How stars like Maura Higgins and Meghan Markle have made ruby red the hot ‘cool girl’ colour for a showstopping winter

MOVE over LBD – it’s time to add a new dress colour to your winter wardrobe. 

Punchy, vibrant and very apt for this time of year, you really can’t go far wrong when wearing red.

Whilst many people may sway towards wearing black, often using it as a safety blanket, a red dress is like its fun sister. 

And it’s not a colour to shy away from, suiting all skin tones depending on your preferred taste you can opt for shades from ruby red to scarlet.

Celebrities have certainly gotten the memo. 

Looking red hot in their dresses they show that no matter the length or style red really does suit everyone.

Here, Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale takes a look at these ladies in red and what they  have been wearing, plus where to get the best red dresses on the high street.

Maura Higgins

SplashMaura Higgins in her red mini dress[/caption]

The Love Island star who is set to enter I’m a Celebrity as a late comer was as far away from the jungle as you can get when she stepped out last week in London in a red mini dress.

The 33-year-old who is said to be dating Strictly star Pete Wicks will soon be swapping her glamorous red mini for a pair of practical red shorts.

The dress consisted of a strapless bodice before flaring out into an a-line skirt and is a style that is perfect for party season. 

Myleene Klass

Myleene Klass in her red floor length dress in Covent Garden

Myleene, 46, looked like a Klass act in this satin red dress as she attended the Christmas light switch on in London’s Covent Garden last week. 

Red is such a festive colour and the Smooth Radio presenter certainly pulled out all stops to make herself look the part.

Whilst the strappy number looked fabulous on Myleene, you could always add a blazer over the top of this look for extra warmth at this time of year. 

Mariah Carey

GettyMariah Carey kicking off her Christmas tour in a red mini dress[/caption]

The Queen of Christmas herself Mariah Carey obviously loves a red dress at this time of year.

The 55-year-old loves her red dresses so much that last year a Barbie doll was made of her in red and most recently a new wax work at New York’s Madame Tussaud’s saw her also wearing a red number. 

This dress in particular is a super fun red mini that the All I Want For Christmas singer wore as she kicked off her Christmas tour in LA. 

Katherine Ryan

GettyKatherine Ryan wearing Nadine Merabi[/caption]

Fashion is no laughing matter for comedian Katherine as she stepped out for the Gladiator II premier in London. 

Wearing a red velvet mini dress, with square neckline with embellishments from Nadine Merabi, which is available to buy for £375. 

A darker shade of red like this is great for those who don’t want to wear anything too bright and the velvet fabric gives it a real festive feel.

Meghan Markle

GettyMeghan, Duchess of Sussex wearing Carolina Herrera[/caption]

The Duchess of Sussex often wears red dresses when she makes appearances out. 

Recently she wore a red dress from Carolina Herrera which she wore for the first time back in 2021, this time she removed the train. 

Red is said to symbolise strength and courage and is often good to wear when someone wants to convey those emotions, with speculation that that is why the 43-year-old often is seen in the hot hue. 

Nicole Scherzinger

GC ImagesNicole Scherzinger is currently starring in Sunset Boulevard[/caption]

The former Pussycat Dolls singer is currently starring in Sunset Boulevard on Broadway.

Seen before the show in a tight fitting strappy red dress, the 46-year-old looked sensational. 

The Dolce & Gabbana dress is currently not available to buy, however there are plenty of similar options available on the high street.

Clara Amfo

GettyClara Amfo in a red blazer dress[/caption]

Clara, 40 attended a screening of Elton John’s new documentary Never Too Late, wearing this red blazer dress.

This style of dress is great for those who want to wear long sleeves, with the button fastening in the middle adding extra shape to your look. 

These kind of dresses are readily available on the high street and you can buy them from the likes of H&M, Asos and New Look. 

Selena Gomez

GettySelena Gomez in a sequin Rodarte dress[/caption]

Who doesn’t love a sequin at Christmas time? 

Selena, 32, wowed in this bardot sweetheart style ruby red dress for a Disney premier last month. 

The Rodarte dress is super flattering, with the neckline sculpting around her chest before cinching in at the waist thanks to a corset style top half, before skimming down the rest of her body.

The singer could give Jessica Rabbit a run for her money with this look. 

Shop some of Abby’s top red dress picks on the high street now…

Next.co.ukNext, £39[/caption]

This cap sleeved ruched middle dress from next is super flattering, especially for those who want more support around their middle. 

Next, £39, BUY NOW

Fabulous, £56Fabulous

Made from sustainable satin this red dress from our very own Fabulous Clothing Fuller Bust Collection has a tie back thick enough to accommodate a bra. 

Fabulous Clothing, £56, BUY NOW

marksandspencer.comM&S, £49.50[/caption]

Sequins scream Christmas so add this festive mini to your basket for a fun update on a new party dress. 

M&S, £49.50, BUY NOW

Riverisland.comRiver Island, £65[/caption]

The perfect blazer dress to make you look smart and sculpt your body, with this ruched detailing in the middle.

River Island, £65, BUY NOW

quizclothing.co.ukQuiz Clothing, £44.99[/caption]

Bows are a big trend this season and this dress from Quiz has a super fun take on the style with this showstopper back bow detail. 

Quiz Clothing, £44.99, BUY NOW

tuclothing.sainsburys.co.ukTu, £30[/caption]

Tu at Sainsbury’s has pulled out all the stops with this satin red midi dress, only £30 and perfect for the festive season ahead. 

Tu, £30, BUY NOW

What does the colour red symbolise?

By Abby McHale

The colour red is often associated with love, romance and lust and is seen as a very powerful colour. 
Because the shade is so heavily associated with these things it is often seen as a very attractive colour.
Some say it’s down to social conditioning as to why we see red as a lustful shade, with women wearing red lipstick as early as 10,000 BC.
Red was often linked with fertility which again can link back to feelings of love and lust. 
It is also a colour of power and excitement and can be used to make a statement, which can also be made through clothing. 
There is even a whole theory called ‘The Red Dress Effect’ where studies have shown that the colour evokes sexual desire and increased physical attraction compared to other colours.