I didn't expect to love this one. Ice blue feels like January and cherry red feels like a lipstick, and together they look like a winter shop window in the best way. It's the kind of pairing you notice on a stranger across the street and then think about for a week.

The trick is proportion. Let the blue be the big, soft part of the outfit, usually a knit, and let the red be the sharper accent. Red and blue in equal amounts starts to look like a flag. Mostly blue with a streak of red looks intentional.

Knits are where ice blue shines. Khaite's Leta sweater and Everheart cardigan are both a pale, chalky blue that barely reads as a color. Skall's Campa merino crewneck is a little brighter. The Jil Sander piqué polo is the preppy option and looks great with a red pleated skirt. For the whole look in one shade, Simkhai's Bexley mesh top and Demitri mesh skirt work as a set or as separates.

Texture helps too. A fuzzy blue knit next to a smooth red skirt, or a crisp blue polo with a soft red sweater tied over the shoulders, looks richer than two flat fabrics.

Now the red. You want a clear, saturated red here, not rust and not burgundy. That's what makes the blue look icier.

A red dress is the easiest way in. Altuzarra's Mitchell jersey midi ties like a scarf at the neck and would look great under a pale blue coat. Cult Gaia's Luka knit dress in Ghermez is $368 and has the kind of shape that works at dinner and at a desk. For separates, the Comme des Garçons Girl pleated skirt is my favorite piece in this story. Pair it with the Jil Sander polo, white socks and flat shoes. Leset's James sweater is the simplest red crewneck you'll find.

If you're unsure, try red on the bottom half first. It feels less loud than a red top, and ice blue near your face is very flattering.

Or skip red clothes altogether and wear it on your feet and your arm. An all ice blue outfit with red shoes might be the chicest version of this whole idea.

Roger Vivier's Viv In The City pumps are red suede with the signature buckle, and they make even jeans look planned. Cult Gaia's Carla sandal in Vermilion is the playful pick. The Birkenstock x Repetto sandal comes in red patent leather and is a guaranteed conversation starter. For bags, Jacquemus' Le Petit Turismo is small, structured and croc-effect, and Cult Gaia's Osa shoulder bag is soft and curvy at $498.

One red accessory is plenty. A red bag with red shoes can work, but only if everything else is pale and plain.

For the easiest version, try the Khaite Leta sweater, pale jeans and the Roger Vivier pumps. It's quiet from the ankle up, then a flash of red at the bottom. That's the whole trick.