This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
Red is strong, bright and flattering. When we wear this colour we are making a positive expression of our character and independence,. It is one of the most vibrant, attention-getting colours.
But does red suit everyone? True red is, we’ve been told on good authority, the one variation that suits absolutely everyone. If you are ‘warm’ like me, you can also veer towards an orangey-red (like geranium red from Kettlewell) and if you are on the cooler spectrum, go for a red that has a touch of blue such as scarlet.
Anyhow, am not suggesting you go red head to toe, just one or two pieces that will not only cheer up your day but possibly everyone else’s that you meet. And if you decide to treat yourself to a new red piece for your wardrobe, you can wear it at Christmas – so much better than one of those perspiration-inducing, non eco-friendly synthetic festive jumpers!
- Soft rib knit beanie £35 from Sweaty Betty
- Proppa Toppa £37 from Rain Hat Collection
As Jenny Joseph wrote: “When I am an old woman I shall wear purple With a red hat that doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me” spurring generations of women to confront getting older with gusto and not be grey and invisible. Well I agree, except I’d recommend a hat that suits you!
- Woven fringed scarf £12.50 by M&S
- Winser Cashmere Wrap £175 I have been wearing mine for about seven years and it is still as good as new – gossamer light, this generous scarf stays in place when you tie it and also works as a wrap.
- Foliage Plaid Woven Scarf £70 from Kate Spade
- Pure cotton polo neck £50 from Patra Selections
- Kettlewell’s Hailey merino sweater. Every time I wear this I get asked where it is from. It is has lovely long sleeves which you can turn back as cuffs and is a longer line, relaxed fit that is very forgiving of my various lumps and bumps.
- Boxy Turtleneck Knit Jumper £65 from & Other Stories
- Pure Cashmere V neck button front cardigan £119 Autograph at M&S.
Sleeveless knitted tank tops have been on trend again and I can see why they are so popular. They are a welcome extra layer now that we are fully into Autumn.
- Whistles Sleeveless Cable Knit Jumper – currently reduced from £119 to £85
- Merino Cashmere Chevron Cable Knit Vest + Snood £150 from Me+Em
- Gracie Silk frill blouse £149 Hobbs
- Lila Spot Print shirt £79 Mint Velvet
- Satin Collared Wrap Blouse £35
- Velvet Bombshell 3/4 Sleeve ‘Stretch Luxe’ Dress £179 from Bombshell
- Glain Ponte Jersey Dress £59 from Finery
- Angel sleeve maxi dress £139 Mint Velvet
- Zip Detail Straight Leg Trousers £35
- MAC Dream straight leg jeans £75 Peter Hahn
- Super slimming High waisted flared trousers £90 from Boden at John Lewis
- Fleece-lined leather gloves £20 from John Lewis
- 100% cashmere gloves £34.90 from Uniqlo
- Opaque red tights £6.50 from Amazon – I just bought a pair of these and they are fabulous quality, a great fit and oh so easy to wear. Highly recommend.
- Single breasted crepe blazer reduced to £39 at JD Williams
- Single breasted coat £65 at M&S Tip: Buy two sizes up – makes coats look really expensive
- Wool double breasted coat £229.99 from Mango
- Lace up zipped Ankle boots reduced to £54.99 at Pavers
- Victoria red suede block heels £169 from Sole Bliss https://solebliss.com/products/victoria-red-suede
- Wide fit stain resistant suede loafers £45 at M&S. Available in half sizes.