Black, charcoal, navy, white and stone are useful starting points when wearing red. For an understated men’s outfit, make red the accent and keep the larger pieces plain. Try a red tartan scarf with a black coat and charcoal trousers, then adjust the contrast to your taste.
Start with one red piece
You do not need a red jacket or a head-to-toe colour scheme. A scarf lets you try the colour alongside clothes you already wear. Start by laying the pieces together: the scarf, your coat, the knit underneath and the trousers. Look at the whole combination before adding another patterned accessory.
The Burlington brushed tartan scarf has an actual Red Tartan option. The product lists a brushed finish, fringed ends and dimensions of 180 by 33cm. Its pattern makes it a useful example for this guide: the red is present within a check rather than as one uninterrupted block.
Red with black and charcoal
For a restrained combination, place the scarf against a Black Hampstead longline overcoat and add Charcoal Camden trousers. These are named options in the current catalogue. The Hampstead has notch lapels, a single-breasted three-button front and welt pockets; Camden has a tapered leg and an elasticated drawstring waist.
Keep the layer beneath the coat black or charcoal if you want the scarf to lead the outfit. A Charcoal Belgrave quarter-zip is one option. This is a styling suggestion, not a requirement to match every dark shade exactly. Compare the garments together and decide whether you prefer a small difference or a stronger contrast.
Red with navy
Navy offers another starting point for an outfit built around a red scarf. Try the Burlington with the Navy Belgrave slim ribbed quarter-zip and Black Putney chinos. The Belgrave’s stand collar and quarter-zip give you a plain surface beneath the check, while the Putney has a slim, tapered shape.
If you also choose a navy coat, check that you like the different navy tones together. They do not have to be identical. For this combination, keep the scarf as the main pattern and use plain trousers. You can then remove the coat without losing the navy-and-red pairing underneath.
Red with stone and white
For a lighter alternative, build around Stone Putney slim tapered chinos. Pair them with a Black Belgrave and the Red Tartan Burlington. The light trousers create a different balance from the charcoal outfit while the black knit keeps the upper half simple.
White low-top trainers you already own are one finishing option. Black trainers create less contrast with darker trousers. Compare both combinations with the same trousers before deciding.
Keep the colour names precise
Red, burgundy and oxblood are different colour descriptions. This guide uses the Burlington’s named Red Tartan variant; a product described as burgundy elsewhere in the catalogue should not be treated as the same shade. Read the selected colour name as well as looking at the photograph.
There is no compulsory number of colours for an outfit. A practical approach is to begin with one red item and two neutral clothing colours, then add or remove a contrast. Keep your shoes beside the clothes while choosing: their colour contributes to the combination too. Use the ideas above as starting points for your own wardrobe.
Frequently asked questions
Does red go with black in men’s clothing?
Try a red accessory with black clothing if you want the accessory to stand out. The Red Tartan Burlington scarf and Black Hampstead overcoat are one current WARDLEY combination.
Can I wear red with navy?
Yes. As a styling option, pair the Red Tartan Burlington scarf with a Navy Belgrave quarter-zip and plain trousers. Keep other patterns limited if you want a quieter combination.
What trousers can I wear with a red scarf?
Charcoal Camden trousers, Black Putney chinos or Stone Putney chinos offer three different starting points. Choose the combination you prefer with the coat and shoes you plan to wear.
Is burgundy the same colour as red?
Burgundy is a distinct colour description and should not be substituted for a product labelled Red Tartan. Check the individual variant name when choosing a WARDLEY item.
Which WARDLEY scarf comes in red?
The Burlington brushed tartan scarf lists a Red Tartan option. The product describes a brushed finish, fringed ends and a one-size format measuring 180 by 33cm.
Shop the range
Red's safest partners in the current range: the slim black jeans (£59.00) underneath, and the herringbone scarf (£10.00) to quieten it over the top.
Neutral knits are in the knitwear collection; complete outfits are in smart casual clothing.
