Monday Musings on Red and a Versatile Third Layer
I’ve always felt that red walked into the room before I did. It’s vibrant and strong, and personality-wise, I already have that covered, so I’ve never wanted my clothes to amplify it.
But for dinner out at a lovely restaurant this weekend, I borrowed my daughter’s red scarf and wore it with a simple black sweater. I felt its effect immediately, because even that small bit of red turned the volume up on my outfit.
DOUBLE DROP EARRINGS HERE / SCARF HERE
For some women, red feels steady and grounding. It’s a color they return to again and again because it makes them feel confident and self-possessed, not flashy. On them, red reads as assured rather than attention-seeking. It looks like a choice they’ve grown into, not something they’re trying out.
For me, a lot of this comes down to coloring. With my subtle-blended coloring and low-to-medium contrast, a raspberry red is most flattering on me. Reds that are too bright or overly saturated feel intense in a way that overpowers me, while softer reds work with my skin rather than competing with it. Even then, context matters. Red near the face feels very different than red on a shoe or a bag, and a matte knit reads much calmer than a shiny fabric.
What I keep coming back to is that red isn’t about being bold for the sake of it. It’s about choosing a color that feels grounded on you and using it in a way that supports how you want to show up. For some women, that means wearing red from head to toe. For others, it’s a small, intentional accent.
Some days, I care a lot about what’s most flattering. Other days, I care more about how something feels. I’m curious where you land on that.
The Unsung Third Layer
The weather’s been all over the place lately, and it’s given me a whole new appreciation for vests. I think they’re actually the unsung heroes of a transitional wardrobe and often the “bridge” piece that solves the classic “I’m dressed, but I’m not finished” dilemma.
A lot of outfits stall after the first two pieces. The top and bottom work, but the mirror says something is still missing. Adding a third layer is usually the cure, and a vest does that beautifully. It’s the easiest way to add polish without the Michelin Man bulk of a heavy coat… though my vests above are very warm!
A vest provides structure and depth, yet it’s practical enough to wear indoors and adapts as the temperature swings. I’ve spent enough mornings lately layering up only to be stripping down by noon, and a vest is the only thing that seems to keep up.
When I think back on the vests I enjoy most, they’re not all the utilitarian puffer type…they’re often the ones that add some personality to my outfits.
Of course, then I dropped down the rabbit hole hunting for vests and found these:
Vests seem to be one of those pieces you either rely on or overlook completely. Are you a vest wearer, or are they still an afterthought in your closet?
I love the red scarf on you & it’s not entering the room before you are!! I don’t wear vests because it’s SO cold here on Cape Cod this winter (very unusual for us with lots of snow as well). Also I’ve tried puffer vests, even thin ones & can’t seem to find one with a flattering fit on me. Maybe one with elastic in the back which someone suggested but which I’ve never seen. Any suggestions?
Talbots often carries them. I’ll keep and eye out for them to share.
I am retired from a “Cardinal red” school system in eastern MM. I have so many red shirts and jackets I hardly stop to wonder if it is a good color for me or not. I just now have the freedom to choose, and it really is fun to choose other colors!
That makes a lot of sense!
I prefer vests, have never been a coat person. Over the weekend at our granddaughters dance competition it was freezing inside. I had a tank, team tee, athletic type jacket and down vest. It was the perfect combo
And easy to shed vest when it finally warmed up. This Lands End vest is over 10 yrs old and warm without being too bulky.
When I was working, I always had a great pair of red flats. My employer expected us to always dress very conservatively when meeting with customers and sponsors. I loved breaking out those red shoes on those occasions, I felt like such a rebel!
I’m very comfortable with red, BUT, it has to be the right red. A true cool red, all the way to deep reds and burgundy, all find a happy home in my closet. Any red with a tinge of orange is out on the street, though. Our unusually mild winter here in the Denver area has been very amenable to vests of all types. From fleece, to sweater vests to puffers, love them all. Often our weather does not suit the sleeveless feature, but this year, woo hoo!
Vests are part of the uniform here once the weather cools. I have several. I have ones that are on the dressy side for dinners or parties and when I don’t need them for real warmth. I have puffer vests for walks and everyday when I need warmth. My vests have been helpful in disguising any tummy rolls I have. 🙂 Lots of companies have them on sale now so it’s a good time to add one to your wardrobe.
I definitely fall in between flattering and feeling. Comfort is of utmost importance to me, but I also want to look good in what I’m wearing. Thankfully, the two are not mutually exclusive and an outfit works best when it hits both.
I agree Elaine. Those are the best outfits for me too
I don’t think I’m too much of a vest person. It’s usually too cold where I live in the NW. I have a lot of jackets for all the different seasons here. I do love red though. I wouldn’t wear it head to toe but a sweater or red shoes or a scarf like you wore I think are fun.
I love red! I try not to wear it head to toe but I could! I’m not a terribly extroverted person so I find red gives me the courage to stand out. Regarding vests, I can’t really see wearing them in Chicago-too cold for those bare arms!
Courage! I love that Michele.
I live in the Northeast and in the winter even a down vest will not be warm enough so I completely overlook vests in general for warmth. A coat is needed from November to at least March. I love the look but it is not practical.
Red is such an energizing and youthful color that I try to wear it often. Somehow it makes me feel upbeat. That red print scarf looks wonderful on you and certainly elevates the black sweater. Hope it made you feel special!
I loved wearing it
Of course I love a vest! They are the perfect layering piece where I live and I always travel with a down vest. I roll it up and slip it into a tiny silk pillowcase I made and use it as my “just big enough” pillow in hotels…foam pillows often are too thick and firm for my comfort needs. Another bonus of vests? POCKETS!!
That’s a brilliant idea! I’m a bit weird about hotel pillows 👀 and germs.
Great post! My third piece is always where I pull my outfits together. That red scarf really gives you a beautiful glow.
I am SO a vest person. Wear one about 3-4 times a week and it does seem to be the perfect layer!
Couldn’t survive this weather without one. I can also be ‘seen’ at home, of course wearing one over my pajama top!
I looked at the Avec Les Filles faux fur vest before and considering ordering that one…..what size are you wearing and how do feel about the fit? Do you feel it’s boxy or has a somewhat tailored feel through the body?
It is a bit boxy. Mine is a small
1. I refuse to allow comfortable and flattering to be mutually exclusive, but I will no longer wear things that are uncomfortable. 2. Lifelong red lover. It was my favorite color as a child. I chose red and orange shag carpet for my room in 1974. I have interviewed for jobs in a red suit. I rock a red lip. While now I may prefer dark fuchsia or burgundy, my winter coloring has always supported red, esp when my hair was dark, rich brown. 3. I like a puffer vest as a layer for that in between temperature, but don’t care for other styles. That may be a climate thing. I could see it working better in Cali than in the Midwest b
Lucky you! I’ve always loved red. Uncomfortableness is off the table for me as well. I won’t suffer for a “look” the way I would in my 20s.
You made another perfect statement: “Some days, I care a lot about what’s most flattering. Other days, I care more about how something feels.” I love the pale grayed pink J Jill is showing but it is not my best color. Still, it is beautiful and peaceful. So I debate…to buy or not to buy. I will buy, I will wear…. It is a luscious, elegant, color, and I feel good wearing it.
It feels like winning the lottery when the two come together.
I love vests and scarves but living in phoenix, they’re not practical. I find myself reaching for t-shirts and jeans, capris or light sweatpants. Any suggestions for a really good t-shirt? Stylish and good for those over 60? Can we worn with jeans or dressed up as a business casual outfit?
COS makes a fabulous cotton Tee. Also consider rayon or silk tees so they can be dressed up.
I do like vests. Vests can pull an outfit together. I prefer vests that skim my body. Coldwater creek has some nice knitted vests that shape your body without being tight. I also like the quilted vests with an elastic on the back to give you shape.
With your affinity for blue pieces, have you considered purple for accents? Eyewear, scarf, amethyst jewelry?
I have a few purple pieces and I do love them.
Plum, blackberry, aubergine, amethyst, lilac, lavender. It’s a natural.
💜