How To Style Red & Pink, According To R29 Editors

Ever since the Barbiecore aesthetic entered our world, the color pink has reached new heights. Graduating from its girlhood symbolism, Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie inspired people of all ages to bask in the pure joy of wearing pink. Now it’s time to take things up a notch and embrace one of the more “controversial” color pairings: red and pink.  

Reminiscent of the Valentine’s Day cards and bags of sweets we used to exchange with our childhood friends, this color palette might feel more in-your-face on paper than it actually is. Take the spring 2024 runways for instance, where the two were styled effortlessly together on multiple occasions. Scandi designer Cecilie Bahnsen, known for her romantic and sculptural silhouettes, debuted an ultra-feminine hot-pink and coral-red dress back in September (and paired it with black socks and trainers for the cool girl effect). Sandy Liang went for picnic vibes with a baby pink gingham vest, matching floral hair clip, and red pleated skirt. 

Despite what our reluctant minds might tell us, red and pink can be effortless, stylish, and mature. And if TikTok’s impact on the celebration of personal style can teach us anything, it’s that there’s no such thing as too much. A lesson we can take into all areas of our lives? We think so. So grab your salmons and bubble gums, your crimsons and corals, and join us on the bright side — for Valentine’s Day and beyond. 

Scroll on to see how five Refinery29 editors and writers are adopting the red-and-pink color palette to fit their individual styles.

Red & Pink Outfit Idea: Jacket & Rosette Necklace

“What I love about building outfits is that every day is an opportunity to play with different styles and aesthetics. Life’s too short to stick to the same outfit formulas all the time! While the pink-and-red brief had my mind spinning with options, I ended up deciding on this casual yet romantic vibe. I paired my favorite vintage blazer (red hot, like my love for thrifting) with my mini Axel Arigato shopping bag, which is sadly now sold out, and a rosette necklace, which came as part of a Superdown co-ord set. She’s ready to bat her eyelashes for free drinks while equally down to dance all night.” — Ebony-Renee Baker, Fashion Editor

Red & Pink Outfit Idea: Bright Sweater & Tights

“I’ll be honest, I was never a pink gal. But I’ve slowly been getting into the color these last few years as my love for Barbie sparked my interest in wearing pink more frequently. In honor of Valentine’s Day, I put together this red-and-pink outfit to test the waters. I paired a fuzzy red keyhole sweater (that I wore for Christmas) with red tights and pink accessories — a pink acrylic headband, flower hoops, and a heart-shaped handle bag that I was gifted from a Truly x Barbie collab, which added a touch of sweetness to my otherwise bold outfit. This look is certainly not for those who are scared of color, and it made me uncomfortable at first, but the compliments I received while wearing it made it all worth it in the end.”
— Victoria Montalti, Associate Affiliate Writer

Red & Pink Outfit Idea: Floral Dress & Heels

“I am late to the red-and-pink party. Before the last few seasons of runway shows, I didn’t think it was a color palette that worked for my more restrained, minimalist style. Now, I find it quite refreshing and fun, especially during Valentine’s Day or on date night. While this vintage-esque dress already has both colors in it and doesn’t require further styling, I wanted to bring out the pinks in the flower print, pairing it with a cozy sweater (which also helps dress down the look for a more casual occasion) and pumps in rosy hues.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director

Red & Pink Outfit Idea: Heart Sweater & Jeans

“This is a casual take on Valentine’s Day — perfect for a walk in the park or something else lowkey, either solo or with a date. I love light pink and red together, especially on this short-sleeve heart sweater from Zara last season. Pairing the bright colors with jeans makes it feel more wearable, with a bit of cheeky midriff. Plus, the shacket gives me that extra bit of warmth, which is needed in February. We’re comfortable and flirty!” — Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Writer

Red & Pink Outfit Idea: Suit & Heart-Shaped Sunnies

“My wardrobe consists mostly of neutrals, so for my Valentine’s Day fit, I picked a salmon co-ord set from Artizia (now sold out) with a cropped jacket and wide-legged pants that I’ve had in my closet for a couple of years. This suit has more of a summery vibe so usually I’d style it with chunky sandals or Reeboks and a white tee, but for date night, I chose my snakeskin Schutz boots and my old faithful pink-and red Miu Miu clutch. I accessorized with some festive heart-shaped shades and M.A.C’s Russian Red to add a bit of irreverence to the look.” — Carli Whitwell, Senior Director of Editorial 

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

5 Ways To Wear Red, 2024's Top Color Trend

How To Wear Colored Tights: The 2024 Guide

2024 Color Trends To Brighten Up Your Wardrobe

2024 Engagement Ring Trends That Are Anything But Traditional

There are few things shoppers purchase with the intention of wearing every day, for the rest of eternity. But that’s precisely what an engagement ring represents: the promise of forever, a symbol of love turned into a precious piece of jewelry that hugs the finger of a future life partner. As such, it is a significant investment — both in terms of sentimentality and financial value — and with endless designs and silhouettes out there, figuring out what makes for your perfect pick is no easy feat. While more traditional engagement ring trends like diamonds, gold or platinum settings, and classic shapes will never go out of fashion, the new year is bringing with it fresh selections worth considering, especially for those who are enticed by non-traditional ring styles. 

As a result of a growing desire among consumers to select something that embodies the personality of its wearer, avant-garde styles will be in higher demand. “Towards the end of 2023, I’ve had an influx of bespoke engagement ring requests that totally rip up the rule book on ‘traditional’ design,” says Kitty Fuller, founder and designer of the jewelry brand Kitty Joyas. “The idea that you can wear whatever you like as the symbol of your union is set to get bigger and bigger. In 2024, I expect to see the classic ingredients used to make up an entirely new and exciting era of designs.” 

Add to that the fact that couples are modernizing the way they shop for rings, from approaching the process as a pair to opening their minds to second-hand pieces and lab-grown diamond alternatives, there will be ample opportunity to find the right ring for the right person in 2024. “From ultra-chunky settings to injecting a kaleidoscope of stone colors, this new wave of wedding jewelry reflects the larger movement at the moment, where people are embracing self-expression more than ever,” says Fuller. 

Below, discover eight of the biggest 2024 engagement ring trends that are anything but traditional. Uncommon and personalized designs that defy expectations and celebrate creativity, these picks are as unique as the individuals who will be wearing them.

Engagement Ring Trend 2024: Ahead of the Curve

Engagement rings with curvy bands are rising in popularity, says Sidney Neuhaus, co-founder of the brand Kimaï and a GIA-certified gemologist. “[This is especially true] when paired with our complementary wavy wedding bands to create a modern and stylish stacked look. We know our customers love to rearrange and play with these stacks to keep their special piece feeling fresh and interesting, falling in love with the design again and again.”

Engagement Ring Trend 2024: Swirling Silhouettes

While halos are a common feature in engagement rings, there are increasingly creative ways of surrounding center stones with smaller diamonds or gemstones. Danish jewelry designer Sophie Billie Brahe is known for her playful take on timeless ring designs, namely the rounded silhouette of her Escargot ring which draws from the swirling shell of a snail. “Customers are moving away from the traditional solitaire diamond and are focusing on distinctive designs. Our signature rings with unique designs are in high demand from our customers,” Billie Brahe says. “Although they were not originally designed to be engagement rings, the styles are often sought out as modern bridal pieces.” 

Engagement Ring Trend 2024: Sustainability Surge

According to a 2021 report by McKinsey & Company, sustainability practices have been playing, and will continue to play, an influential role in fine jewelry purchasing decisions, accounting for 20 to 30 percent of all sales in the category by 2025. Engagement rings are no exception to what’s been dubbed the “sustainability surge.” Leading brands are embracing pre-loved stones and bands made from recycled gold, and some are even offering in-house exchange programs for customers to send in their unwanted or broken jewelry in return for credits. 

Engagement Ring Trend 2024: Bold Bands

Chunky shanks are challenging conventional engagement ring designs by playing with proportion and favoring thicker bands and settings as opposed to typically dainty styles. By allowing the band to make as much of a statement as the stone itself, these pieces have a modern and organic appeal to suit nontraditional brides-to-be who want something as bold as they are. 

Engagement Ring Trend 2024: Nods To Nature

We often turn to nature in the realm of romance, from the symbolism of a single red rose to songs about doves and lovebirds serving as metaphors for significant relationships. Engagement rings, too, are borrowing from Mother Earth to imbue designs with meaning: a gold flower blooming with a rose-cut diamond; a shank made to look like interwoven vines signifying connection; eagle claw prongs as a sign of strength. Often these styles have a vintage appeal, striking a distinct balance between nostalgia and personality. 

Engagement Ring Trend 2024: Multicolored Gems

If there’s one common theme that runs through the top 2024 engagement ring trends, it’s playfulness. Jewelers don’t take themselves too seriously, and neither should soon-to-be brides. Opt for an array of colors that capture the spirit of that special someone with a ring featuring multi-hued gemstones. For an extra special touch, consider birthstones representative of you and your partner. 

Engagement Ring Trend 2024: East-West Orientation

Sometimes all it takes to turn something traditional into something a little… less so, is simply a shift in perspective. Literally. Rather than looking at a stone vertically as it is usually presented, consider a horizontal orientation for a trendy twist on any classic cut. From oval to emerald to pear to marquise, don’t hesitate to take your favorite shape and turn it on its side. 

Engagement Ring Trend 2024: Going Ringless

London-based jeweler Tessa Metcalfe is noticing that more people want to be part of choosing the ring they’ll be wearing every day but don’t want to miss out on the romantic gesture of their partner selecting a meaningful piece of jewelry for them. Her suggestion? Propose with something else instead, like a one-of-a-kind earring. “That way you can choose something that pushes the boundaries and shows your partner how much you know their taste and humor whilst respecting their autonomy to choose the engagement ring together [later on],” she explains. You could also skip the ring entirely and embrace the engagement watch trend for a different take on the romantic gesture that is equally symbolic. 

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by us. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, we may earn a commission.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?