Burgundy Color for Fall & Winter: The New Black

• By Tina-Boomerina
• Clothing Over 40 Current Trends Fashion
• 8 years ago

by Tina Boomerina (AKA Christina Gregoire)

In the 70s, I had a burgundy, midi-length coat from Munich and a pair of burgundy boots.  Well, back then we called that color eggplant. The color burgundy goes with so many other hues I call it the new black for fall and winter.

Burgundy, Maroon, Wine, Merlot, Dark Red?

What color should you type into the box when you are searching for burgundy items online?  Well, there are a zillion other names for the dark red that’s being touted as the new black: wine, wineberry, cabernet, bordeaux, claret, cognac, maroon, mulberry, dark plum, cranberry, garnet, and untold other esoteric, proprietary assignations like Black Cherry or Merlot Madness or Beaujolais Nouveau or Perfectly Pomegranate or whatever sounds good to some wonk in marketing.

So, most of the time, you can ignore the names of colors used by various brands.  If it looks like burgundy, it is burgundy….as long as it isn’t too red or too purple.  The only caveat is that, when colors are next to each other, they have to match or they have to be different enough so they don’t look like they are supposed to match.

Burgundy is Fabulous for Fall Winter

Yep. I love burgundy. I have always loved burgundy…and here are some of the reasons:

• Most Burgundy hues have pink undertones, so they look good against my complexion and they probably look good against yours.  And, burgundy goes with many pinks.  (Try a burgundy suit with a pink blouse when you’re sick of black.)
• Burgundy is a dark color, so it makes me (and other older women) look slimmer-ish; and in jersey-knit fabrics, burgundy camouflages bulges better than light colors like, say, peach.
• Burgundy goes with black, so it will go with all of your basic black pieces.  I’ve also seen burgundy worn with every other neutral imaginable (and quite a few non-neutrals) during my last two trips to Paris.  Note: Try all black, from head to tights; then add burgundy Mary Janes for a hip Continental look.
• Burgundy is traditionally a preppy, classic hue; however, you can funk it up with accessories and make it trendy. Burgundy from head-to-toe looks just as great as black from head-to-toe…and you’ll stand out from the sea of black.  Try a burgundy dress for your next formal cruise night.

Trendy Burgundy Accessories

If you want to upgrade your basic wardrobe without maxing out your plastic, burgundy items really do blend in seamlessly with most solids and many prints.  Consider one of these seriously chic pieces for starters.

• Didi Square Scarf: Just imagine what this lemlem.com scarf would do to jazz up a brown jacket or sweater.
• Heathered Bow Wool Cloche: This Cherry Wine chapeau is a great price and can be purchased at Nordies.
• Sam Edelman Maddox Boots: These ankle boots in British Burgundy will look cute with skirts, dresses, leggings, skinny jeans, and almost everything you own.
• Rebecca Minkoff Burgundy Satchel: This purse is about $500, but you can also find affordable burgundy bags (about $35) at Target.

Want Bigger Pieces for Bigger Punch?

If you become addicted to burgundy, that's great, because this flattering color will be fashionable for years.

• Tahari Hooded Puffer Coat: Sometimes, you won’t find what you want by searching for burgundy.  For example, this adorable coat’s color is Sangria.  You can find this at Macy’s and other stores, so look around.
• High Low Hem Jersey Dress: This plus size dress (shown with a cardigan) is a beautiful example of burgundy with pink.  I must admit that it is quite difficult to determine exactly what color something is by viewing it on a monitor.  If you don’t love the color (of anything you buy online) just throw it back in the box, slap on the sticky label, and send it back to whence it came.
• Pintucked Chantal Silk Blouse: Saks seems to prefer the designation wine to burgundy.
• Ring Detail Jersey Top: This plus size top from Simply Be is an affordable way to grab some flattering burgundy.  Sometimes, you can find the right color by simply searching for “red” and weeding out the items that look too bright.

The best way to add burgundy to your wardrobe is to pick one or two deep reds that work with your coloring and work together.  For example, if you love Eileen Fisher, go for her dark red and another red that’s either lighter or darker.  Or, just buy pieces that won’t be next to each other or touching, like a hat and a purse.  It isn’t easy to find the right shades that blend naturally, but it will be worth the effort.  Burgundy (or whatever name the stores want to call it this year or next year) is a great, timeless color.

More Articles for Baby Boomer Women:

Types of Hats for Women and When to Wear Them

Best Fall & Winter Coat Trends for Real Women Over 40 or 50

How to Wear Ankle Boots With Skinny Jeans, Leggings, or Shorts - Older Women

How to Wear Leggings if You're Over 40 or 50

Don't you just love burgundy? Leave a message at the bottom of the page.

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