Let’s call a spade a spade; red is not the most discrete of colors, but we love it. It’s a little reminder that clothes are not meant to be tucked away, but to be shown off in all their glory to the world. Fendi, for instance, doubled our infatuation with the powerful color, bringing forth glorious designs and fashion mavens’ all-time favorite red boots.

While we really do believe that black is elegant, we also think red can turn your average outfit from yay to nay in a split second…should you do it right, that is.

So how to really wear red like a pro? The rules are quite simple; embrace it, wear it, own it. Below, we’ve gathered our golden rules on how to pull off wearing red like you’ve just come off a fashion runway.

If you’re more on the discrete side of the red-continuum, then do stick to subtle hints of red. Meaning, keep the red mania restricted for the accessories area – think red bags, shoes, headbands and jewelry.

If you’ve fully embraced the trend, then do opt for a pair of over-the-knees red boots. Also, don’t forget to go wild with the materials, from leather to vinyl and velvet.

Don’t forget the power of a little red dress!

Do mix the color red with fuchsia. The mélange is quite the stunner!

Don’t think that red and patterns don’t mix well together, because they absolutely do.

If you’re on the wild side, then by all means, mix the cherry color with leopard

prints, stripes and whatever it is you want to mix it with.

Do opt for an all-red pantsuit, à la Gigi Hadid. Enough said.

Oh and do wear read tights, courtesy of Fall’s autumn breeze!

Cindy Menassa