Trench-River Island £64.99          One Shoulder Dress-Next £55

Red is the colour for fashion followers and singletons alike this winter. Research carried out at the University of Rochester has concluded that a lady in red appears prettier, more desirable and more likely to be asked on a date (and a more lavish date at that) than one adorning another colour –she will also find herself conveniently on trend.

Hues of Crimson, Scarlet, Coral, Rust and burgundy have set the catwalk and high streets alight with the most prominent and desirable being Tomato Red. As with all trends you can use the runways as inspiration tentatively, perhaps just with a tinted Hollywood lip, a hot heel (which adds punch to a LBD)or coloured opaque tights. Alternatively go for impact dressing with gowns such as the dreamy full skirted Alexander McQueen example, the red carpet worthy Marchesa, via suiting a la Dior, or cocktails dresses with eccentric oversized details such as Giambattista Valli. If you wish to adorn a florid dress but wish to dim the beacon follow Christopher Kane and mask with translucent chiffons or adopt materials with mixed thread, beading and patterns such as Balmains body- con strapless print dress or DKNYS metallic number.

If like me you don’t often get the opportunity to don an show stopping gown an easy way to incorporate red into your work wear (part from the tights as mentioned before) is swapping your classic white shirt for a red blouse- Oscar de la Renta and Moschino Cheap and Chic showed wonderful examples with ruffle detail using sumptuous materials that grab the light beautifully. This winter has also seen the return of knits that feature Navaho designs often featuring blocks of red .These often oversized pieces look great with leather boots and skinny trousers, are great for weekend wear and easily adapted for the high street shops(with cheaper price tags).

For those who seek fashion inspiration from their favourite celebrities they too have been a blush with Nicollette Sheridan at the National Television Awards in a strapless Oscar de la Renta fishtail dress, stunning Bond girl Olga Kurylenko wearing an usual Valentino couture gown to the Royal premiere of the new Bond film and Calvin Klein body Eva Mendes wearing a classic satin shift dress by Michael Kors at Macy’s 150th birthday celebration-These very different beauties showing how different bodies and colourings can pull off the tricky colour.

TIP

Black and red look striking together, combine a black pencil or dirndl skirt with your blouses, black tights or leggings with your tunics and dresses, a t- shirt under you jackets and for the fashion forwards and beauty braves among you a matt black lip can add an interesting twist.

For great affordable options try Next, Debenham’s, Rover Island Freeman’s, BHS, and M&S among other faithful high street shops.