The dancing lady emoji in her ruffled red dress is on high rotation in our technological exchanges, we use her to symbolise a night out or fun to be had, similarly, as in real life we don a red dress to signify a memorable occasion - it's what we wear when the ubiquitous black just doesn't cut it.
Turns out the dancing lady is bang on trend. According to colour experts Pantone, Flame, a bright orangey-red, was one of the top ten shades used by designers in their spring '17 ready-to-wear collections, the flamboyant hue was seen on gowns at Oscar de la Renta, structured jumpsuits at Sportmax, and splattered on prints at Tory Burch.
1This Yojin Bae cocktail dress in fun loving flame nails two trends in one with the choker detail, a nod to the 90's, brought firmly up to date as it's incorporated into the figure hugging mini.
Red loves gold jewellery, the warm tones play together beautifully, shoes can be hard though, black and nude both work with red but extra points if you can match your strappy sandals exactly. Or why not break a cardinal fashion rule and accessorise with pink as did Emilio Pucci, making hot pink booties the point of an explanation mark on a long sleeved maxi dress.
Fame and Partners "Margo" dress, $379. Photo: Steven Chee
Sequins have been an enduring trend the last few seasons, many designers referencing the glitzy 80's with broad shoulders, cinched waists and spangly sequins a plenty. For an elegant look that's still high in the glamour stakes a red sequin dress in a prim silhouette is safe bet that pays high dividends.
Carla Zampatti "Riding to Hounds" velvet jacket, $829. Valentino "Rockstud" small camera bag, $1275, from Parlour X.Photo: Steven Chee
Prefer a trouser? Hillary Clinton brought the pant suit back in favour and it has become a firm favourite with fashion forward celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow. Alternatively, just power dress your top half with a riding blazer in rich red velvet.
Bec & Bridge "Love Ruler" dress, $220. Gucci bag, $5390. Photo: Steven Chee
Shoulders are still the preferred body part to flaunt, midriffs are so last year. Off one shoulder or both like this slinky one-sleeved Bec & Bridge, the matching lipstick is the icing on the cake. And a bold colour courts bold accessories, an embellished bag or clutch is almost essential.
Embrace the dancing lady as your spirit emoji this season because whether in crimson, oxblood, candy apple or the vivacious flame, she's sure to be dancing her way well into Autumn.
Photographer: Steven Chee; Make-up: Max May using Urban Decay for Mecca Cosmetica; Hair: Richard Kavanagh using ghd