I used to love red and wear it a lot. Then I got tired of it and stopped wearing it for 3-4 years. Now I am back in love with red and have recently bought a red blazer and off course the VC blouse from you. I can't wait to see it in person and wear it.

I'm also a red lover and wore it a lot when I was younger. Then one day I started feeling uncomfortable in it--not my best color. Looking at photos I think the red overwhelmed me--too strong. Something to do with changes in skin, eyes and hair as I got older. I do wear off-reds when I find something I like, but clear red is gone, except as a color in a print--usually a scarf. I loved red shoes, but no longer like to wear a red shoe or bag.

I love those first two jackets, and if you gave them to me, I would still find some way to wear them! I hope you can experiment and find something that works for you.

I can only tolerate a true red in handbags or wallets, Janet. It's bad with my coloring unless it's a raspberry or other blue red. I used to see that as a personal failing to be overcome, now I just accept it. I have red in other parts of my life and don't need it in my wardrobe.

I think maybe it's a cyclical thing. Trends change, tastes change, but I really think that red is one of those classics. So, I wouldn't get rid of anything just yet b/c you might warm up to it again. It's funny that I love red - but on other people! My girlfriend is such a "red" person - and throws cool red handbags into the mix, and red shoes, etc. I, on the other hand, seem to gravitate to orange! A few years ago all my accent colours were orange! Wallet, shoes, bags, etc. This year I have barely even touched my orange things. So I'm kind of in the same boat as you.

I like to save red for special occasions...

Those are gorgeous pieces, Janet. The red is beautiful.

I also think it's a cyclical thing. Fits come in, go out. Colors come in, go out.

But I think we also start changing our colors as we age. Changes in skin tone (and natural hair color) will affect what colors are flattering. Or, if like me, one changes their hair color drastically, a whole new palette opens up. I used to do quite a bit of fuschia and hot pink when I was a brunette, but those colors clash with my hair now; tending more toward teals and turquoises

I may be chiming in with MsMaven...if you put those jackets in the sale column I would be sorely tempted. And I just put on a red T shirt so I guess I'm feeling the red today!

It's interesting that you say that, Janet, because I've gone through a phase with an aversion to red, too! And it's one of my best colors!
I think it might just be a cyclic color style issue. Now all of a sudden I'm starting to look at red again, but only orange-red. This hasn't been a conscious decision at all- it's just what is appealing to me.

As an artist your eye is strongly tuned to color and to the emotions associated with it, so I think you should just follow your gut. I bet at some point red will appeal to you again, but until then, you can enjoy the colors that speak to you.

Haven't read all the responses yet. I see Angie has chimed in, though!

I don't wear a lot of red, but I do like the color. My only true-red item is a beret, which I find I like to wear only in the winter. (I see that some other posters have commented on feeling like wearing this color only in the cold weather, and I agree.) My other red items are not true red but more of a cross between red and salmon—kind of a pinkish red (although veering much more toward red than pink). Those items I have no problem wearing in the summer. So I think the problem has to do with the vibrance of the color.

When you put on the red items, Janet, how do they make you feel? Do they make you feel bold, dramatic, etc.? Is that type of feeling part of your personal style? Also, if that is part of your personal style, are there only some times that you like to let that part of your style come out? For instance, if you do include bold dressing as part of your style, maybe you like to do that only on certain occasions. So maybe you could make a mental note to think about trying to wear one of the red items on one of these occasions.

I think large items (meaning items that are not just accessories, like scarves and shoes and hats) that are true red can really be attention grabbers. It is no accident that stop signs are red, after all! So maybe you just need to wear these items when you are comfortable being the center of attention.

YES !!! I also have deep, emotional issues with red. People tell me all the time that I look good in reds. I took a huge leap wearing red pants in Boston with you, but I just have a hard time. Mine is because I had to wear read every Friday and Saturday and sometimes Sundays for THREE years. In high school. It drove me to mostly black for years.

I have no suggestions... : (

I love red and wear a lot of it. ( but a periwinkle blue has become a new fave.) I would think it would look good on you. I don't think red is ever "in or out". I have several red jackets and wear them with either navy, gray or tan pants. Sometimes black, too. A blue oxford or french blue or chambray shirt looks great with a red jacket. A column of black or navy with a red jacket is a good look. I always feel good and powerful in red. I have worn a red suit to job interviews and usually got the job or at least a second interview!

Janet, I totally resonate. Bluer reds look great on me but I am not wearing red at all these days. I also will do a bold lip but not while wearing red, I do an almost-nude lip and play up my eyes as you mentioned. If I were you I would keep the items that fit well and mix them in when red comes back. I recently got rid of my last red item but it was an inexpensive fitted tee. Oops, I do have a fabulous red dress I keep for sentimental reasons as I bought it for a formal event with my husband when we were newly engaged.

I love red and am particularly smitten with that red moto. I am envious and would wear that in a heartbeat. Natalie (Goldenpig) has that lace-back trench, if I remember correctly. I live in Nebraska, and our university colors are red, so I have tons of it in my wardrobe as I work for the university. I don't wear red much in the summer and spring, but in fall and winter, it's a wardrobe staple.

Those are great pieces!
Hmmm- I wonder if it's a trend based thing too- if you see a colour everywhere I guess it becomes etched on your subconscious and you are more likely to reach for it?
Also, sometimes I have to be in the right emotional place to really wear a bold statement piece convincingly-maybe this is another factor?
Don't give up on them yet!

I haven't read all the comments yet but wanted to chime in to say I have the exact same issue, and with red. I've purged most all-red items long ago but decided awhile back that I wanted to try again. So, I bought a beautiful silk Equipment blouse with a lot of red in the print. I adore the print on this blouse, the colors are flattering, it's comfortable... but I almost never wear it. And, when I do, it's always with white or faded blue denim. Never black.

I don't wear black much either but that's because it ages me so badly. But, I really dislike red with black. Even though I know it's a classic combination, it just seems way too heavy and strong and somehow dated to me. I have a fairly strong personality and have no problem confidently wearing other brights or all-white outfits regularly. I even prefer them. So, why not red?

I have been trying to figure this out for awhile because it genuinely
puzzles me. I get compliments every time I wear red, from complete
strangers even. They tell me it makes my blue eyes look even bluer and
does wonderful things for my complexion so I keep thinking I should love
red. I should want to wear it all the time. But, I don't.

With all these reasons to love red, I am determined to figure this out. I started wondering whether it has something to do with all the red that's used in advertising and signage. So many logos incorporate the color red because of its effect on consumers. Maybe it's because red is the color of anger and subconsciously it has some effect related to that aspect of it. Maybe it simply draws too much attention. Even though I often dress in a way that some might consider attention-getting, I suppose (brights, prints, all-white, etc), somehow red seems too overt. Even in a pretty silk top with red in the print.

All I know is that I could have written your original post, word for word. Every time I see an attractive red item of clothing, I always think, "it's nice but it's so... red." Would love to get to the bottom of this and am hoping someone out there has an answer..

I'm another on whom red looks good and I, too, used to wear a lot more of it than I do now. For me, I think it's energy related. I have to be feeling a substantial amount of energy in order to be comfortable in red these days. If I'm basically mellow or tired, red feels out of sync with where I am. Also, if I want to blend in and not bring attention to myself, I avoid red.

Interestingly, there was a day recently when I had a different cardi and switched it out for a red one because I wanted my outfit to have more energy.

One more thought...I bought a vintage red leather clutch last fall. I love carrying it irregardless of my energy level. Maybe red in smaller doses is more manageable?

So interesting, Janet! I love red - it's one of my favorite colors - and the right colors of red love me back. I favor clear reds, and I'm lucky enough to be able to do orangey-red (which means I can also wear orange) as well as the right color dark red. I always have some red in my closet, and I wear it all year. Always a tee and a sweater or two, sometimes a jacket. Always accessories. Once I start my summer pedis, I'll be wearing some form of red or reddish-coral for the whole summer.

When I was younger I wore red all of the time. In fact it was my favorite color. I got so many compliments when I wore it. But as I have gotten older I no longer feel comfortable in it. I am thinking it is the thinning of my skin as I have gotten older. It just looks harsh on me now, IMO. Could this be happening to you also?

@BethL - I'm glad you mentioned your Summer pedis. I hadn't realized until I read that that my favorite pedi is bright red, and I've just about gotten to the point where I wear it to the exclusion of all others. This issue with red has really got my attention!

How interesting! I think you said it yourself: "my prevailing style is so rooted in black and blue, and in denim and leather"

Red is bright, and you're dressing pretty darkly right now. Also not a huge current color trend. Those are fabulous pieces, so I vote hang onto them until red comes back around for you. I was just thinking today that I'm not wearing my red as much either, and plan to pop on a red sweater just because of that

I'm with MsMaven, in that my coloring has faded and strong colors that used to flatter (bright primaries and black) seem to overwhelm me now. It took awhile for me to understand this - my Mom (from whom I inherited my silver hair) still looks great in these colors, so it isn't age per se. Her skin color is still ruddy though, while mine has faded and I think that may be MY reason for not going for colors that I loved on me even 7 years ago. Those are great pieces, I'm voting with the "hold and see" camp, in case you fall in love with them again in a year or two.

This is such an interesting post because I feel I've done the same thing.

I used to use red (meaning true red and a bit either way, warm or cool) as one of my typical "colors" with neutrals like black, gray and khaki. I loved "capsule" or outfit spreads using red--it seemed like such a great accent, goes with almost every neutral and generally would be available for wardrobe updates.

Then over a couple of years I've been totally off actual red, though definitely "on" for burgundy, raspberry, even some magenta. So I gradually began weeding out red items and not buying any new.

I think it may have to do with the "cooling" of my hair tones, so that those other colors are easier to wear, and then there was not as much place for red as it didn't "go" with the other stuff, so i didn't want to invest, even though I could still easily wear red accessories and such.

It's odd because I always thought I'd be a red-wearing person and it felt kind of weird to just begin to say, no more red (well, I have a sweater and a vest that I will keep for fun at holiday times).

So many great observations, and I'm really kind of amazed how many other people have the same dilemma. You'd think red would be almost universally embraced!

I have also turned more to burgundy and cooler shaded red tones, which I have always loved. I don't feel like it's an issue with changing skin -- I put on a red item, and I still look pretty good in it, as long as it's not too orange. My coloring stands up well to the strong color.

I suspect there might be a slight -- and I mean *slight* -- emotional discomfort with the bright color. I do feel compelled to wear red with neutrals only, when I do wear it. But I'm also the woman who wears bright turquoise boots, or a bright cobalt leather jacket, or a brightly patterned top. So it's not a fear of standing out.

Well, at any rate, I picked up that red denim jacket today and wore it out to run errands. No pics, sorry, but I wore it with a grey tee, my distressed BF jeans, and my snake print slip-on sneakers. Felt perfectly fine. So the red toppers will stay in my closet! It's been fun to read all the thoughts on this though. Thanks, all, for exploring this with me!

After years of being told a red-head shouldn't wear red, I got fed up and got a red sweatshirt. I LOVED that shirt and wore it to death. Then came red shoes, a red dress, a red striped shirt. I love red, and I can wear it.

There isn't a lot of red in the stores now (not the big colour trend) but I still look for it. I'm looking for the right red bag. If you ever decide to purge those motos, please give me first dibs!

Janet, this is really hitting home and not because of the red, but because I've been thinking about what colors I want to focus on in my life to pare down and simplify.

When I look at these beautiful red jackets of yours, each are beautiful red orphans, at the moment, but as Angie said (and I love what she said), we often go "off" colors for a while only to "return" to them.

Is there one or two (or all) of these that you'd like to keep close for that moment to return? Trust me, I've held on to things for years, for many reasons, so color, among other things, can be a strange and interesting conundrum.

Those pieces are beautiful, especially the moto. If you enjoy the pieces hang on to them and wear them when you are in the mood. They are too pretty to let go of. I like red and wore a red tshirt to work today. You never know when the mood to wear red will strike and you will be ready, lol.

I go on and off red so I get what you are saying. Maybe pull these out of your closet for a bit and put them in "time-out". Also, I recently was reading some color suggestions and they said not to pair red with black. They suggested pairing red with pink or burgundy or other "red" tones. I think this might make the color more interesting.

My red things feel rather orphaned as well. Part of it is my preference for tonal and column of color dressing at the moment. Hard to pull of head-to-toe red although I think I tried it a few years ago. I do like some reds on me so I'm keeping those pieces but whenever my eye goes past my red pieces, I come up clueless. My black, white, cream and grays are getting the most wear, followed by blues, greens and pinks. Not reaching for my purples or reds or oranges this year.