Stuck on what to wear this Lunar New Year? These are our ultimate top 12 scene-stealing red dresses

The most stylish dresses to ring in the Year of the Snake

Brand campaign imagery including models wearing red dresses
(Image credit: H&M, Cala de la Cruz, Birkenstock)

Lunar New Year is right around the corner, and for those who celebrate, the festivity marks a time of prosperity and renewal. Based on the Lunar calendar, 2025 marks the Year of the Snake, believed to be a time of transformation, rebirth, and creativity.

Although we are avid fans of the snake print, this Lunar New Year, we are key purveyors of attracting as much prosperity for the year to come. Hence, the tradition of wearing red during Lunar New Year celebrations.

Not only is the colour believed to be quite lucky, but it also comes as a modern hue that honours traditions whilst allowing for plenty of styling possibilities. One of our favourites? A red dress.

Chic and sophisticated, red is a universally loved colour that can serve as a show-stopping accessory or the base of an incredible look. For those who may require some extra convincing, we consulted one of our favourite style connoisseurs, Lisa Ing-Marinelli, for her expert advice.

"I would say that the key is always to wear a piece of red. It doesn’t need to be a solid red colour, but have some of it to bring good fortune," she says, "I would stick to a simple solid piece of red so you can reuse it over and over again."

According to Chinese culture, mixing red and gold (symbolising fortune and harmony) for the ultimate lucky formula is a winning recipe if you want to incorporate your favourite 2025 jewellery staples or investment handbags. From long to short red dresses, you can't go wrong. If you're looking to go mini, simply add a pair of tights for extra warmth or your favourite knee-high boots.

With some extra expert guidance from Lisa Ing-Marinelli, you can also add a sleek red neckpiece, like a triangle scarf, a red cardigan, and a pair of red underwear to ward off negativity and bring even more luck.

Ready to find the ultimate look? Scroll below for our top red dress picks to ring in the festivities.

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Sofia Piza
Fashion Writer

Sofia Piza is the Fashion Writer at Marie Claire UK. 

Sofia Piza is a Fashion Writer with experience working across runway trends, shopping picks, creative production, and celebrity fashion news. Born in Mexico and raised in five countries, Sofia decided to settle in London after spending four years at the London College of Fashion, studying Fashion Journalism. When she's not sourcing inspiration from social media, you will most certainly find Sofia anywhere from a local vintage market to busy central London streets people watching - the possibilities are endless.