How to Style Red & Green Without Looking Like a Christmas Tree
This Post Contains Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure for Full Information.
Red and green are the ultimate Christmas colors—but wearing them together can sometimes feel like you accidentally became a walking ornament. Fear not! With a few styling tricks, you can rock red and green this holiday season and look festive without going full Clark Griswold.
Here’s your ultimate guide to styling these holiday hues like a pro.

1. Start with Neutral Basics
If red or green feels overwhelming, start with neutral pieces like black, white, beige, or gray. Pair a red top with black pants or a green skirt with a white sweater for balance.
👉 Red Top: Red Blouse
👉 Black Pants: Black Skinny Pants
2. Stick to One Bold Piece
Instead of wearing head-to-toe red and green, pick one statement item—like a green skirt or red blazer—and keep the rest neutral. This keeps your look festive but sophisticated.
👉 Green Skirt: Emerald Green Skirt
👉 Red Blazer: Red Blazer
3. Mix Textures, Not Just Colors
Texture can make red and green look chic instead of tacky. Pair a red velvet dress with a green satin scarf or a green leather bag for a luxe holiday vibe.
👉 Red Velvet Dress: Velvet Dress
👉 Green Bag: Emerald Green Handbag
4. Add Neutrals Between the Colors
Think of neutrals as a buffer between red and green. A white shirt under a red sweater or black boots with a green dress creates breathing room and keeps your look polished.
👉 White Shirt: White Button-Up
5. Go Monochrome, Then Pop
Wearing all-red or all-green and adding a small accent of the opposite color works wonders. For example, an all-red dress with a green belt or bag makes the outfit festive but intentional.
👉 Green Belt: Emerald Belt
6. Choose Darker or Muted Shades
Bright Christmas shades can be tricky. Opt for muted or jewel tones like burgundy, forest green, or olive instead of candy-cane red and kelly green. This keeps your outfit holiday-appropriate without screaming “ornament.”
👉 Burgundy Dress: Burgundy Midi Dress
👉 Forest Green Sweater: Forest Green Sweater
7. Accessorize Wisely
Sometimes, accessories can do the heavy lifting. Instead of wearing red and green clothing together, add a green handbag, red shoes, or festive earrings to elevate your outfit.
👉 Red Heels: Red Pumps
👉 Green Earrings: Emerald Earrings
8. Pattern Play
Stripes, plaid, or subtle prints make red and green look intentional. A plaid skirt with red or green accents feels holiday-ready but stylish.
👉 Plaid Skirt: Plaid Mini Skirt
9. Layer Smartly
Layering allows you to mix red and green without overwhelming your look. A green coat over a red sweater or a red cardigan over a green dress keeps your outfit balanced.
👉 Green Coat: Green Winter Coat
👉 Red Cardigan: Red Cardigan
10. Confidence is Key 💁♀️
At the end of the day, confidence makes any outfit look good. If you feel like you’re rocking red and green like a runway model, your outfit will read chic rather than Christmas tree.
Final Thoughts
Red and green don’t have to be scary. With jewel tones, smart layering, neutrals, and statement accessories, you can be festive, stylish, and totally Instagram-ready.
So go ahead, rock that emerald skirt or burgundy dress this holiday season—and slay without turning into a Christmas ornament.