When I heard about Stylist Magazine’s FiestaStylista competition to find a stylist bonus is that the prize includes a trip to New York Fashion Week and the chance to style a cover wrap for the magazine) I couldn’t wait to start putting together SYW’s entry. The challenge – style an S/S 15 red based outfit. I scouted my existing wardrobe and the high street.  I love red, such a bold, impactful cover that can really lift an outfit and your mood, (I never fail to be cheered by the sight of a red shoe) I realised that nothing I had was quite up to the job.   Luckily the shops were in a giving mood and I was quickly laden down with my haul of red items ready to be worked into a FiestaStylista worthy outfit. Best of all almost every item was in sale.  But where to style the outfit?  Happily a beach trip was already scheduled and made the perfect location.

Enter the Red Zone

During my quest to find the best combination, I was reminded that shopping based around a single colour is a great way to create a mini capsule wardrobe, much like my yellow based theme from this . So I thought it only fair to share the red capsule.

Red proves it worth in a formal or casual setting as shown here – take a pencil skirt with a shot of red and clashing pink from Ted Baker, pair with either a neutral shirt and a boxy jacket or a simple T instead.

Colour Clash

A brilliant transition piece which you can wear now and will see you through Autumn is Reiss’ pleated pattern skirt.  Even better this will suit most shapes.   Dress up with Zara’s waterfall front shell top and a pair of courts or down with clashing Breton stripe bell sleeved crop top and flats. Finishing touch that works equally with both looks is this fab red rucksack from Kin by John Lewis.

Go Formal or Dress Down

Go nautical with this Gap Fit and Flare Dress worn over the Breton stripe bell sleeved crop top, finished off with metallic espadrilles.

Try a nautical red look

Or you can mix your reds for an all over look, punctuate with a metallic shoe.

Head to Toe Red with a metallic finish

So many looks from just a few pieces.  If you find your shopping trips result in lots of loved individual pieces which remain no more than the sum of their parts  – try selecting a colour theme to guide you and see what difference it can make.

To see which outfit made our competition entry, head over to .  Like what you see?  Give us a vote by liking the look (most likes get through to the next round).