It’s time for the monthly style report with Cindy! Since it’s February we are talking about color -specifically red. Red can add some French chic to your look and brighten up your wardrobe this time of year…
Start by looking at your closet! I have red things, but I forget to wear them. If you get them all together you can look the options. What are other ways to wear these things? How can I use them to punch up my neutrals a bit? Can you use a sweater as a scarf? Can you layer a red dress with a sweater or over jeans? Even just a red t-shirt can add a little sass to you winter every day items.
For the sake of fashion science, I thought I’d play with my red pieces. I wore my red sweater as a scarf over a pink sweater and khaki pants (just bought these at Anthro), and pink Vans.. I also paired it with my camel coat for a day in San Francisco with the family.
When I think of red clothes, I always think of the French, Parisians most notably. The French use red as a sort of punctuation to their look with red scarves, shoes, hats, and coats. They love to go natural with makeup, but you will see them sport a red lip or a red nail.
I am always enchanted by how they use just one red item to really make an outfit. I tried it with a pair of poppy red suede heels that have been gathering dust the last few years… I put them with a pair of slightly baggy jeans with a casual cuff roll, then a black turtleneck and my dressier Veronica Beard jacket.
Just the addition of the shoe made this whole look feel Parisian. I will try this with jeans and a sweater too. You can do this with any heel, but the red just sort of look very on purpose and fashionable.
We all could use a red shoe in the closet!
Three Ways to Wear Red Like the French…
- My favorite way- in a shoe. Walk anywhere in Paris and you will see looks popped with red shoes. Red boots with a neutral look is so chic. I love strappy flat red sandal with jeans. Red sneakers are always adorable, especially with a skirt. So many ways to have fun with red footwear..
- Bring in red accessories like a cashmere scarf, a red handbag or backpack, a vintage red rhinestone pin or beads. I love a red beret or brimmed felt hat. Don’t forget red lipstick ( I like this and this) and a pretty red pedicure or manicure always looks chic.
- A red coat – whether wool, a puffer or a trench, you see them all over France.
Colors to wear with red…
One of my favorite looks is red with tan or camel. Something about that combination is so classic and also why a leopard print can look fantastic paired with it.
Pink and lavender are unexpected partners for red and fun. So is orange.
Another lovely combination is aqua or teal with red.
A soft baby blue can also look great as does cream..
Let’s look at some sartorial red chic for inspiration…
Red pieces to consider..
I hope this post encourages you to add some red to your life! Be experimental and try some red pieces on next time you shop! Don’t overlook those red handbags and shoes as they can make your closet basics look way cooler and chic.
If you missed January’s Signature Style, it was all about on leisure and comfort wear. I shared my favorite workout pieces, cozy go-tos and pjs I love.
…Now please pop by Cindy’s blog to see what she is sharing…
Thanks for being here!
Kim
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This is such a great post Kim … and you look amazing in your red sling backs, loose jeans and gorgeous jacket! Somehow this look just “works” … where’s the same look with tight skinny jeans doesn’t work as well imo ( I hope I haven’t offended anyone)
It’s lovely to see the complete outfit that you wore to San Francisco. I really love red and camel. I like it with pink too but I wouldn’t have thought of baby blue, lavender or teal … they look great but maybe a little out of my comfort zone lol.
I have very little red … but I do have accessories that I bought for all the reasons you mentioned. A red beret, chunky scarf/snood, a red Longchamp crossbody and a cream cashmere sweater with fine red, pink and orange stripes ( I often use this as a scarf)
I think now I’ll keep a look out for some red flat sandals, or maybe converse ( I love my navy ones but I think the red looks so fresh and “summery” )
Thanks again for another super stylish blog Kim, with practical suggestions we can all try!
Rosemary, You are right, the baggy jean looks fresher than a skinny one would I think! I think we are seeing the evolution away from the tight jean. (And they look painful! We don’t need to live that way!)
I love the idea of a red Converse ( meant to add one) and a red sandal. My friend has the red Salt Water sandals that we once wore as kids in adult size and they are so fresh and cute in summer.
You look adorable in your beret. I need to look for a red scarf too!
Thank you Rosemary always for the fun feedback! xo
Good morning Kim! What a fun post! I love a pop of red and you had so many great ideas to share! Some of the combinations I would’ve never thought of. I’m currently looking for a really great red flat that fits my fickle feet.
Hi Ginger! Thank you it was fun pulling this together. I know it has inspired me to try some other combinations with red!
Good luck with the flat search. I did have some difficulty finding red shoes for here. Tory Burch seems to have the most red, but it is pricier.
xo
Kim,you have totally nailed it with this look! So chic and timeless. Not fussy or too contrived. The slightly fuller Jean and rolled cuff with the red heels-perfect! I have been lusting for that georgous veronica beard jacket (along with the rag and bone slade blazer) for awhile now-think it’s time to bite the bullet. Looks effortless, comfortable and beautiful. Good job!
Thank you Catherine. I was trying to figure out the best way to make these baggy jeans work and this is one way as a shorter person.. I also have that Rag & Bone blazer on my radar! It’s lovely.. I saved for the Veronica Beard. xo
I just wanted to pop in and say how fabulous you look the outfit with the red shoes-SO chic!
Gosh thank you Sandy! So nice of you. I think I need more red.
I’m like you – I have red pieces but never wear them! I just got some cool red/pink Cole Haan mules, and need to wear them.
Those sound cool! I need something like that.
I love your outfit! Fabulous with the gorgeous red heels, cuffed baggy jeans and top and swoon worthy blazer. I think I could wear that outfit once a week and not tire of it. I’ve never heard of salt water sandals but googled them and found some links. Just spent two weeks in Florida, and my clunky Keen water sandals looked so out of place. I’m on the lookout for a cuter pair, so may check these out. Very inspiring post for how to pull together our red pieces.
Deanna, Aw Thank you so much.
Salt water sandals were what we got once a year at easter as a kid and that was our shoe for the summer! I got white and my brother got brown. I think my grandmother always bought them for us and I was only allowed white, so it would match with everything. I always wanted the red or multi-color. Yes they would be cute with summer things and trips! I have a pair of Keens and they are def a California shoe aren’t they?
This is the sandals that maybe you already found..
https://rstyle.me/+IwNoNSRKTdnRM_cs4wK1Sw
xo
I love those sexy red slingbacks with your first outfit! Genius. I’d probably try it with flats or loafers, for the comfort. I don’t know when I last wore heels. Is that a skill one never forgets, like riding a bike? 🙂
I used to profess not to like red. Years ago (many, many) when I had my colors analyzed, the stylist was trying to convince me how good a tomato red looked on me. I swore to her that I never wore red, until she pointed out that I was sitting in front of her in a camel sweater and a bright red necklace. I was converted.
Sarah, It is rare for me to wear a heel anymore.. I was actually a little nervous wearing them out the other day. I spent my 20’s and 30’s wearing them to work and do not miss them, but I can do them occasionally now- if they are comfy!
Ha! Isn’t that interesting? Love the camel and red combo too. I know red is so good if you find your tone!
Kim
Love the baggy jeans with the heels. I could not wear either but I absolutely adore them on you. I am also very fond of the red and baby blue. I love chambray and red linen. You nailed so many great ideas. You have such a great sense of style. I learn from you all the time.
Thank you Cindy! Loved ALL your looks too. Chambray and red linen- so good right? xo
Great post! Great looks. I can do red accessories ,since my colors are all
neutral, black mostly 😜. I can’t do heels anymore, too many years in a
corporate job! LOL I do like the red converse sneakers and have those and
I like red and black together. Tieks make the best red ballet shoe too!
I just got a black and red leopard print iPhone case! Leopard and red
perfect!! I had a pair of brown & black animal print small wedge heel
shoe with a red suede bow. Had to see them but so cool looking!
I agree your style is great, and I get some great inspiration.
Hi Char! Love red and black together so much. I used to wear that a lot when I worked and wore suits! Oh I have to look for a phone case like that. I always adore wedges too. Miss them! .. I still wear a pair. Aw thank you for reading! xo
Hi Kim, I’ll echo Rosemary and say that this is exactly why I love your style posts – you always have such fantastic suggestions that are easy to put into practice. I especially love the pale blue with red, that’s unexpected. Thank you!
Patricia, Yay so glad they inspire. That is what I am going for..to have more fun with our clothes. I ADORE that pale blue and red too. xo
Such a fun post with all the red! Love all the looks – missing wearing heels! I had a lovely pair of red when I was in my 20’s – 30’s that I always received compliments on. These days are so much more casual. Red converse – so fun!
Thank you Barb! I love the red Converse so much too.
You look fabulous in red Kim just love those red shoes. My french sister in law only wears white, black and red so I thought of her reading this, tres chic indeed! My godmother (quasi grandmother) always wore red and she was so beautiful and regal so I bought a red wool coat from Hobbs a few years ago now in honor of her, and it’s a real wow coat and makes me feel so vibrant and special. It is beautiful designed with a dramatic flair and a mandarin collar and that is what red does for me, it makes me feel “on show’ in a good way! Thank you for the lovely post happy weekend xo.
Francesca, Thank you. Glad to hear your French SIL is confirming what I think.. that they love red! Your grandma sounds like a neat lady. How wonderful she inspired you. That coat sounds fab. I love a Mandarin collar! Yes I agree red has that power to make us feel a bit in the spotlight!
Thank your for this note! Happy weekend. xx
Fun post!!
I’m curious about your khaki pants, are they a recent purchase?!! 🙂
Hi Laura! Yes just bought them this week at Anthro when I realized my old ones were just way too skinny. I kind of love them. I bought a 28 and I am 5’4 but they work!
This is the link to them. Hoping to wear more khaki this spring!
https://rstyle.me/+Yyo0UworDNb7BNB5J17YNw
xo
Hi Kim,
You look so good in red and bright pink. Wow, what a hottie in the red slingback strap heels and relaxed jeans. It’s such a cool look on you. In the many years past I would wear these type of high style heels. They have all found their way to donation homes that hopefully could put these gorgeous heels and fancy shoes to good use. You always look adorable in what you style.
Maybe since I have to live in Hoka Bondi 8’s now maybe they will create a fun red. Since the extra wide looks a little out there maybe that is not such a great idea after all.
Hi Katherine! You are very sweet. I love the relaxed jeans! I also gave away most of my heels! I think I am down to three pairs. I just don’t choose to wear them much anymore. Those Hoka’s sure seem popular. Maybe I need a pair! I was surprised there aren’t that many red tennis shoes. xo
Love, love … LOVE … the punch of color in your red shoes … your entire look is perfection. So Parisian, so chic. The baggy jeans with that great blazer and sexy, red shoes … ooh la la. Like many, I have a hard time wearing red, but the idea of incorporating it in a shoe, scarf, bag or nail color … I can do that. Loving the combination of purple and red and the pink and red wedge bootie is heaven. I look forward to your monthly style posts … you always bring an interesting perspective and new way to incorporate colors and trends I’d never think of. And give me the nudge to consider new things. xoxo
Kim –
This is my favorite post this past year. Totally in my wheelhouse! On a whim I purchased a pair of low heeled red patent leather low heeled pointed toe shoes before Christmas at JCrew half off! It rained so much I have yet to wear them but today got them out. I have a long electric blue wool coat similar to one you posted so know I what to wear it with. My new red shoes. I have a small stash of red that I acquired last year including a Balenciaga first handbag I purchased second hand. You have inspired me to get out of my winter drabs and look for places to wear my red. Thank you! I was feeling a bit down from this long cold winter. Red it is!❤️
Leslie what a great purchase the shoes were and a piece for your closet. Love the idea of it with the electric blue coat!
Oh a red Balenciaga bag sounds fab. You are doing the right thing collecting a little stash to bring style to your looks.
I hear you about the winter drabs. I literally have been wearing the same ten things all winter, so this really got me out off my comfort zone a bit. Hopefully this is the little boost we need until we can get to spring!! So glad to hear you are a red fan. xo
Kim,
I love this post! You always look amazing but these pops of red are perfect on you!
Love the red shoes and the baggy jeans! And the red and pink sweater look…fabulous!
A pop of red, a sweater, scarf, nails, bag or shoes looks great on everyone!
Thank you for sharing! See you on Saturday! xo
Hi Elizabeth! Thank you. I do think red is so fun..We all need a few red pieces or a fab coat when we want to stand out. xo
Really loved this post, Kim, and I literally do not have ONE red thing in my closet. I’m blonde and very fair and always feel red looks so harsh on me although I love it on others. BUT, you may have just opened my eyes to a red shoe or purse!! Love your red suede heels with those jeans!! Looks awesome!
Carol, Isn’t that funny? I think fair people can go with red accents! Thank you! xx
You look so amazing in those red shoes with that blazer and the rolled jeans! And hair and makeup on point:)
Lisa thank you. You are so kind. xx
Kim! You are so right about how a red shoe makes your look very Parisian. I love it! And I wouldn’t think I would be drawn to red and lavender or purple, but the way you show it, it’s fabulous! I love those red Gucci Briston loafers! I never wear heels, but those are on my wish list!
xx