Small superstitions

A red edit for the Lunar New Year

Before diving in: this post is intentionally light. It’s not a reflection of how I feel about the heaviness of the world right now, or the very real grief and horrific violence we’re witnessing. Think of this as a small pocket of escapism — something familiar and a little frivolous, by design.

The Lunar New Year has always felt like permission to believe in fresh starts. A collective reset marked not by resolutions, but by rituals: cleaning house (strategically), gathering loved ones, eating well, wishing one another luck in ways both spoken and symbolic. This coming year (which begins on February 17, 2026) ushers in the Fire Horse, an energetic, expressive sign associated with independence, momentum, and a touch of drama (the good kind, I hope). It’s a year said to favor movement over stagnation, courage over caution — less about playing it safe, more about trusting your instincts and going for it.

In zodiac lore, the Horse represents freedom and forward motion, while the Fire element amplifies confidence, passion, and visibility. Together, they point to a year that doesn’t reward hesitation. Fire Horse energy isn’t subtle. It shows up fully and asks you to do the same.

And then there’s red. Red is the color of Lunar New Year for a reason: it symbolizes luck, prosperity, protection, and joy. Historically believed to ward off bad spirits, it has become a visual shorthand for abundance and optimism. Red envelopes, red decorations, red clothing. Wearing red into the New Year is a way of inviting good fortune in and signaling readiness for what’s ahead.

Bits of red woven in my wardrobe throughout the year

I used to insist I wasn’t superstitious. Or maybe I just wanted to believe that. Somewhere along the way, it caught up to me year after year, in small behaviors I now follow without question. I cut my hair before the New Year — never during the first lunar month, when it’s said that cutting your hair also cuts away luck and longevity. I don’t sweep or clean the house on New Year’s Day, unwilling to risk brushing good luck right back out the door. And then there’s the red card case I bought in 2014: no longer my style, objectively replaceable, yet impossible for me to part with. A red wallet that holds money feels… extra symbolically loaded. Red for luck, money for abundance. Selling it feels like tempting fate, and I’m simply not brave enough for that experiment.

So consider this post a playful embrace of all of it — a celebration of red not just as a color, but as a mood and a belief system. If the Fire Horse year is about boldness and momentum, then dressing the part feels like a joyful way to participate. And if nothing else, wearing red into the New Year certainly can’t hurt. Right?

Disclaimer: I make no guarantees, promises, or binding claims that wearing red will bring wealth, love, or miraculous good fortune. That said, I will absolutely not be testing the opposite.

With that in mind, here’s a roundup of red pieces I’m loving right now — consider them part celebration, part superstition, and part aesthetic commitment to starting the year on a lucky note. Some links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you buy something. Thank you if you do!

If you’d like to browse a bit more red, I’ve put together a fuller edit here.

Row 1: A gorgeous structured top-handle bag, silky washable pj shorts for lounging, a ballet shoe with a bit of a heel (sign me up!), a cheerful red lip from one of my all-time favorite makeup brands, a fuzzy cap to stay warm and cute, and merino wool socks — for those who want to wear red but not loudly.

Row 2: Gold fish + red cord = luck on luck on luck, a swipe of creamy vibrant red, a soft red bralette (I have this in white and it’s comfortable enough to sleep in), sculptural earrings that feel jewel-like, a scrunchie for easy wearability, and a boxy, cool red tee that does the work for you.

Row 3: A crisp red button-down, a cozy knit neck warmer that feels very appropriate for our current weather, classic red ballet flats (if the heeled version isn’t your thing), fingerless cashmere gloves for cold mornings and coffee runs (and easy phone use), a silk scarf that instantly pulls everything together, and a chic matte lipstick from another trusty makeup brand.

Row 4: A relaxed red sweater with great slouch quality, sporty sneakers that don’t take over the outfit, a bright red swimsuit for pretending it’s not the middle of winter, a suede overshirt that adds structure and warmth, a red wallet and pouch set (no explanation needed), and a knit vest (60% off!) that feels festive and very wearable.

Will any of this guarantee luck, prosperity, or an especially smooth Fire Horse year? Who’s to say. But I’ll be wearing red, carrying red, and very intentionally not sweeping my floors on New Year’s Day — just in case. Sometimes belief doesn’t have to be logical. Sometimes it just has to be fun.