Valentine's Day can mean different things to different people. Maybe you're planning a romantic dinner date, celebrating Galentine's Day with friends, enjoying a self-care day, or spending quality time with family. For me, Valentine's Day is about love in general, not just romantic love. I like to reach out to friends and family to let them know I'm thinking of them.

However you choose to celebrate Valentine's Day, you can honor the holiday while also honoring your authentic self. Whether that means wearing the quintessential colors of the holiday (red or pink) or incorporating the heart symbol through clothing and accessories, there are so many ways to embrace the spirit of the day.

In this guide, I'll walk you through the best shades of red and pink based on your color season to help you feel the most confident and put together. And if red and pink aren't your jam, I'll also share an alternative way to celebrate the holiday through heart motifs in clothing and accessories.​

Before we dive into season-specific shades, let's talk about the universally flattering options that work for most people.

For red: Burgundy is a shade that looks good on almost everyone, regardless of season.

For pink: A mid-tone warm pink is flattering on a lot of folks, as is watermelon.

I've noticed these patterns when working with clients one-on-one during the draping process. There's something about these particular shades that just seems to work.

​When should you stick with universal shades? If you want to keep it simple and don't know your color season yet, these are safe bets. But if you want to find the full range of reds and pinks that are truly flattering on you, I would encourage you to explore your best color season.

Now let's get specific. The right shade of red for you depends on your color season. Here's what works best for each season family.

Best shades: Poppy Red, Tomato Red

Springs look amazing in bright, neutral, or warm reds (yellow has been added). These reds are vibrant and energetic, just like the Spring season itself.

As a Bright Spring, some of my favorite red shades include poppy red, true red, tomato red, and a bright, almost neon red. I have an almost neon red winter coat from J.Crew that I’ve owned for about 15 years that I plan to have forever. These are the reds that make me feel the most confident and put together.

​What to avoid: Any shade of red that's too dark or cool. Blue-reds and darker wine reds may clash with your undertone or make you look “washed out”. Even though red is one of my favorite colors, after having my own colors done, I’ve stopped buying and no longer wear blue-reds.

Best shades: Strawberry, Muted Wine Red

Summers need reds with blue undertones and softer saturation. Think fruits like cherry and strawberry and muted wine shades rather than bright, vibrant reds.

​What to avoid: Any shade of red that is too bright or warm. Orange-based reds will likely clash with your undertone.

Best shades: Cranberry, Brick Red

Autumns shine in rich, earthy reds with warm undertones. These reds have depth without being bright.

​What to avoid: Any shade of red that's too bright. Neon reds or true red will likely look overpowering.

Best shades: True Red, Cherry Red

Winters can handle the boldest, most saturated reds. True red and deep blue-based reds all work beautifully with your complexion.

​What to avoid: Any shade of red that's too warm. Stick with blue reds instead of orange-reds.

While there are some patterns, there are nuances as well. The reds in Autumn and Spring generally lean warm (yellow has been added) while those in Winter and Summer lean cool (blue has been added). However, overall, the reds of Spring and Winter are brighter while those of Autumn and Summer are more muted.

Finding your perfect shade of red lipstick follows the same principles as choosing red clothing shades. (If you've attended my "Find Your Perfect Shade of Red Lipstick" event, you know how transformative this can be!)

Best shades: Tomato Red, A bright neutral red

As a Bright Spring, I have a few shades of red lipstick that I love:
ILIA - Flame
Charlotte Tilbury - Carina's Love
Kat Von D - Painted Tongue

Best shades: Blue-Red (generally for Cool Summers only), Watermelon

Best shades: Brick red, Oxblood, Warm muted red

Best shades: A bright or dark neutral red, Blue-Red

Here's what I recommend:

Keep the rest of your makeup simple. I've noticed that if you're wearing the perfect shade of red lipstick, it'll brighten your face and you may not need any other makeup!

Don't be afraid to blot or layer over a sheer lip balm for a more subtle effect

Use a lip brush for a more controlled application

What to avoid: Stick to the same principles as when choosing shades of red to wear for clothing. If cool reds don't work in your wardrobe, they won't work on your lips either.

The same patterns that apply for shades of red also apply for shades of pink. Let's break it down by season.

Best shades: Bubblegum Pink, Coral Pink

As a Bright Spring, I love dark and bright shades of pink like hot pink and fuchsia and generally lean toward neutral or warm shades of pink. Shades of pink that lean too cool don't look quite right on me.

What to avoid: Shades of pink that are too cool or muted.

Before I had my colors done, I used to wear all different shades of pink. I love a neutral or warm pale pink, but I don't typically wear this color alone as a top anymore. I'll layer it under or over something darker to create more contrast.

Best shades: Mauve, Baby Pink

Summers look beautiful in soft, muted pinks with neutral or cool undertones.

What to avoid: Shades of pink that are too warm or bright.

Best shades: Warm or Dusty Rose

Autumns shine in earthy, warm pinks that have depth and richness.

​What to avoid: Shades of pink that are too bright, light, or cool.

Best shades: Hot Pink, Fuchsia

Winters can wear the boldest, most saturated pinks.

What to avoid: Shades of pink that are too light, warm, or muted.

If you love pale pink but are high contrast, you can absolutely wear it! The key is layering. Lightweight Cotton Cashmere Cardigan in Sugar Stone (Quince) is best for Light Springs or Light Summers. However, it can be a good option to be layered over a black, navy, or dark brown tee or turtleneck for someone who is high contrast and loves to wear pale pink. For individuals who are low contrast, pair with light gray, white, or ivory.

Tip 1: Start Small with a Pop of Color

Not ready for a red or pink top or bottom? Start with a pop of color.

Wear all black or neutrals as your base, then add a red or pink accessory like a scarf, bag, shoes, or jewelry. Or just wear a red or pink lip. This is a great way to embrace the Valentine's Day spirit without feeling like you're wearing a costume.

If you're intimidated by red or pink, stick with a pop of the color as an accessory. Or wear red or pink under a neutral colored layering piece.

Accessory Recommendations:
In keeping with the Valentine's theme, choose a necklace or brooch with a red or pink heart:

Whether you're wearing red, pink, or embracing the heart motif, the key to feeling confident on Valentine's Day is wearing colors and styles that honor your authentic self.

Want to discover which shades of red and pink look best on you? A color analysis session will give you your personalized color palette so you can shop and style with confidence—not just for Valentine's Day, but every day.

📧 info@thefashioneaseta.com
Richmond, VA, Central Virginia, and beyond

Book your color analysis session to discover your perfect shades of red, pink, and every other color in your palette.
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