Colors are not common in my wardrobe, especially not bright ones. I like to keep my daily looks neutral, with rare exceptions. So, imagine my surprise when I found myself gravitating towards an unexpected (at least, for me) color combination for that transitional period between winter and spring: red with slate gray.
After seeing it on the Spring 2026 runways of brands like Chanel, McQueen, and Proenza Schouler, the pairing has opened up a new range of possibilities in my transitional wardrobe. Like the first flowers in the new season, red breaks up the monotony of my winter outfit rotation, whether it comes in the form of a vibrant spring jacket that lives up an otherwise monochromatic outfit or high-vamp ballet flats peeking out from under the hem of a maxi slip dress or slouchy office-ready trousers.
Ahead, I sifted through the new-in selection from three of my favorite on-trend brands—Zara, H&M, and Cos—to find easy-to-incorporate red and gray options that you can wear now and well into the spring.
I would wear this casual button-down as a cover-up come summer.
A cape is the perfect light layer for cool early spring days.
The wider waistband on this top makes it easy to tuck into your go-to bottoms.
Collarless coats are so chic.
I'm sick of wearing jeans, so these trousers caught my eye.
Lacy details give this otherwise simple cardigan a feminine twist.
A bright pair of socks can unexpectedly break up a monochromatic look.
This find from H&M's Wuthering Heights collection is a playful twist on your basic tee.
This sweater-jacket hybrid is the perfect hack for in-between weather days.
This is a great under-$100 work dress.
Belted jackets are the easiest way to upgrade a jeans-and-a-tee-look.
Team this with a white tee or tank and lots of silver jewelry.
High-vamp flats are a spring shoe must-have.
