Take it from a person who spent a lot of time looking for the perfect pair of red shoes; finding these is never an easy task. In my head, I had picked out that perfect shade of red that would adorn my feet. Neither would it be scarlet bright, nor burgundy deep. It would sit perfectly in the middle of the color card. But it took months before thought translated into reality. And finally when that happened, there was another worry that took over. Would I be able to pull off the shoes without it seeming like overkill? Would I be doomed to wear the shoes in the mildest way possible so that they never seem over the top? I vowed to never do the former, and swore that I would never commit the faux pas that was the latter. And thus, started a series of experiments that culminated in a few refreshingly startling discoveries. I figured that it is, therefore, my duty to share my findings with other women so that they don't have to struggle with the right outfits the way I did. So, here it is. An entire guidebook (okay, article) dedicated to red shoes and how you should wear them. My red shoes are my sole mate (pun intended). And the story is pretty much the same for most other women I know who own a pair of red heels. But let me start with a warning here. Red shoes are not for everyone. To carry off shoes in shades as strong as scarlet, vermilion, and crimson, and as elegant as maroon, and burgundy, you need confidence and the knowledge that you can work it. The problem with shoes in this bright color is that while they can look extremely bold and confident when worn correctly, wear them the wrong way and you get labeled as trashy in a second and a half. Though the power of the written word is sacrosanct, there are times when images work much better. In that vein, here are some outfit ideas that will tell you how to do red right. I have put together the outfits in such a way that you can mix and match the same with the two pair of shoes in the image. Wearing red heels is powerful. It's a feeling like nothing else. But always, always wear understated clothes with your heels. Going all black or white is a great way to allow the heels to be the showstopper of the outfit. Add red elements but don't overdo it. Flat red shoes allow you a little more space for experimentation. While they still should be the focal point of your outfit, you can try color blocking. Just remember that if your outfit is not in a neutral shade, then opt for plain colors. Try to make matching accessories the other highlight in your outfit. Menswear-inspired fashion is a huge trend this year, and you should indulge in the footwear part of it by wearing boys-inspired shoes in red. Keep the rest of the look preppy or college student(y) to allow the shoes to shine through. Nautical stripes and retro prints work beautifully with such shoes. Maneuvering the pitfalls that come with wearing bright, red shoes (whether heels or flats) can be an easy task, provided you follow some simple tips.

• Ensure that your outfit is simple and understated. While avoiding bright colors like yellow is advisable, sometimes, certain colors when combined together (purple and red for instance) can make quite an impact.
• Don't stick to a specific shade of red. Experiment with different shades till you find one that works for you. At the end of the day, this is about you being comfortable. Carrying accessories in different shades of red can also add texture to your outfit.
• Avoid wearing a red dress with red shoes. Somehow, it is always too much. It's like you are screaming for attention. While we are on the subject, the dark, Christmas green should be avoided as well, unless of course, that is the theme you are aiming towards.

The color red can be everything you need in an outfit. And when worn as footwear, it does a lot of talking. If you are a true-blue fashionista, then don't let any rule (or tip like the ones in this article) hold you back. If you want to experiment, do so. True style is personal. And if you think you like what you see in the mirror, then the rest of the world is no measuring standard.