Little Red Riding Hood

Nothing makes a statement quite like the colour red, it is bold, fierce and completely adaptable to any occasion. Perfect for vamping up an evening out by injecting an instant venom of sex appeal to your appearance, it can also be worn casually for an effortless look that is not lacking in attitude. In my culture, it is the colour of prosperity, wealth and luck. While the validity of that remains to be proven, there is no denying that red brightens up even the gloomiest of days, and whilst we are sandwiched between seasons that celebrate this colour: Christmas, Chinese New Year (January 23rd) and Valentine's Day, I figure there is no better time than now to rock this colour.

This holiday season, I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a fire-engine red knit sweater from Zara. 

                                                       
                                                                  "Image Credit: (hypeed.com)"

Although it may not look like much from the onset, I will show you a multitude of ways to wear this chic little number.

(1) To point out the obvious, this piece works great as a single statement piece (as evidenced by the model above). Wear this casually on one shoulder with desert boots or booties for an effortless, boyfriend-inspired look. Accessorise with a voluminous, Alexander Wang curly side braid and set off the warm shade of the outfit with a deep golden tan, and voilà - Twiggy (after an island getaway) reincarnated. Keep your lips nude - let the outfit do the talking for you. Finish off your outfit with a pair of dark sunglasses and you could easily pass off as Rachel Bilson, running errands around town and looking around wearily for photographers - or so I like to tell myself. 

(If you choose to sport this look, do check that the piece is at least one size above your usual. Although its design is oversized by nature, it is not meant to be worn as a dress, so do your necessary checks before going out sans bottoms to avoid a faux pas. To really stay on the safe side, wear a pair of denim shorts underneath.

(2) For the ultimate fashion statement, pair loose-fitting boyfriend jeans, folded up at the ankle. Check out the pioneering celebrities who popularised the look.

                                               
                                                      "Image Credit: (celebrityclothes.net)"

Because I'm not the tallest person in the world, this length looks a little awkward on me - I prefer to cuff the bottoms up slightly higher, so that it falls just below my knees, making it an almost three-quarter length. You may choose to finish this look off with flats, once again chanelling the Mod era. I would personally accessorise with a pair of chunky brown gladiator wedged heels, and a small brown cross the body bag. Something about the colours red and brown together seem so homegrown, earthy and organic to me. 

If you aren't the type to take daring fashion risks, don't fret. This piece would work just as well over a pair of leggings or your favorite pair of jeans, complemented by anything from your trusty Converse shoes to cowboy boots to beach sandals. .

(3) The third and undoubtedly my favorite way to wear this piece - and definitely among my outfit choices for Valentine's Day (yes, I am one of those sad creatures who plan out their entire hair, makeup and outfit months in advance) is by pairing it with a pair of wet-look leggings. 

                                                      
                                                           "Image Credit: (lipglossandblack.com)"

These leggings are reflective and body hugging, which will ensure that they cling onto your every curve, balancing out the potentially dowdy appearance of your upper half. Pair it with heels, my choice is a pair of army green gladiator heels (another two colours that I think go extraordinarily well with each other) and tousled Victoria's Secret glamour-puss hair. Channel your inner sex siren with a bright red lipstick to complement your top, and a statement necklace. I would personally pair it with a long bronze chain to stay within the low-key, girl-next-door theme.

Isn't it remarkable how many ways you can wear a piece and transform it into completely different looks? So get creative - chances are there are plenty of clothing at the back of your wardrobe just waiting to be transformed into the belle(s) of the ball.