Crimson Tide

Whether you are a social butterfly or a timid wallflower, this holiday season will have you undoubtedly hopping from one joyful fete to another.

A hard year of work always culminates with December’s month-long schedule of merrymaking events. You’ll be doing what most Pinoys do best — partying! Schmoozing and boozing is quite a cinch — the real dilemma lies in selecting what to slip into for nights of holiday revelry as the invites pile in. 

Looking chic and elegant can be dizzying at times with all the choices out there. Divert your concerns from what to wear by donning a little red dress (LRD) and focus your attention on juggling canapés and knocking back a few drinks instead.  You’ve always got to look your finest no matter how many things you have in hand or how many drinks you’ve downed.

While the little black dress is unanimously celebrated as a fashion staple and is, without doubt, a great backup, its under-appreciated sister, the LRD, is a sure show stealer for the season. Unlike the little black dress, the LRD is bold, daring and so happens to be a major color for the holiday.  Not for the faint of heart, it spells out that the festivities have kicked off and that you are the furthest thing from a grinch.  Opulent and richly intense, the LRD looks fantastic paired with almost anything. 

Lay on necklaces and earrings or pile on the bangles as this jovial shade works especially well with gold or silver.  Anchor it with black or metallic heels and a clutch (trés vogue) and you’re revved up to go.  Red makes such a statement you don’t need much else — just the ease to carry it with.   

Plains & Prints, a homegrown fashion label that touts YStyle’s Celine Lopez and actress Gretchen Baretto as its faces to grace billboards and adverts, recently earned the highly coveted accolade Philippine Retailer of the Year. 

They have a bevy of short festive scarlet frocks to choose from. Whether you choose a wholesome version or something a bit more risqué, a shade of bright cherry or ruby red, there’s a style and tone to suit nearly everyone. 

Go for the plains of Plains and Prints by going solid and plain red. If anyone knows how to do plains, it’s aptly named Plains & Prints. Colorblock your look and pair the LRD with opaque stockings in a complimentary color.  Against dark tresses and warm-hued skin as a background, the LRD is sublimely flattering for all.  Put your coy hesitations aside and favor this passionate tint — it’ll have you oozing with confidence and charm as you sashay across the dance floor. The Chinese believe red is a lucky color and by all means it is for this Christmas collection, whether you are Chinese or not.

So spread that holiday cheer — throw on a LRD and paint the town red this season.