Style Expert Tells Us The Best Colors To Wear With A Red Lip

Take it from the iconic Monica Belluci: "If you want a man to notice you, wear red lipstick." Admittedly, there is nothing sexier than a sultry, red pout. However, it's just a short hop from looking ultra-hot in your red lipstick to looking like a hot mess. And much of that boils down to the clothes you choose to pair your lips with. While red lips can instantly make you look like stunning, wearing the wrong clothes with them can result in a huge disaster.

So, let's talk about your wardrobe and red lips, baby! Glam spoke exclusively to TV style expert Michelle Washington to clarify how to ensure your lips and 'fits complement each other, rather than clashing. "So, you've decided to unleash your inner diva with a bold red lip? Yaaas, queen! There's nothing more powerful and chic than strutting your stuff with a classic red pout," she shares, adding that the key to nailing a red lip is pairing it with the right outfit colors. According to our expert, the best shades to wear include black, white and navy blue. On the other hand, some of the worst colors include neons, pastels and brown shades.

"Listen, honey, if you want to ooze sophistication and mystery, black is your BFF; that ride-or-die bestie who never lets you down," Michelle Washington shares exclusively with Glam. "It's sleek, it's chic, and it makes your red lips pop like nobody's business," 

Indeed, when has the perfect little black dress ever disappointed on a night out? Or how about the black power suit during that important work meeting? Black is always a safe choice, but just because it's safe, it doesn't have to be boring. On the contrary, pair your trusty black 'fits with ultra-sexy red lips for an edgy twist on the monochrome ensemble.

According to our expert, "... black is the canvas that lets your red lip masterpiece shine. Think Audrey Hepburn, but with a modern, sassy twist." Whether you're rocking power pieces in a structured, tailored suit, or a feminine flowing dress, black is the epitome of elegance. 

We're not waiting until Memorial Day to wear white denim, because guess what? White is always a good choice, especially when paired with red lips. "Now, if black is your go-to for nighttime glamour, white is your ticket to daytime chic," Michelle Washington reveals during our exclusive interview. "White is that fresh, clean slate that screams elegance."

So, if you want to be "a walking, talking magazine cover," all you need is a wardrobe of whites: a white summer dress, white sandals, and of course, your go-to red lipstick. "The contrast of white and red is as timeless as it gets, and it's perfect for those moments when you want to look effortlessly sophisticated," the TV stylist advises. "Think of a white outfit with a red lip as the fashion equivalent of a Beyoncé and Jay-Z collab — pure magic!" Need we say more?

"Navy is that low-key queen that doesn't get enough credit. It's rich, it's deep, and it pairs with a red lip like peanut butter and jelly," Michelle Washington tells Glam exclusively. We've always said that good old navy blue deserves a spot in your neutral wardrobe, and our expert stylist seconds that — especially if you are a red lipstick aficionado.

"Navy brings out the richness in your red lipstick, making it pop even more," Washington shares. If black is your night-time go-to option, and white is your classic and chic daytime color choice, then navy blue is the perfect in-between alternative since it's "versatile enough for both casual and formal occasions." This is a shade you can get away with wearing around the clock.

Plus, navy 'fits are always classy and elegant. For a polished and fully put-together appearance, this minimalist-favored hue reigns supreme — especially so when paired with a vibrant, red pout.

Take a sneak peek into any fashionista's wardrobe, and you will find a vast array of colors. Even if they don't fit into the golden trio of black, white, and navy, you can still rock your other favorite color palettes with a red lip as long as they're not too loud. 

"The best tip for pairing your wardrobe with red lips? Balance, baby, balance!" Michelle Washington explains. "You want your red lips to be the star of the show, so keep the rest of your outfit simple and let those lips shine." It doesn't have to be red lips or your favorite clothes, as long as you make sure to find a happy medium between the two. You can still wear, say, a quiet green with your red lips, but make sure the outfit doesn't dominate your appearance. In-your-face brat green (which has replaced Barbie pink), for example, will probably clash with a bold red lip.

"Think of your red lipstick as the statement piece — everything else should complement, not compete," Washington adds in our exclusive chat. "If you're rocking a vibrant red lip, go for neutral or monochromatic outfits to keep things chic and sophisticated." And, of course, keep in mind that not all shades of red are equal. Slay the red-lip business like a queen by pairing the right shade of red lipstick with the perfect outfit.

Unfortunately, there are certain clothing colors to avoid pairing with a classic red lip. "Orange and red are like oil and water," says Michelle Washington. Adding to this, avoid pairing red lipsticks with any bright, neon-colored outfits, including those in the realms of pink and yellow. "The bright, flashy colors compete with the boldness of your lips, resulting in a fashion catastrophe," Washington shares exclusively with Glam.

Equally, one of the worst pairings for red lips is any pastel. "The contrast is too jarring and can make your outfit look washed out," Washington cautions. "Stick to bolder, richer tones to keep the spotlight on those lips." Lastly, something to keep in mind if you are more of an earthy tones kinda gal: Brown may not be the best choice, either. "Earth tones have their place, but when it comes to a bold red lip, brown can make things look muddy," Washington says. "Instead of enhancing your look, brown tends to dull the vibrancy of the red."

Still unsure what goes with what? As Washington says, balance, baby, balance! Take a step back and look at yourself in the mirror. Do your clothes complement your red lips, or are they fighting to grab the attention? If you are not sure whether to focus on your clothes or your lips, then one or the other needs to be toned down a bit.