Fashion historian and former host of Fashion Sentence, Alexander Vasiliev, points to color choices that can visually add pounds to a silhouette. He shares these insights with his audience through his telegraph channel, highlighting how hue can alter perception and overall presentation.
According to Vasiliev, selecting the wrong color for clothing can undermine even the most carefully styled outfit. The color you wear acts like a visual amplifier; it can either flatter or accentuate certain features, and thus it deserves thoughtful consideration beyond fabric cut or texture.
“The ability to blend shades in an outfit is a key skill for anyone aiming for a polished look. The right palette can mask figure concerns, boost the perceived brightness of the face, and even give the impression of a younger appearance by several years. For instance, the color red is a powerful focal point—while it draws attention, it can also add visual weight if paired with the wrong tones,” the fashion historian explains.
Vasiliev notes that by pairing red with gentler hues such as wheat, soft raspberry, or pale pink, one can shift focus away from areas of the body they’d rather downplay. The goal is to create harmony across the outfit so that the eye travels smoothly rather than landing on one specific contour.
“When working with red, it’s wise to steer clear of combinations that heighten contrast with brown, orange, or olive tones. A classic approach often yields the most reliable results—black or white remains a safe foundation. Greens, yellows, and purples can also pair well with red, depending on shade and lighting,” he adds.
Previously, Vasiliev identified three color families as visually aging for many women. He observed that olive and earth tones, along with other pale colors, can emphasize shadows under the eyes and dull the overall image. In contrast, he recommended embracing softer, lighter tones such as peach and other delicate hues to refresh the look and brighten the complexion.
Vasiliev emphasizes a practical philosophy: dress color is a tool for shaping the impression you leave. Used with intention, color can balance proportions, illuminate features, and convey a sense of vitality. The conversation among fashion historians and stylists about color remains ongoing, continually evolving with new palettes, fabrics, and cultural contexts. In the end, the choice of color comes down to how it makes a person feel when they wear it and how confidently they carry it in everyday life. The guidance he offers is less about rigid rules and more about mindful selection that supports personal style and self-expression.