Red can get bright and bold in a hurry! So how does this hue translate into the Soft Autumn palette where the colors are defined by their muted, understated appearance?
Soft Autumn reds are subtle, cozy, and easy on the eyes. Instead of the intense, attention-getting reds you might see in other seasons, Soft Autumn reds have a slightly dulled, lived-in feeling. Our reds are nowhere near a “true” red because they’re blended with other colors to dampen the intensity. They feel relaxed and natural, fitting right in with the soft, earthy vibe of the Soft Autumn palette. These reds aren’t flashy or intense. They have some depth with just a kiss of richness, but they lack harshness. This is the delicate balance of the Soft Autumn red.
When looking for clothing in Soft Autumn reds, steer clear of anything neon, blue-based, or icy. Names associated with berries, cherry, and scarlet often indicate a cool undertone. Instead, seek out reds that seem infused with a little brown, rust, or even a touch of rosewood. They should blend naturally into the rest of your wardrobe rather than dominate it. Fabrics that take dye in a slightly uneven or textured way (think washed linen, brushed cotton, or heathered knits) will enhance the soft quality of these reds and make them more wearable.
Here are three specific reds that are great choices from the Soft Autumn palette:
Marsala. This color is an earthy red with plum and brown notes. It’s a complex color that oozes elegance. Marsala has been a trendy color in fashion circles for years because of its uniqueness. For Soft Autumns, it’s a fantastic “evening red” as it can feel dramatic without clashing with the subtlety of the rest of the palette.
Warm Cranberry. A softer take on traditional cranberry or burgundy. While classic cranberry leans cool and saturated, this version is toned down and warmed up, making it suitable for Soft Autumn. It’s a “classic” red but still retains a gentle feel. Imagine the faded stain of cranberry juice on linen, or a vintage velvet upholstery (subtle, romantic, and wearable). This color also makes an excellent choice for lipstick or nail polish.
Soft Brick Red. Brick red is one of the most quintessential reds in the Autumn family, and our Soft Autumn version is gently softened. It’s a warm, earthy red that looks as if it has a bit of terracotta or clay mixed in. Brick red sits somewhere between red and orange but with a weathered, sun-baked quality. This color can be very dark and overpowering, so be sure to find a faded shade that isn’t too vivid.
Reds to Wear
Below are some examples of reds that are gorgeous on Soft Autumns! Notice the brown influence in almost every single one of these. Some reds may have a slight hint of orange, but it’s quite minimal.
Reds to Avoid
These reds fall outside our palette. Notice how bright and/or dark these shades are. Some lean cool with hints of purple, while others lean extremely warm with visible orange influence.
