How To Rock Your Red Look On Valentine's Day

Move over, little black dress. It's time for something bolder. A red dress grabs attention and refuses to let go -- if it's the right red dress. To really rock this look, you'll need to pay attention to the details. Do it right, and you'll make the kind of good impression that burns after-images into admirers' retinas.

Pick the Right Shade

Match the shade of your red dress with your complexion. Not every red works for every skin tone. Some bright reds will cause pale-skinned women to look washed out while some orange-reds will bring clash with sallow skin tones. If you can, hold the dress up to your face while you're shopping and see how they look together. You also can use construction paper or swatches in the bathroom mirror to determine your best red tone.

Smoky Eye Makeup

Let your eyes allure with a shimmery, smoky look for nighttime events. Apply a peach-toned shimmer blush over your foundation or tinted moisturizer. If you appear too pale for your taste, go for a sun-kissed look with just a touch of shimmery bronzing powder. Line your eyes as thick as you like with a dark kohl or pencil liner, apply thick black mascara and go heavy on a warm metallic eyeshadow for dramatic appeal. Complete the look with a completely nude lip to balance out the heavy eye makeup.

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize

Be bold in your accessory choices, but don't overdo it. Neutral colors such as black, white and beige are best. This is a good time to break out those nude pumps -- unless you've got your heart set on a zebra-striped pair. Gold is also a fine match. Or complement an orange-red shade with orange and yellow, a bluish red with blue or purple.