Introduction: My Start into the Red Month
“I have nothing to wear for the red month.” That was my first thought when I chose December as the red month for my project „12 Colors in 12 Months.“ I had exactly three red items in my wardrobe: a festive dress (it is a coral red with a slightly softer value compared to a pure red, the only red I had ever liked for clothing), a T-shirt, and a summer skirt. Red was just never my color. I always thought I didn’t like red—neither on myself nor in interior design. Red walls? Red furniture? Never! Even red roses that my husband occasionally gave me never fully resonated with me, though I always appreciated the thoughtful gesture. (I never told him that, because I thought I was being silly. Haha.) It was so funny, though, when, few days ago, I read a newsletter from Holly Becker of Decor8 and discovered that she had exactly the same thoughts and feelings about red – and even about red roses! That was the first time I realized I wasn’t alone in this.
But December was going to be different. I wanted to embrace red, integrate this powerful and striking color into my everyday life, and discover its impact on me. So, for my birthday in November, I asked for red clothing and expanded my wardrobe. Now I have a red blazer, a bodysuit, a sweater, a coat, a bag, a beanie, shoes (which unfortunately give me blisters), a scarf, a dress, and three borrowed sweaters and a T-shirt from my husband. It’s not much, but it’s enough for this month.
How I Prepared for the Red Month
In November, my black month, I quickly realized that wearing black exclusively didn’t feel good to me long-term. I couldn’t wait to finally wear a new color – and red was a real liberation. It captivated me immediately, and even now, on December 12th, I’m still thrilled.
Since my color consultation showed me that warmer red tones suit me better, I’ve decided to focus on wearing them this month. My decision to wear only shades of red without much variation in chroma or value, however, was driven by my desire to experience the full power of this color. I wanted to intentionally focus on a clear red to avoid diluting its effect.
Unlike the black month, where I wore 100% black, I allow myself a bit more flexibility with red: my tops are fully red, but I often pair pants or skirts with „neutral“ colors like denim, black, or beige and with other variations of red.
The Power of Red
Red is a color that cannot be overlooked. It is strong, present, and full of energy. On the very first day in a red outfit, I noticed how much red stands out and how differently people reacted to me. But what does the color do to me? I hope that red will motivate me during this cold winter and give me the energy I often miss in December. Honestly, I’d prefer to hibernate and wake up in April. Maybe red will help me be more active and dynamic.
What I’ve always liked about red are red nails and red lipstick. They’ve always brought me joy, even when I otherwise didn’t care much for the color. These little touches of red have always added a hint of glamour and zest to my day.
Personal Memories: Red Sonja
As a child, I was fascinated by the movie Red Sonja (1985). The heroine shared my name – how cool was that! But she was the exact opposite of me: a brave warrior with a muscular body and long red hair. I, on the other hand, was a small, blonde, shy girl. I haven’t watched the film in years, but I remember the strength, the fighting spirit, and the independence of that character. Maybe this month will help me discover a little piece of that Red Sonja strength within myself.
The Red December
December is the perfect time for red. The color is everywhere: in Christmas decorations, on gift ribbons, and in Glühwein. Already, I can feel how red warms and energizes me. I’m curious to see what other experiences I’ll gather this month – both for myself and in my interactions with others. At the end of the month, I’ll write more about how the color has affected me and my surroundings.
A Look Ahead at the Color Adventure
This month, I’m also planning to try red light therapy. That’s bound to be exciting, and I’ll write about it in a separate blog post. Just as I developed a color personality for black in the last month, I’ll be doing the same for red. The color will become its own character with a personality and story – and I’m already curious to see how it will evolve.
Red is a color that speaks, demands, and calls out. It is energy, passion, and courage. I’m looking forward to the remaining weeks in this powerful color and to seeing what it will do to me by the end of the month.
Maybe, by the end, I’ll be a little more like Red Sonja – or at least a braver version of myself.
