WIW: Playing with burgundy, red and toffee

Because of where I am at in my wardrobe journey (in a state of flux/rebuilding) today's WIW is more about the effect of the colour combination than the individual pieces.

The pants aren't flattering at the mid-section (hence the pose that just eliminates that factor altogether!); the burgundy sweater has flappy cuffs and the red sweater is both too big and not my ideal red. No big deal -- colour is today's only factor.

I tried adding burgundy to my all black wardrobe a few years ago and found that it felt very heavy. Recent postings of tonal outfits featuring burgundy, red, pink combos inspired today's colour experiment, and i think the mix makes the burgundy come to life!

Pants - Gap - old
Burgundy knit top - H&M - old
Red cashmere cardigan - closet of my late MIL
Shoes - Ecco, new

Thoughts on this colour combo are welcome! Should I pursue 'better' versions of these pieces for the future wardrobe?

Thanks for looking!

ETA another photo that maybe gives a better look at the burgundy top.

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2 years ago

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I get the meaning for the posts, but it makes it hard to see the burgundy :/
Ordinarily I’d say trying a color mix only worth it with the actual colors, but I feel like that red might be better with the burgundy after all, so maybe it is the one.
I agree with you about bringing burgundy to life. Adding colors to it makes it so much better than the boring pseudo-neutral role it often gets pushed into.

CarolS

you're right -- I'll try a better photo. And, although these are the colours for today, if I buy a red topper in future, it might be a different shade!

Sloper

I like these colors on you, and the combination works well. However, I don't do this combination myself, so I can't give advice about whether you should go for new items. Are these "happy colors" for you?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I can see the burgundy quite well on my computer screen. I am wearing burgundy with shocking pink and red today.......sooo.......STINKING CUTE colour combo! And extra fab with your specs

If the colour combo makes you happy - yes to the future pursuit of them.

Anonymous

Awesome color combo! The shoes play well with the outfit Thumbs up on color experiment.

slim cat

Well done - the colors do come alive together! Nice look and pretty smile .

Thanks, Nikki!

Thanks, Sloper -- This is a pretty happy trial combination, and I'll tweak the red and brown a wee bit in a future 2.0 version!

Burgundy with red and shocking pink sounds delightful, Angie!

I started today with the idea that I wanted to give my new burgundy shoes a day's wear to start to break them in a bit and test their comfort. Given the brown sole, I figured I might as well pair them with the toffee pants. Then I realized I was cold and needed a topper. I suppose I could have just stuck anything on for warmth, but decided it might be fun to pull out this old cardigan for a jolt of colour.

I had fun with this experiment and I am keeping eyes open for newer versions at some point:

A boxy, lightweight burgundy crew neck sweater/knit top
Cognac pants -- a deeper/richer shade than these old Gap pants
Topper to pair with burgundy/cognac -- I don't know that I will race to find a cardigan or jacket in this shade of red, BUT, if the right thing came along in a more orange red, or even the right shade of coral, I'm also open to a different topper that would work with burgundy and cognac -- I have this notion of a patterned bomber jacket a la Scotch & Soda. No rush.

I do like the color combo! Yes to new versions!

Thank you slim cat and suntiger!

Tanya

I love the color combo - beautiful! The outfit is great overall.

I consider burgundy a pseudo-neutral for me, and wear it with pretty much any color I would normally wear. I especially like it with light blue, have been experimenting with lilac and orchid, and love the monochromatic combo you described (with red &pink). Very versatile!

Thanks, Tanya. The mix you put together with light blue was lovely!

Jaime

Great color combination and I like your creative posing even if it it hid the color a bit. Agree about burgundy - it can fade or it can pop. Love the new shoes too!

Thanks, Shevia! The shoes come in other colours, iso if these work out well I might consider adding a second pair -- possibly in black for its ubiquitous versatility or off white.

Brooklyn

Thumbs up from me!

Zaeobi

Love the dynamic but grounded colour scheme! I usually sub burgundy for chocolate & red for deep orange in my own wardrobe, but the effect is pretty similar

But all the colours in the world aren't worth it if you aren't comfortable in an item, or it doesn't fit your lifestyle. As much as it pained me to do it, I just donated a gorgeously deep purple, burnout velvet shirt for this reason

Thanks, Brooklyn and Zaeobi.

Zaeobi, the shirt you donated sounds absolutely lovely, but IKWYM about it having to work.

Katerina

I think this colour combination looks smashing on you.
I love the combination of red and burgundy and wear it. I have a bright red blazer, which I wear with burgundy trousers and a scarf containing red, burgundy and cream. Usually black shoes. The addition of toffee or cognac in your outfit makes it more interesting and suits your coloring.
I am with you on choosing a deeper cognac bottoms - it will look even better than the toffee you wear here. Love the shoes, btw!

Thank you, Katerina! I am suddenly bit obsessed with the idea of burgundy with reds and oranges. Love it!

Thank you for the new pic! Much easier for my eyes to pick up on my iphone. I think you look great, btw—no need to hide your figure.

I love the color combo as much as I thought I would! The shoes and top tie it together nicely, and that red and the pants both play with the burgundy top really well, so it unites them. Looking forward to your continuing color experiments.

RobinF

Oh wow, I love it! I would not think this would look good but I agree that the red brings the burgundy alive. I'm wearing burgundy today too but in a much more boring way with a tan sweater.

Joy

Red is spectacular with toffee and adding a bit of burgundy is a great idea to bring in a fall color.

Thanks, Stagiaire Fash -- I really look forward to having some more colourful 'toys' to play with in time!

Robin, I love burgundy with tan/beige, too. The style of this top isn't quite right or I would also pair it with an oatmeal knit skirt.

I agree, Joy -- I feel like everything played nicely with everything else.

Inge

Moderator

I'm really loving this colour combo on you, Carol!

Thank you, Inge!

rachylou

High energy!

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