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 am late in seeing this post that focuses a bit on color. You caught my eye quickly, your borrowing the red scarf from your daughter. Red-especially the ‘right red- is my daughter’s power color. Whenever I find a t-shirt or something really cute and affordable in her color, I buy it for her. Even though she has children of her own and has earned her doctorate, she is still my little girl. As for me, I have to vote with Lisa about the power of purple. It really has functioned almost as a neutral for me for years.
I’m chuckling as I sit here in my head to ankle red outfit (my shoes are gold Ecco sneakers). I often dress like this and don’t consider it flashy at all. It’s just me!
That’s amazing!
I pulled off my too warm cardi just as my husband walked in to ask if he looked ok in it. I reassured him he looked great. Then I sat to read my favorite blogs and surprise–all about vests.
I haven’t owned a vest in years, maybe decades. In the past they were usually part of an outfit–pants and matching vest, or blazer and matching vest. I started clicking on links and found one I like at The Rack. Thanks for this great and timely (for me) post!
I don’t wear vests. I have bought a couple in the past but never reach for them. If it’s cold outside, I want my arms warm too, not just my body.
I love red! I feel confident, and maybe powerful, when wearing red. It has to be more of a blue red to suit my colouring. I think that red scarf looks wonderful on you. Perhaps try it in small doses versus a red coat, etc. It’s such a pop of colour. To me, it’s a happy colour. Red even spills over into other parts of my life, ie my front door is red and outside cushions, my SUV is red, plus accents/decor inside are sparingly red. ❤️
I’m with you on wearing red. The scarf you’re wearing is beautiful and I’d say a muted, soft red. For me the only thing more intimidating than wearing a bright red on top is red lipstick…..I’ve tried several and just can’t bring myself to leave the house wearing any of them.
As for where I fall on dressing these days, it’s been ridiculously cold here in eastern PA this winter so while I want to look decent when leaving the house, it’s bundled up warm and comfortable for me. I do love sweaters and warm scarves though, so it’s ok. It’ll be a couple months before it’s warm enough to wear even an insulated vest. I love the shearling vest you’re wearing
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My arms get cold in a vest. The only vests that look good on me are more fitted lightly as boxy looks terrible on my double D girls. Plus I’m only 5’1” tall and at 135-138 lbs., I’m about ten pounds overweight. At 81, I don’t think it’s going away. Jennifer, you look gorgeous in all of your outfits but love the teal the best. We have the same coloring but I dislike red, period. I could wear the deeper cool shade you have on in the scarf but my teeth would grind the whole time. I will stick to my blues and greys in winter. My third layer would probably make your teeth grind. It is usually a plaid flannel shirt over a tee and slim or straight cut dark wash jeans. I live in rural mountain Colorado and that makes a difference in style a lot. Super casual.
You’re funny Sydney. Nope, a flannel shirt does not make my teeth grind! Cozy ones in flattering colors are perfect for many occasions 💜
I love red but wouldn’t wear it head to toe. I have to have a favorite red sweater every winter. This year it’s a tailored zip up cardigan from Talbots and I’ve worn it dressed up or down. My favorite combo was pairing it with dark brown cords. I even got a compliment from an unknown teenage boy which made my day, especially at my ripe old age of 76!
That’s fabulous!!