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!!
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.
💜