Prime your closet for more color with this series of guides for bold shades. SG HQ is breaking down how to wear different stylish hues (like how to wear merlot!) with easy color combinations and outfit ideas.
Catch up on all our color guides, including: bright blue, amber, lavender, army green, salmon, slate grey, orange, teal, khaki, red, evergreen, white, cobalt blue, mint green, orange sorbet, yellow and navy.
What color is merlot?
Merlot is a deep purplish red, with blue undertones.
Not quite red, not quite purple. It’s a deep, sophisticated blend of the two, often with subtle hints of brown or plum. Think of a fine Cabernet Sauvignon – rich, complex, and undeniably stylish.
The word comes from merle: French for blackbird, an avian species which is actually more midnight blue black.
How is merlot different from burgundy or maroon?
While there are subtle distinctions to these three wine-centric hues, all you need to know is that burgundy, merlot, and maroon all fall into the same general color family. We’ll refer to them interchangeably here.
Below, ideas on how to wear merlot in your wardrobe:
Building a base
The beauty of merlot shades lie in their versatility. Here are easy pieces to incorporate the color into your wardrobe in the color:
- Trousers: A pair of well-tailored merlot-colored chinos or cords is a fall/winter staple. Pair them with a crisp white shirt and a navy blazer for a timeless look.
- Sweaters: A chunky wine-hued turtleneck exudes a refined yet relaxed vibe. Try it with dark wash jeans and Chelsea boots for a weekend ensemble.
- Jackets: A merlot or burgundy bomber jacket adds a touch of unexpected flair to your casual looks. It complements both dark wash and lighter denim well.
What colors to wear with merlot
Neutrals are Your Best Friend
Black, navy, and grey are the ultimate grounding forces for merlot or burgundy. A burgundy sweater vest layered over a white poplin shirt and paired with navy trousers creates a sharp business-casual look.
Earthy Elegance
For a more adventurous approach, try pairing your burgundy trousers with an olive green bomber jacket. The combination is both unexpected and undeniably sophisticated.
Complementary Contrast
Don’t shy away from a pop of color! Wearing merlot or maroon with teal or green creates a vibrant contrast that’s perfect for a statement-making outfit.
Merlot outfit inspiration
Love the pop of blue in the sneakers in this casual workwear outfit.
Yes, you can wear merlot from head to toe!
When to wear burgundy or merlot
Burgundy truly shines in the cooler months. A burgundy cable-knit sweater or a luxurious velvet blazer adds warmth and depth to your fall and winter ensembles. However, a lighter weight burgundy linen shirt can be a surprisingly versatile summer option, especially when paired with beige chinos and boat shoes.
Because it’s like black but not quite black, this color can sub out for that shade when temperatures start to climb in both casual and more formal gear. Don’t be afraid to bust merlot out all year long though: From the office to a night out with the guys (or your favorite gal!), this shade is sure to attract all the best kinds of attention.
Shop merlot men’s style
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