With both colours having deep historical roots in feminism and womanhood, the combination of pink and red can form outfits that, when styled right, are not only elegant and bold, but create a beautiful balance between a gentle and powerful aura.
Stereotypically, the colour pink is seen as delicate. It symbolizes softness, daintiness, and grace, encircling the mind when one imagines fresh flowers, girlhood, and a coquette aesthetic. Especially in a lighter shade range, pink represents the suppleness of femininity, and is an expression of the elegance and youthfulness by which women can chose to exist.
Contrastingly, the colour red is seen as power. Much like in the movies, where the woman in the red dress is admired and awed, the colour is seen as passionate, fierce, fiery, and empowering. It is the older sister of pink, exuding confidence, ferocity, and sexuality throughout all of its shades.
It makes sense, thus combining light shades of pink and dark shades of red creates an outfit beautifully balanced in both colour and meaning. As displayed beautifully in the Alexander McQueen spring/summer 2018 runway, the combination of colours creates looks that explore the delicate side of womanhood whilst quietly implementing the sexual, fierce aspects that were historically frowned upon.
With Valentine’s Day approaching, it might be intimidating to try and style these colours, but don’t let it scare you too much. Despite the apprehension of creating a look with such bold colours, you don’t have to run around campus in head-to-toe neon pink to accomplish the look. Try adding pops of pink and red accessories to more monochrome outfits as a way of celebrating your feminine side. Use tights, bags, hair clips, shoes, and scarves to elevate any of your looks and get in the Valentine’s Day feeling.
Written by Sarah Besancon.