Today I am joining my pal Kim from Northern California Style for our monthly Signature Style Series. Since it’s February, let’s talk about How to Look Great in Red After 50.
Red is one of the most dynamic colors when it comes to fashion. Red grabs attention and is associated with excitement, passion, danger, energy, courage and action. A woman wearing red exudes character, independence, strength, determination and confidence. What’s not to like about that, right?
I find the right red can really be flattering with silver hair. When my hair was still very dark brown, the more orangey reds worked well. Now I find red with a lot of blue to be much more flattering.
Even if you don’t want to go all in with red, how about just a splash? Here I am wearing it with an old J Crew Sophie Sweater Jacket that you can find on eBay here, the fabulous Office of Angela Scott shoes Ms. Pressley Derby, and an older shirt from Chartreuse Carmel, and Eileen Fisher Velvet Pants (on sale). I have linked similar at the bottom of the graphic.
I guess I wear red shirts a lot. Here I am wearing a simple button down again with a Kantha Jacket from Etsy, jeans and the oh so comfortable birdies. The Etsy jacket is no longer available but you can find similar ones here.
I love this Mer Sea Catalina Sweater (it is considered coral by the way). It is great with white jeans in the Spring and Summer, and for travel.
It is also a great transitional piece this time of year with combat boots and a leopard skirt.
You can’t go wrong with a great cashmere v neck, a scarf (this belonged to my sister and was passed along to me by my niece when she passed-I always think of her when I wear it-she had great style) jeans, and Artemis Design Co slippers. They add instant fun to any outfit.
This shot is from a few years back. I like the combination of two primary colors in Summer. You an find the Bryn Walker
This linen tunic shirt came from BR last year, but I will link similar. The pants are from Lysee and the shoes from Artemis Design Co.
Don’t be afraid to add a little red to your workout wear. Here I am wearing that great Gap sweatshirt that so many of you have purchased, red Athleta leggings, (sold out) but similar linked at the bottom of the post.and the fabulous Athleta bag that holds everything you need while walking or shopping.
I featured this H&M sweatshirt in one of my outfits of the week. The sweatshirt that many of you purchased is now out of stock. It’s great with red leggings. You can see this same sweatshirt in red in this post Workout Wear that Will Want to Make you Workout here.
SHOP THE POST
There are some really fun looks in red in all price ranges right now. Here are some of my favorites.
SHOP RED LOOKS
For more information on the color of red and it’s significance in history, you might enjoy these articles.
The Red Craze Fashion History Timeline
Thank you for reading How to Look Great in Red After 50. How do you feel about red? Do you wear it? Now let’s pop over and visit Kim and see her favorite looks.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STYLE
Late to the party here, but just needed to comment. Red is absolutely striking on you! Sometimes it can be a tough color to pull off, but you wear it so well. And it really showcases your hair. Just lovely.
On a side note, after a diligent search for months, I have finally scored that floral Anthro skirt you featured with the denim jacket. I had actually tried it on in the store once, but didn’t take it home. Wasn’t sure how I’d wear it. Then when you styled it, it just worked for me. Only to be sold out in my size. Thank you, Ebay you never let me down!
Hi Lisa
Don’t you love eBay? Sometimes we have to be patient but eventually it will show up!!
You look fabulous in RED! I can see why you wear it! I have lots of red in my wardrobe, sweaters, scarves, etc. I love a pop of color!
We need to see more of you Eliz you are so darling!!
Cindy,
I loved every single outfit in today’s post. I sometimes forget about red. I have a few fall/winter weight turtleneck tops, but I’ll have my eye out for some spring/summer reds to jazz up my wardrobe.
Karen B.
Hi Karen
I do too. Whenever I wear it I get tons of compliments and I am always saying note to self…wear more red!
I loved today’’s post. I were red often in the winter, but have not mixed it with my leopard piece-/ genius. I will try it tomorrow. Thank- another way to hop my closet
Hi Beth
So happy to hear that!!
Cindy this is such a great color on you. Love the red leggings! They looks so cute in both those looks. I also adore the wrap jacket and the red button up! I need one. You have the coolest accessories that really makes your pieces pop. I think you look fantastic and I also love all your choices at the bottom shop too. I need some of your beautiful pieces!!
Fun doing this together -YOU always inpsire me! xx
Hi Kim
I have to do my best to keep up with you and not look too old lady!!
Cindy, I’m 100% in on a splash of red! It’s fascinating how a change in hair color opens up our clothing color options. I can’t wear red close to my face, but I love a pop of red elsewhere … pants, shoes, accessories. I really love how you paired your red sweater with your leopard skirt … fabulous. Fun style topic in this Valentine month! xoxo
Thanks Juliet you and Kim are so chic I have to try and keep up with my younger counterparts!!
I love a pop of red and you have featured some fabulous looks!
Hi Ginger
I am learning to embrace it even more
Wonderful post thank you Cindy. I wear a lot of red with my white hair and olive skin it suits me! In fact I have just bought a lovely red skirt for the summer. Next for me those Lysee white leggings so gorgeous on you!. Take care xo
Hi Francesca
I think there is something about olive skin, white hair and red, it is a match made in heaven!! I am on the hunt for a red skirt as well. I love those Lysse leggings. I wear mine a lot.
Red is your color, and this post is terrific! When I wear red I get positive feedback, but I don’t have much. I think I’ll go shopping – thanks!
Hi Barb
It took me awhile to embrace it as well. I think it is the white hair.
Thrilled with items I found (& just purchased) at the Mer Sea link you shared with their Catalina Sweater. I bought one of those in Navy. I think it will become a go-to closet item for me! Thanks so much! And how fun is that leopard print jacket over your tied red shirt – love it!
Hi Gayle
Those Mer Sea sweaters are wonderful. Their linen wraps are great for summer as well.
Cindy, I just finished reading the historical article regarding red…I did some fabric arts in university ( for elementary art education) and know a bit about the dying process. Such interesting reading.
I favour a tomato red…any cool reds eventually find their way out of my closet. You’ve reminded me to look for a crimson scarf 🧣 in one of my baskets that would add a pop of colour to my walking jacket. I wear red well and so do you! Such a fun colour.
Still enjoying having the seasonal cushions and a throw with some red… along with faux or natural collected berries ( heavenly bamboo is great) as well as the last of the holly the robins haven’t eaten. I keep a bower of faux greens , with red pears and pomegranates , and pine cones along the top of my Welsh dresser. As long as it’s a bit wet and cloudy, the red keeps things interesting .
I will succumb to springtime pots soon though since there’s signs of spring out in the garden.
Yellows , blues and whites will then replace the red.
Hi Cath
I just ordered a red linen scarf on Etsy for a fun post coming up that I think you will all enjoy. We have heavenly bamboo here but it struggles in the heat. It did well in my former garden. I took a flower arranging class many years ago and the instructor said everyone should have heavenly bamboo in their yard for floral arrangements and I have never forgotten that. She was so right. I can’t wait for Spring.
Love love you in red and love love to wear it myself. Is the “coral” Mersea a blue red? It’s such a fun piece but don’t want it if it’s on the orange side of red.
Thank you for your inspiration.
Hugs, Diney from Mercer Island
Hi Diney!
That Mer Sea Sweater is a tough one to describe. They call it coral but it is not a true coral in my opinion. I am sorry I can’t be more help. I would give it a try. I think you would like it.
I always look forward to your posts! I purchased the Nairobi linen throw you featured awhile back and just love it!
My next wishlist item is the Artemis shoes you have frequently worn. They go with so many things, and must be comfortable.
My husband and I are traveling to Chile and hiking Patagonia next month. It sounds like you have traveled extensively and I was wondering if you have been there, and if so, what should I look for to purchase to bring home as something unique and memorable.
Thank you for sharing your style and inspiration with us.
Hi Peggy
Don’t you love that throw? It was pricey but so well made. I love the Artemis mules. I wear them all the time. To be honest Peggy we have not travelled much. My husband was (no almost retired) self employed and could never go anywhere for very long. That is going to change now, once he recuperates. Our neighbor really enjoyed Chile this past summer. You will have to tell me about your trip so I can put it on my bucket list!!
I scooped up that Old Navy red sweatshirt that you featured recently. I write this wearing my red bathrobe. I love wearing red, but it’s so hard to buy online and be sure of what you’re getting–so many shades. Only warm reds work for me, and they can be hard to find. Several years ago I bought a red faux wrap dress to wear to a company party (then fell down and broke my wrist the day before and couldn’t attend, but that’s another story). Some time later we were watching Wheel of Fortune, and Vanna was wearing the exact dress. I don’t know what that may mean about my level of chic, but I still have the dress!
Thanks for sharing the fun looks! You always inspire!
Hi Sarah
Bathrobe, you would never catch me in my bathrobe (tee hee) on the computer. Reds are very tricky online I agree. Maybe you better pull that dress out and enjoy it!!
You look so fabulous in red! I love your red leggings…something I would have never thought to wear! I wish red was more flattering on me.
Jennifer
I would not have either. I just took a chance and I LOVE them. They are just the right red for me which helps. You look fabulous in all the colors that I can’t wear, so I understand!
I am a fair complexted red head, and hence I was always told redheads should not wear red. I have purchased a few warm based “tomato” red items and I think I am able to pull it off! The trick is sticking to the warm reds.
I adore your blog, you are always so fashionable. Thank you for providing all of us with your fashion and design talent.
Hi Cynthia
I am so jealous of your red hair! It is my pleasure. You ladies are the best.
Loved this post and links Cindy! You look smashing in every outfit and your accessories are perfect. Woo hoo, I finally but the bullit and bought the Artemis Design kilim shoes I’ve admired on you for long time. Plus Old Navy red sweatshirt, a little high and low fashion! Now if I could find a scarf like your sisters, sweet memory of her for you. Thank friend!!
Hi Carol
Don’t you just adore the Artemis shoes? They wear so well and are so well made…and the owner is a peach. Try Etsy for a scarf similar to that one.
Have more golden highlights in my gray hair, love red, just has to be more of a brick red, anything bright drains the gold in my skin. Don’t have one item of black (not even underwear, or white, as it ages me by 20 years.
Love your post!
Hi Rose
My silver hair really wants to yellow too. I always preferred a brick red until my hair turned silver. So glad you enjoy a good red.
As a “winter” with white hair, I love wearing a blue-based red. Red has been my signature color for years; in fact, it’s a joke among my family members. When in doubt, buy Mom something red! I also like a good red lipstick.
Cindy, you look beautiful in red. Although we have different styles, I look forward to your outfit posts for new ideas and to see what you’re wearing. Thanks for all you do for us. I hope Steve is well on the road to recovery!
Hi Barb
I love that “when in doubt buy mom something red”. Thank you for your kind thoughts on Steve. He is doing really well. The nerve pumps came off today and he is getting by beautifully so far on extra strength tylenol.
Wonderful news!
Hello from Maxville, Ontario, Canada, Cindy; a small village in Eastern Ontario, where each summer, we host the Glengarry Highland Games, swelling our little berg of 800 to 20,000+!!
Of course, I love all your posts, but the red poplin shirt with your fabulous silver jewellery is simply gorgeous. Red/burgundy/plum, etc., are some of my favourite colours and you have put everything together beautifully!
I am a retired resource development professional (fundraiser!) in my “70s, but still love fashion, makeup, jewellery and SHOES!!
Warmest personal regards,
Jani
Hi Jani
I have seen your village on TV! It’s fun to enjoy fashion at our age isn’t it? It keeps us fresh!
Thank you for this post.
Love red! At age 5, I insisted on red leather mary janes and haven’t looked back since! I have red shoes, red purses, red sweaters, a red cashmere blazer, a favorite red linen shirt. I do columns of most colors, but not red; it’s my favorite accent.
My coloring has always been more compatible with blue based reds and it’s even better with my gray hair.
NancyO.
Hi Nancy
You have made a good point. Red is such a great accent color, isn’t it?
Red looks great on you! And yes, I wear red, my favorite color! ❤️
Hi Dottie
You aren’t related to the Kinnamins in Salinas by any chance? They were good friends of our old friends.
You are amazingly beautiful. I adore fashion and I adore you. Thanks for your inspiration and ideas!!! I can’t wait to see the outfits you put together each week.
You were so incredibly transparent when you got your facelift…I could not believe all you shared. and sister I could be next!!!! Oh my what happens to the body after 50 and 60 is terrible:) Thank you for walking all of us through the process. You look more beautiful than ever…but I thought that you were prior to as well.
Thanks again for your weekly doses of happiness!
I so agree with you Mary Anne! I was really impressed with Cindy’s candor, and I’m giving serious thought to following in her footsteps too! Thanks for mentioning these things – they need to be said! 😊
Hi Barbara
Thank you so much. I so appreciate each and everyone of you ladies.
Hi Mary Anne
Well you are very sweet. Trust me the pictures always have to be in the right light. I am far from beautiful but I certainly appreciate your lovely comment. I felt like it necessary to share my story regarding the facelift because there was so little information available. I didn’t see why it should be so taboo to discuss. It is a personal decision and not for everyone. I wish I had taken care of my skin and not had acne, I probably would have never needed one. Thank you for being one of my many wonderful readers. I am truly blessed.
No red. Maybe a purse just for February.
It’s never appealed to me.
Hi Karen
Red is like that isn’t it? You either love it or hate it!
I never wear red clothing, but I always have a pair (ok, a variety of pairs) of red shoes and a great red clutch or wallet or bag. Love!
I never wear much red. Maybe I should start!