If you’ve never tried a red coat, now is your time. Why? Because now you’re over sixty and you’ve already done understated—probably for years (remember, black, black and more black because it “went with everything”?).  It’s time to embrace color. We’ve been eyeing these red coats for weeks. They’ll make any 60-something woman look cheerful, whether it’s the city, the country, date night, or just running errands.

When you wear red, you make a definitive statement. Red is passionate, vibrant, positive, energetic, and strong. Red can make you look fabulous.

If you are one of those women who have embraced your gray hair, red can be especially flattering.  Neutrals or less dramatic colors run the danger of making us looked washed out. Even if you never thought you could wear red, there is a red for everyone—even redheads.

There’s a red for every woman: finding your red

The key to wearing red is finding the right shade of red. Reds can be cool, with undertones of blue, or warm, with undertones of yellow.  Just as with makeup, understanding your skin tone is key to finding the right color.

• If you’ve gone gray, look for clear reds or ones with a blue base. Warm yellow undertones can look aging.
• And yes, redheads can wear red. The right red can create a very dramatic, vibrant look. If you are a redhead with paler, porcelain skin, try a red with a blue undertone. Blue under-toned reds try a deep true red.
• If your skin tone is warm, choose warm reds with yellow undertones, such as brick reds and orangey reds.
• If your skin tone is cool, look for reds with a blue undertone. Look for scarlets, maroons, and raspberry.

Red coats are stylish and elegant

Rhiannon Wool Blend Coat

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This is an oversized, stunning, slouchy coat that looks as good with trousers as it does with boots and dresses.  It has an asymmetrical closing and a high collar to keep you snug against the elements.  And then there is the pure luxury of cashmere—red, no less!  SimpleLinenLife is a family-run business with designers in China, Japan, France, Italy and India.  The company will custom make wool coats to your size and color.  100% cashmere; $389 at SimpleLinenLife.com

SENTALER Alpaca Shawl-Collar Midi Wrap Coat

This coat may cost a bundle but that’s how you’ll feel—beautifully bundled up.  You will own it for years and years and it will be your favorite coat.  It’s designed by Bojana Sentaler, the Canadian fashion designer, Founder, President and Creative Director of Sentaler, a company known for its luxury alpaca outerwear and accessories.

Made in Peru, this 3/4 length wrap coat is designed with the coveted SENTALER signature ribbed cuffs and a classic shawl collar. Why so expensive?  It’s crafted from baby alpaca wool.  With its huge shawl collar, this highly flattering and feminine coat will be the piece you reach for time and again.  70% baby alpaca wool; 30% wool; $1,595 at  holtrenfrew.com

MAX MARA Manuela Camel-hair Wrap Coat

Don’t you sometimes wish you could go out in your robe—it’s that comfortable.  Well, now you can have that comfort without looking like a slouch.  In fact, you’ll look incredibly smart and put together in this cozy, wrap, belted coat crafted from soft camel hair.  100% camel hair; lining 100% viscose;  $2,545 at Selfridges & Co.

Cotton/Cashmere Coat with Asymmetrical Collar

This eye-catching, stylish wool coat with its asymmetrical closing and cozy funnel neckline (worn turned down in this photo) is a head turner, particularly in this warm shade of red.  The sleeves are roomy and there are two large side pockets.  SimpleLinenLife is a family-run business with designers in China, Japan, France, Italy and India.  The company will custom make wool coats to your size and color.  Cotton/Wool/Cashmere; $167 at simplelinenlife.com