Rethinking Red: Summer’s Unexpected Power Color
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When I first saw that red was the trending color for summer, I was skeptical. Red? For summer? My mind immediately went to Christmas ribbons and Valentine’s hearts—not beachside cocktails or breezy weekends in the sun. Red has always felt a bit too bold, too festive, too... off-season for the laid-back mood I associate with summer fashion.
But then I slipped on this pair of striped red and cream linen trousers and everything changed.
The linen fabric kept things light and breathable—exactly what I look for when temperatures start to climb—but the red stripes added a punch I didn’t realize I needed. Paired with an oversized red sweatshirt in a slightly sun-faded tone, the whole look took on a relaxed, resort-ready vibe. It didn’t scream “holiday”; it whispered “tropical escape.” This wasn’t the red of wrapped gifts or heart-shaped candy. This was the red of tropical fruits, sun-warmed tiles, and vintage beach umbrellas.
Striped Linen Trousers by Aerie
Oversized Sweatshirt by Aerie
What’s made the red trend grow on me is exactly that shift in perspective. When red is reimagined through the lens of summer, it becomes vibrant, energizing, and a little unexpected. It’s the kind of color that makes your skin look more golden, your outfit more intentional—even when it’s just trousers and an easygoing sweatshirt.
I styled the look with these tropical red earrings to keep things grounded, letting the red carry the drama. And I have to say: I felt bold in the best way. Not overdressed, just unmistakably there. The kind of outfit you wear when you want to feel like the main character, even on a casual coffee run.
And yes—my cat decided to make a cameo during the shoot! She also wants to feel like the main character 😉
Vintage Tropical Red Earrings (find similar here)
To finish the look, I added a delicate flower opal necklace—just the right touch of softness against the bold red. The iridescent shimmer of the opal caught the light in the most subtle way, echoing the creamy tones in the striped trousers and adding a little romantic contrast to the oversized sweatshirt. It grounded the outfit with something organic and a bit whimsical. It’s amazing how one small piece of jewelry can tie everything together, making the whole look feel intentional yet effortlessly undone.
Opal Flower Necklace custom made by Forsythe Jewelers
So if you’ve been hesitant about embracing red this summer, I get it. But here’s my advice: try it in a breathable fabric, pair it with soft creams or sandy neutrals, and imagine it under a palm tree rather than a Christmas tree. Red isn’t just for the winter holidays anymore. This summer, it's having a hot, tropical moment—and I’m fully on board.
