Yes, I am talking about all the gorgeous red dresses that are gracing YA book covers. While I absolutely love all these covers, I am rather perplexed by the trend. Was there a fashion notice that I missed? Should I be rushing out and buying matching gowns to go with my books?
Dark Heart Rising by Lee Monroe
Forgiven by Janet Fox
Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
Captured by Maggie L. Wood
Falling Under by Gwen Hayes
Die for Me by Amy Plum
ETA: Two new YA finds with red dresses on the covers. This is just getting crazy!
Dark Angel by Eden Maguire
Supernaturally by Kiersten White (Thank you, Maggie, for pointing this one out!)
ETA: Two new YA finds with red dresses on the covers. This is just getting crazy!
Dark Angel by Eden Maguire
Supernaturally by Kiersten White (Thank you, Maggie, for pointing this one out!)
The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kody Cross
I feel like I've missed some out - are there any other red dress books I've skipped? Not that seven nine is exactly a small number... in fact, I didn't realise how many red dress books there were out there until I put together this post. And any thoughts on the trend? While I like it, I'm not sure I get it...
I think with those, it's probably a contrast thing. The background is very stark, sometimes even done in greyscale, so the brilliant red stands out all the more and makes the character wearing it seem so much more vivid in the mind of the onlooker.
ReplyDeleteStill... that is an aweful lot of red dresses. Brilliant blue or green would work just as well with that trick, but those colours get used far less, for some reason.
I'm not sure, but it certainly is dynamic. So beautiful! They all seem to be alike as well. Dark backgrounds and a female swishing in a red dress.
ReplyDeleteBtw... this added like 5 books to my TBR pile.
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@Tea and Tomes - You're right about the contrast - the dresses are extremely vivid against the dark background. But I also agree that a bright blue/purple/green/any other color would work just as well. Like the cover to The Body Finder....
ReplyDeleteSo, I have a BIG thing for Red Dresses. Red just happens to be my favorite color. I will admit it, I would probably buy these books simply because of their kickass covers :)
ReplyDeleteSarah
That Bookish Girl
Well, now that you mention it, there does seem to be a big red dress thing going on! I love some of these covers - especially the Aussie Unearthly cover, Die for Me and Falling Under.
ReplyDeleteI guess the red hints and danger, but also seduction?
I love all of these covers - Unearthly is beautiful. Like you I don't necessarily get the red dress trend, but I like it!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you put together this post! I noticed this trend as well and even mentioned it to my sister. I don't get it either but I must admit these covers do catch your eye and the dresses are lovely.
ReplyDeleteThe sequel to Paranormalicy also has a red dress ... although from what I remember it's not all that poofy.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous covers! I'm not sure if UK is going red, but I thought US is going blue (where I'm at). Our Unearthly cover is actually all blue - yours kinda threw me off :)
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot of color trends floating about, I have to admit. I guess red must be making the rounds!
If we're going to get analytical, it might be symbolizing the girl's sexuality. At least, if we go Red Riding Hood way. As it is, I think they just wanted attention...and red kinda screams for it. :D
ReplyDeleteHow funny! I was just preparing an Artsy Shelf feature for my blog on that exact theme! (I did simply Red dresses once, and now I was planning on a YA red dresses). You found some I hadn't seen before which makes it even more interesting than mine could have been. I think it's really eye catching, especially since most of them are on neutral backgrounds.I love them!
ReplyDelete