Scarlet Color

HEX color code is #CC1A17 and the RGB is 204, 26, 23

Without a doubt the most popular color for red carpet events, evening wear, and prom dresses has to be Scarlet. And in 2022 Scarlet was the star of the show with celebrities like Marlee Matlin, Ariana DeBose, Kirsten Dunst, and Tracee Ellis Ross donning the color for the special evening.

How the color is made: To make Scarlet, mix vivid red with dark red to produce a color that is brighter than cherry but darker than vermilion.

History: Traditionally, Scarlet was the color of love and power. It was also often associated with passion and lust and was often used as an accent color in embroidery or braiding on clothing to elicit a feeling of excitement.

Color in Action

Though Scarlet is a naturally fiery and seductive color it can be used in various designs and with different prints to give it an alternative look. For instance, in 2012, Natalie Portman wore a vintage Dior dress to the Oscars that had a black polka dot patterned fabric. This gave the dress a playful and classic look.
Scarlet’s passionate appeal makes it a favorite for sports teams’ uniforms. Several soccer teams like Manchester United Arsenal, AC Milan, Belgium, and Liverpool where Scarlet shirts as a symbol of enthusiasm and competitiveness. Fan love wearing the color too.

Scarlet Dress
Scarlet Nails
Scarlet Sofa

Colors that go with Scarlet

Match Scarlet with strong cyan to produce a complementary color scheme that feels energetic and fun. They are both intense colors and can successfully balance each other out without one feeling more dominant than the other.

Scarlet Dress Color Combination
Scarlet Nails Color Combination
Scarlet Sofa Color Combination

Scarlet Color Palettes and Schemes

Using Scarlet with strong blue and lime green will result in a split-complementary color palette that works well in graphic design because of its intensity.

Scarlet Dress Color Palette
Scarlet Nails Color Palette
Scarlet Sofa Color Palette

Backgrounds and Seamless Patterns

Backgrounds in plain Scarlet can feel too dominant so it is best to break it up with lighter and brighter colors. Wallpaper designs with Scarlet, White, Gold, and Green in a chinoiserie design will create a polished look.

Plain
Polka Dot
Honeycomb
Chevron
Abstract Lines
Louis Vuitton
Stripe
Camouflage