Well red

Ay Caramba! Red is muy caliente right now. Just check out the latest from the runways - red made a showing in a majority of the pre-fall collections.

Though red may seem "trendy," I'd argue it never goes out of style. It's a power color that persists. I mean, talk about a confidence booster. Walk into a room in red, and you say "Look at me. I'm spicy."

Daring to go red - all red? Here are some tips from Shopbop's Style Director Morgan Wendelborn:

Choose complementary, subtly different shades and textures. As stunning as an all-red suit cut from the same fabric looks on the runway, it’s not very wearable in real life. The key is to pair slightly mismatched shades (like a poppy-colored silk Equipment blouse and tomato-toned Jenni Kayne chinos) and keep your accessories neutral.

The sure-fire way is to pair a print with a solid—for example, printed Dolce Vita shorts and a solid Mara Hoffman bustier top.

I'd also note that, when wearing red, you want to keep it covered... Because, really, red+lots of skin=trampy, unfortunately. Red is synonymous with arousal in the brain, so tone down any decolletage and avoid any miniskirts. You're hot enough!

If you're not ready for a full-red look, try amping up your accessories. A red belt, red tights or red jewelry add a pop of color against a neutral outfit. (But it would also look great with a golden tone or navy.) With your accessories, you can wear one for a subtle effect, but what really looks spectacular are a few, well-chosen and coordinated red accessories (like shoes and a necklace).

And winter provides a perfect excuse to don a red scarf, red gloves or even an adorable red cloche. Leighton Meester has been spotted filming Gossip Girl in red winter accessories, and Glamour has some great, affordable picks for accessorizing like her.

Finally, if you're really bold, try red lipstick. Just ask red lipstick poster girl Gwen Stefani, who is the newest spokesperson for L'Oreal Paris Infallible lipstick. I mean, this girl makes it look effortless. I recommend heading to a department store makeup counter to find the perfect red for you. With my coloring, I can't really rock the orangey-red tones (much to my chagrin), so I wear a blue-based red from MAC called Dubonnet. Then head to the drug store for a cheaper version!

1. See by Chloe leather belt, available at Yoox: $148
2. Deluxe Jane cloche, available at Proper Topper: $52
3. Patterson J. Kincaid Harlow long-sleeved blouse, available at Shopbop: $68.60
4. See by Chloe cotton-blend pencil skirt, available at The Outnet: $114.75
5. Alice + Olivia Patti pleated dress with leather trim, available at Shopbop: $298
6. Pour la Victoire Irina pump, available at Shoebox: $262
7. L'Oreal Paris Infallible Le Rouge in Resilient Raisin: $9.99
8. Kate Spade Mod Squad necklace: $77

Lusting after the color of love? Check out some beautiful red pics at So Much To Smile About!