s the key — not all reds are created equal.
Are you a raspberry red or a tomato red? A blue-based crimson or a fiery orange-red? Blue-based reds, like crimson and raspberry, have cooler undertones, making them ideal for those with cool skin tones. These shades pop beautifully in deep, jewel-toned fabrics and look stunning in blue-based red lipsticks like classic cherry or wine-red shades. On the other hand, fiery orange-reds, such as tomato red or scarlet, have warm undertones that complement warmer skin tones. These reds bring warmth and brightness to golden-hued fabrics and are best paired with coral or brick-red lipsticks for a cohesive, flattering look. We look our best when we wear colours that have the same undertone as our natural undertone. What’s your best red?
This is where colour analysis comes in. The right red for your undertone can make you glow, enhance your features, and boost your confidence. The wrong red? It can make you look washed out, tired, or and make skin blemishes look more prominent. Many times, we have an instinct about what suits us and what just makes us look off. Above all, you are dressing for your joy so choose a red that makes you happy.
Curious about how you can you discover your perfect red? For a definitive answer as to the unique colour palette that flatters your undertone, chromatic intensity and chromatic characteristics book a consultation with a personal stylist who is an experience colour analyst. Once you discover your colour palette season you can begin to curate your wardrobe in colours that always flatter you. A bonus of curating your wardrobe in your colour palette is that naturally and effortlessly everything is coordinated. This works wonders to save you time getting dressed in the morning—they make you feel alive. Whether you’re celebrating love, self-love, or just love for good style, let’s make sure you’re wearing your red, not just any red.
Need help finding it? Get in touch! Because love isn’t just in the air — it’s in the colour you wear.
Susan Ramdhan-Herai [@stylebysusanrh] is a London-based stylist who views fashion as empowerment. In this regular column, she will offer tips and insights on body positivity to express one's true self through fashion, tapping into her expertise in wardrobe curation, dressing for your body shape and colour analysis.
*Info: Style by Susan can be reached through info@iglobalnews.com or her Instagram