Puttin’ On The Red
I don’t have a love-hate relationship with red, but it’s a little bit…awkward. I love how dramatic, exciting and memorable red is but I have a hard time living with it. I’ve had a red kitchen several times. Three to be exact and they were all the same kitchen. I was our painter back then so it was easy to experiment.
I loved the color going on the walls. I loved the cozy feeling it gave the kitchen, but after a week or two, I repainted it taupe. The texture on the walls was beginning to smooth out when I finally threw in the paint rag and admitted that I couldn’t live with a red kitchen.
In the last 25 or so years, I’ve only had a few red items in my wardrobe and one plaid with red in it. I love red on others but experience has shown that a little bit goes a long way with me. Which is why I was shocked to find these cranberry red pants in my shopping bag.
Maybe it was the cool tone that attracted me because I know they’ll coordinate with other colors in my wardrobe, but whatever the reason, I decided to brave them. I chose the regular length because the petite inseam is a full 2 1/2 inches shorter. Inseams usually differ by an inch or so but that’s pretty significant. I prefer straight leg ankle pants to cover my ankle unless they’re very skinny, so this length is perfect for me.
Tea rose is a flattering color near my face so I tossed this cotton pullover around my shoulders. I was delighted to love the mix of tea rose with red. Sweater sets are strong for fall so you may see plenty of them worn this way. It gives a preppy, relaxed vibe when worn with insouciance. If you wear it with confidence it won’t come off as contrived. My attitude is even if it comes off as goofy, it’s a fun look.
Even if I owned red shoes, I wouldn’t have worn them here. Baby steps for me with red. I need to wear it as an accent color, not a mainstay.
How about you?
Are you wild about red?
How do you wear it?
You look great! I don’t wear red in clothing but love red shoes. Also have a watch with red leather band. Red shoes are almost a neutral in my wardrobe.
For some reason, I wear more red in the summer months. I have a few red sweaters for fall. Give me my red lipstick, and I crush on red handbags! ?
Red is my favorite color! I can’t wear it because it overwhelms my coloring. I plant it in my garden instead.
It’s funny you should mention gardens. I love red flowers!
Grey with red is my favourite and choosing the right contrast either pale or dark.
That outfit is gorgeous on you and you look very comfortable in it; one of your best looks. The pieces look like they were created for you and your skin color is lovely in these pics. Winner! I happen to LOVE red and wear it often in winter in cool red pieces or cranberry colored pieces and bright tomato red in summer. My favorite piece from last year is a long plaid cool red and black coat. As far as a red kitchen – don’t think so.
That coat sounds amazing!
You always look great but this outfit is absolutely fabulous on you. Just stunning. Please wear it often. Would also be great for the festive season when I, who never wears red, love to bring out my red pieces in celebration of the traditions of Christmas!
Thank you. They will certainly get worn a lot around the holidays;)
I have a shirt like that in pink and grey plaid. I wear it with grey jeans and white jeans with matching long cardigans. but I never thought of red. I love the color of that pink sweater too. Who knew a little pink plaid shirt could be so versatile? Red pants in a cool red would fit right in with my favorite white sweater and tan boots too.
I love red and have several clothing items in various shades of red. I have some Cranberry pants, similar to yours, that I love and wear with a variety of tops. I also have some burgundy jeans that I love and wear often. I do not have any Christmas red pants and I doubt I get any. Tops are another thing! Several solid red tops including sweaters, tees and tanks and a red plaid shirt I adore. In the spring I got a red floral tunic type top that I get compliments on every time I wear it. Scarfs with red, red jewelry and 2 pairs of red shoes( 1sandals). I just bought a pair of rust colored ankle boots and can’t wait for cool weather to wear them. When I wear red, it’s usually only one item, unless I add red jewelry, scarf or shoes as an accent. I love color!
You do sound like a color lover! I’m getting there Norma!
Love Red. It’s my favorite color. The red pants look awesome on you. I don’t think I could pull it off tho as I have thicker legs. Will wear red accessories especially around my face but it has to be the perfect red (blue-red) as I an cool toned.
Even thought these aren’t near my face, I could never wear them if they were orangey red.
I love your outfit. I don’t look good in red, but I like it on others! The closest thing I have is a burgundy top that I take out a Christmas time. ? I’m fair with rosy cheeks and reddish brown hair, so I’m more of a blues and greens person. I also had a red kitchen once and couldn’t live with it! Currently we have shades of gray and blue throughout the house.
My house is all neutral gray 😉
Do you remember when, back in the 70’s and 80’s, women were encouraged to wear red “power suits” in business.? It was a big thing. I could never do it. Too loud for me.
The idea of red in decor is appealing to me from September through February but not beyond. So, like you, I think I’ll stick to neutrals with red seasonal accessories.
I don’t wear much red in my current location.. its too hot year round. . There are two red items in my closet feeling abandoned … a knit jacket and matching suede shoes, waiting to be worn someday in a cooler climate.
The nice thing about red is, it’s always in style. And everyone can wear some shade of it. It’s rarely a bad investment.
I really like the cranberry pants and pink sweater. An unexpected combo that I think looks chic, rich, and fun at the same time. I’m sure that outfit will get lots of use. The sweater and pants both have much potential to be dressed up or down. That appeals to me.
The cranberry pants look great! I feel a trip to J Jill coming on…
Love your outfit! I love, love red. We have a country red wall from the kitchen into the dining room. One wall is enough, it’s a great accent. I’m always looking for a great pair of red shoes. My last pair wore out!
Both my husband and I have a strong distaste for red. As a result, we have no red clothing at all and nothing red in our home. The red-free life is good! I suppose my version of red is orange in the summer and rust in the winter. But your outfit looks great on you.?
That’s hilarious and wonderful that you share the same dislike for red ?