See You Can Wear All Red over 40

Monochromatic outfits are trending right now. Actually, this trend is an evergreen because stylists – and many fashionistas – often use this technique to create the illusion of being taller/slimmer. To style and wear all red over 40 can be tricky because the color gets noted. Furthermore, red – like pink – may give the impression of being heavier than you actually are. To avoid this impression and because red is in fashion right now, read how you can wear all red over like you can wear bold fashion colors at any age.

Why You Should Embrace Monochromatic Outfits When You Are Petite

Wearing one color all over is a monochromatic look. Such outfit creates a long vertical line which gives the illusion of height. This look is especially flattering on petites when styled in dark (visually slimming) color like black, navy, hunter green, dark chocolate, you get the idea.

How to Wear an All Red Outfit without Looking Fat

When red is tricky to wear for you, make sure that you pick a vertically structured pattern or anything that enhances the vertical line. For instance, a V-neck, open cardigan, open blazer, or like in the inspirational photo of an all red outfit, a vertical cable knit. The long necklace adds a vertical line too to provide the illusion of height, i.e., offset the “seemingly added pounds.”

Tricks to Keep a Monochromatic Red Outfit Interesting

Wearing a monochromatic outfit requires some thoughts to not look boring. Monochromatic – as the word says – means one color only. To get such a look right, create interest with a play of texture vs. no texture and/or matte (e.g., suede, plain weave, single jersey) vs. shine (patent or polished leather, sequins, fluid leather). In the all read outfit idea, for instance, the sweater has a small cable-knit pattern; the pumps are shiny, while the suede pants look duff.

Tip: Work with fabrics/materials that break the light differently.

Always Check Whether the Outfit Looks Right

The song “Lady in Red” gave me the inspiration for this work outfit. I first created an ageless monochromatic look with my red high heeled Gloria Vanderbilt pumps. But the result  looked liked trying too hard or maybe even like a costume. It reminded me of “Rosenrot” (Rose-Red), a character in a German fairytale, who wore  everything in this color (bow in her hair, dress, bag, coat, shoes) and even carried red roses.

How Do You Know When to Add a Neutral Color

When the look doesn’t feel right, it’s the time to add a neutral. Therefore, I opted for these neutral kitten-heels in the separates inspiration. This pairing looks better because the neutral shoes do not call for additional attention. Two colorful bangles, a watch, earrings, and necklace complete the suede skirt outfit inspiration.

Tip: Add a neutral when there are or would be more than three larger pieces in red.

Styling Outerwear with a Monochromatic Red Outfit

When styling your outerwear, always pick up the colors that show from the “indoor outfit” in your outerwear. Repeat colors for extra style. In the example below, the red floral patterned scarf and bag pick up the red tights of the “indoor outfit”.

How to Wear All Red Over 40 in a Nutshell

You don’t need to pass the hot red trend though with these easy tricks.

• Use vertical lines to give the illusion of height and create interest
• Work with different materials for interest and balancing your body by using matt (e.g., suede) where to hide pounds, shiny where more is ok (e.g., shoes, bag, belt). Small breasted women can wear a red sequin top; women with a flat bum a sequin skirt in that color.
• You can wear red as a red head.
• Add neutral accessories or shoes, when there would be too many pieces in red.
• Always pick up the colors that show from the “indoor outfit” in your outerwear.

Photos: G. Kramm

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