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 bluebird blue, amber orange, lavender, army green, salmon, slate, blood orange, sharkskin, gold, teal, khaki, red, evergreen, white, cobalt blue, mint green, orange sorbet, yellow and navy.
Merlot is a deep purplish red, with blue undertones.
While summer is usually reserved for a nice, never-ending glass of rosé, don’t be fooled into thinking merlot isn’t meant for all year enjoyment – think of it as the rich addition to any outfit (or dinner) during any season.
Named after the signature grapes, it’s easy to categorize this color in the purple family. But in fact, merlot is a mix of very dark blue and purple. The word comes from merle: French for blackbird, an avian species which is more midnight than truly black.
Below, ideas on how to wear merlot in your wardrobe:
How to wear merlot
The good news is this shade is really a year-round color. Especially if you’re not someone who loves pastels, wearing a color like merlot or burgundy means you still get to break out some color in the summer.
Of course, the wine-hued shade is probably most worn in the fall, as it’s got that richness that makes you think of cornucopias and gourds and other fun autumnal accoutrement. And unlike brighter hues or bolder patterns, it doesn’t feel so “Can I pull that off?”
In many ways, you can think of merlot or burgundy as a neutral. The rich, dynamic shade can often be subbed in when you were going to wear navy or grey—opening up your pairing options when you’re picking out your clothes.
We love it in sports coats, chinos, tailored suiting (separates or together!) and of course in details like piping and prints. Bonus: Because of the tonal mix in the hue, it actually looks amazing on all skin types.
So what are you waiting for? Start shopping!
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How to wear burgundy at the office
Suit: Suit Supply | Shirt: Calvin Klein | Pocket square: The Tie Bar
Belt: Allen Edmonds | Shoes: Hugo Boss | Watch: Daniel Wellington
Cologne: Atelier
SG Says: As always, that depends on where you’re off to. For daytime, bring this color in by pairing it with a bright blood orange polo on top, or with evergreen shorts with a lightweight cotton merlot button up.
For evening, consider swapping out your suit accessories for a tie and pocket square in this shade, which will look especially amazing with navy. Grey is always a combo option as well: slate or sharkskin will do just fine.
How to wear burgundy on the weekend
Shorts: J.Crew | Shirt: Original Pengquin | Jacket: Jack Threads
Shoes: Clarks | Socks: N/A | Watch: Timex
Belt: Oliver Spencer | Sunscreen: Anthony | Hat: Ralph Lauren
When to wear burgundy
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.
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Ready to upgrade your closet’s colors?
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Let us rescue you from shopping fatigue and sartorial apathy.
With our online personal shopping service, we can promise the kind of dedicated attention that will make you feel like the best, most stylish version of the awesome guy you already are! We’ll also help you figure out how to wear your new clothes with the things you already own.
If you’re ready for a shopping plan that’ll save you time, energy, and your sanity, give us a shout.
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Want more men’s style tips and tricks? Listen to Style Girlfriend’s Undressed podcast (and subscribe!).
Very timely as I just picked up a pair of trousers in this colour on Fathers Day. I have a green shirt I also got that will be perfect with them.
As far as my all season colour goes it is likely some sort of mid blue. I haven’t been into greys and navies of late given the summer weather.
Perfect timing! That’s going to be a great combination.
Theresa and Nate touched on this above in the comments, but I definitely agree with them that lighter fabrics are important when wearing darker colors in the summer.
I just knew you were going to post about Merlot today, so I put on my Merlot colored chinos, but to summerize it I go with the no-show socks. Up top I have a navy shirt with super small white polka dots.
I think most colors really go year-round, how it looks comes down more to the fabric. If it’s a flannel for example, it just doesn’t look right in the summer.
Edit: Holy crap they look much brighter in this photo. They’re dark, trust me.
Love your look you described, and the shoes! Psychic, much?
And I definitely second your comment about fabric. Lighter fabrics are pretty crucial during the summer (for styling purposes and preventative measures for heat stroke).
I have ESPN, and I love me some monkstraps!
In the cooler months I have a herringbone blazer I’ll wear with it, but it verges onto tweed, so I don’t think I would have made it across my parking lot into work this morning.
Merlot = “like black but not quite black:” Nice! I’d be amazed if Archer suddenly had 100 shades of merlot tactlenecks in his wardrobe. And if there were such a leather biker in that color? SOLD!
Merlot to me is like a ‘claret’ colour right? What about merlot and sky blue?
like this…
Think I’ll wear suggestion number 1 today with the addition of a merlot knit tie
Nailed it!
Love this color. This and olive green are two of my go-to’s for color. Merlot/Burgundy pants are a favorite of mine with a dark navy blazer and Clarks desert boots
You and me both. They’re both such great style tricks because they match with so much
No wining here for this fine varietal. It’s sharp as a two-tone with navy.
No wining here for this fine varietal. It’s sharp as a two-tone with navy.
Suggestion for next video: Sound isolation equipment. The ambient noise was too overpowering. I would suggest some directional microphones which only pick up sound in the direction they are pointed and that can be clipped onto your shirts or jackets.
Suggestion for next video: Sound isolation equipment. The ambient noise was too overpowering. I would suggest some directional microphones which only pick up sound in the direction they are pointed and that can be clipped onto your shirts or jackets.