Lady in Red: Fabulous Ways to Turn Some Heads Tonight

The deep cabernet red is gorgeous and really shows off the details of this elegant Ramy Brook halter blouse. A feminine and sophisticated bow at the back of the neck is the finishing touch to this neckline. (Click through the "shop it" button to see this view.) The halter style perfectly accentuates your collarbone and shoulders, which is a great trick to make your arms look longer and leaner, and your shoulders more defined. A strapless bra easily works under this blouse. There are a lot of wonderful outfits to be had with this stretchy silk blouse – black trousers, a pencil skirt, skinny jeans or leather leggings. If you are heading to a dinner date with your significant other, his eyes will stay on you on all night. (If they are out of your size through the "shop it" button, try Saks.)

Who needs jewelry when you have this beauty from Magaschoni? The deep medium red works on most skin tones, and the versatility doesn’t end there. The easy fit, short sleeve, and banded bottom will look great on everyone, whether you pair it with simple trousers for a night out now or a shimmery skirt for a holiday party later. Just add a simple pair of earrings, and you’re accessorizing is complete.

Theory’s deep bordeaux cowlneck top has endless uses. The rich color is almost a black, but provides just a pop of interest – and makes it easy to wear your favorite black bottom with it. The contemporary fit is fluid and drapey, but doesn’t dip too low at the neckline. You can even wear it to work – it looks great under a blazer for the office, and then wear it on its own as you head out for the evening.

Johnny Was Collection interprets this same deep purple-red color in a relaxed fitting semi-sheer top that we love over a black cami and slim black pants. The embroidered detail around the neckline and hem are a pretty contrast and take the pressure off needing to do much accessorizing – always a perk when getting ready for a night out.

When talking about after 5 dressing, we certainly can’t forget about the allure of the red dress. Our first pick is from one of our favorite dressmakers – Tadashi Shoji. Their wide size range and modern fit looks wonderful on most women’s figures, and this embroidered tulle fabric, with extended notch neckline, is simply a knockout. Notice the detail of the pattern – it has 2 vertical stripes, drawing the eye down, creating a very slimming appearance. It is lined and the texture of the embroidery also helps keep things looking smooth (texture always helps conceal in that way). The red and black combination is very modern – and, of course, makes wearing black shoes an easy decision. Perfect for a cocktail party, wedding, or holiday event.

The Japanese-inspired floral nature design of this Tory Burch dress is beautifully accented with sheer deep red pleat insets on the sides of the skirt, adding a little flare and curve to this dress, which makes it so flattering on. The double knit fabric is really comfortable, and also has a nice weight to it. We love finding long sleeve dressier options that still have a lot of style and sophistication. This modern piece fits the bill, and will look great for anything from a nice dinner to a baby shower.

Wow, are we fans of this easy fitting Melissa Masse dress! So seventies chic, yet modern at the same time. We love the combination of the pinks and reds with the black, making it easy to wear with black shoes. The maxi style and long sleeves are not only functional in the winter months, but so stylish. In a wide range of sizes, it also comes with an attached slip – another perk. If you do need to shorten it, it will still look great if some of the solid black on the bottom needs to be removed. Just make sure the dress skims the ground, with your chosen shoes.

The combination of the beautifully rich merlot color on a heavier ribbed textured fabric pair perfectly on this Nanette Lepore silhouette to create such a flattering dress. The style is timeless, and the v-neckline and pleated fit-and-flare style create that perfect hourglass shape we are always striving for. The stretch in the fabrication sucks you in and pushes you up in in all the right places. Though the neckline is v’ed in the front and back, you can still wear a regular bra. Nude, metallic, or black footwear look great with this dress. You’ll wear this all year round.

Red velvet can feel a little “Mrs. Claus” if not done right. So, we’re delighted with Christopher Blue’s interpretation. The rich wine color and slim silhouette make these sophisticated and modern. Of course, they are still in the relaxed fit Christopher Blue is known for. A simple black or cream silk blouse look beautiful – and don’t feel like you need to wait for the holidays to wear these. While they will look great that time of year, with the importance of red, you can – and should – start wearing these right away. Christopher Blue also does a fun animal jacquard print pair in a deep red – hey, own it!

Coated jeans are an amazing alternative to leather – you certainly can’t beat the price difference, and AG’s version has amazing stretch to them. But it’s the color that really drew us in. The deep crimson is a purple-red, which is just as slimming as black, and so stylish. These look great paired with any neutral. Or be bold, and wear a red or cobalt blue top – you won’t regret it. While they are a contemporary fit, they don't run small. For a more relaxed fit, the Lafayette 148 New York version is equally beautiful, with the same womanly edge.

Is it jewelry or a wristlet? In this case, it’s both. Elizabeth & James, known for their contemporary line of cool womens wear styles, translated that aesthetic perfectly here. Instead of having a basic leather strap around your wrist, why not have an amazing silver cuff? If you’re going to carry your bag around for a night at a cocktail party or bar, anyway (your phone and lipstick need to go somewhere) it might as well look like it was made for your outfit. And then, you don’t need to worry about a bracelet.