How Colour Affects Our Everyday Life
Sight is, without any doubt, the most used of our five senses — and colours play an enormous role in how we experience the world.
They’re so powerful that countless studies have been conducted over the centuries to understand their influence on our emotions and perception.
From painters to make-up artists, from image consultants to web designers and visual merchandisers — everything we do, create, or even think about is shaped by colour.
In fashion (but not only there), seasonal colour palettes immediately evoke a specific time of year: turquoise for summer, pastel pink for spring, chocolate brown and burnt orange for autumn. And when winter comes, deep red tones like Burgundy instantly bring to mind Christmas days and festive evenings.
It’s no coincidence that the curtains of the most luxurious theatres are made of velvet in this rich, sumptuous shade — or that emperors and kings throughout history chose burgundy fabrics for their ceremonial attire.
And this is precisely why burgundy feels so compelling in a woman’s wardrobe after 40.
As our personal style becomes more intentional — less about trends and more about expressing confidence, depth, and elegance — colours that carry history and complexity start to feel more right in real life.
Or should I call it sceptre red, dark ruby, light Bordeaux, Carmine ….or perhaps Italian plum? 🤔
Mmmh… defining this colour can be quite tricky. Everyone seems to be talking about Burgundy lately, yet what they show in photos or videos looks slightly different each time — at least to a trained eye.
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Understanding Burgundy:
A Family of Shades 🍷
Burgundy is one of those fascinating colours that sits right on the border between red and purple — intense, elegant, and full of personality.
Technically, it’s a deep red with a hint of blue or brown mixed in, which gives it that velvety, wine-like depth we instantly recognise.
But within this family, there’s a whole range of variations: from the slightly purplish Italian Plum and Red Plum, to the warmer, brown-tinted Bordeaux and Winery, and even the softer, more romantic Light Burgundy.
What makes these tones so intriguing is how they shift with lighting and texture.
A matte wool blazer might appear as a classic Bordeaux, while the same colour in satin or velvet can suddenly take on a plum-like glow. And that’s exactly what makes styling Burgundy so rewarding — it changes character depending on how you wear it.
Why Burgundy Works So Well For Grown-Up Wardrobes
Burgundy has always been associated with elegance, confidence, and quiet power. It’s a colour that speaks softly but carries a strong presence — sophisticated, slightly mysterious, and deeply refined. No wonder it’s often linked to luxury, depth, and self-assurance.
Psychologically, Burgundy blends the passion and energy of red with the calmness and stability of blue, creating a tone that feels mature and composed rather than fiery.
It’s a hue that commands attention in a subtle, graceful way — ideal for women who want to express strength and sophistication without shouting for it.
👉 For women over 40, Burgundy can be a real style ally. When worn the right way, it brings warmth and depth to the complexion, but without overpowering.
My favourite way to style it is by pairing a statement piece — like a velvet burgundy blazer or a wool coat — with something more casual and relaxed, such as denim.
The contrast keeps the focus on the rich colour while softening its formality, creating that perfect point of interest that feels current, flattering, and effortlessly chic.
This little trick works not only with Burgundy, but with any deep, textured tone — from chocolate brown to midnight navy — especially when you’re dealing with velvet or other luxurious fabrics.
The touch of denim adds a modern, wearable edge, keeping the look polished yet youthful.
How to Wear Burgundy:
Outfit Combinations
Okay, now that we’ve covered all the whys, let’s get to the core of the question: HOW can we pair burgundy, this rich colour, with hues that go beyond the usual neutrals?
One step at a time. 😎
When it comes to pairing colours, it’s easy to reach for the classics — black, white, or grey. They’re safe, timeless, and they always work. But Burgundy, with its rich and complex undertones, truly shines when you pair it with what I like to call the “new neutrals.”
Think of navy, camel, beige, and the full range of soft greys.
These shades have that same grounding effect as black or white, but they bring more dimension and subtlety to your outfit.
For instance, Burgundy and navy together create a look that’s effortlessly refined — a little Parisian, a little timeless.
Camel and beige, on the other hand, add warmth and softness, perfect for autumnal looks or cosy office wear. And if you want something quietly sophisticated, grey tones make Burgundy appear even deeper and more luxurious.
If you’d like to experiment and discover even more pairings, the official website of the Pantone Institute is a wonderful resource.
You can explore suggested palettes starting from any specific shade — whether that’s Burgundy, Chocolate Brown, or any of the season’s trending colours — and find some truly inspiring combinations.
Now, if we go a step beyond the neutrals, Burgundy becomes even more exciting.
Here are some of my favourite, slightly unexpected pairings — the ones that really make this colour sing. 🤩
Burgundy + Bonbon Pink
Playful yet elegant, this combination is perfect if you like a touch of femininity without going full “sweet.”
The contrast between deep Burgundy and the light, candy-like tone of Bonbon Pink feels joyful and modern.
Try it with a Burgundy midi skirt and a soft pink knit, or flip the balance with pink tailored trousers and a Burgundy blouse. For an evening twist, add metallic accessories — a pair of gold earrings or strappy heels instantly elevates the look.
Burgundy + Mandarin Orange
This is the boldest and most fashion-forward pairing of the lot — energetic, fiery, and full of confidence.
The warm, citrusy tone of Mandarin Orange lights up the depth of Burgundy, creating a combination that turns heads for all the right reasons.
You can try it with a Burgundy blazer over a Mandarin silk top, or go casual with Burgundy jeans and an orange knit jumper. Keep accessories simple — neutral boots or nude flats — to let the colours speak for themselves.
Burgundy + Olive Green
Here’s a match made in earthy heaven. Olive Green balances Burgundy’s richness with an understated, natural calm. Together, they create a refined, slightly bohemian mood that feels timeless and grounded.
It’s a perfect combo for autumn and winter — think Burgundy knit dress with an olive trench coat, or Burgundy trousers with a structured Olive blazer.
Add creamy white or tan leather accessories for a harmonious, polished finish.
Burgundy + Sage Green
Softer and cooler than olive, Sage Green gives Burgundy a gentle, contemporary edge. This pairing feels modern, elegant, and relaxed — almost serene.
A Sage silk blouse with a Burgundy skirt is perfect for a workday with personality, while a Burgundy jumper and sage wide-leg trousers create a sophisticated, understated weekend look.
Finish with minimal gold jewellery to keep the outfit light and balanced.
Burgundy + Mocha Mousse (Pantone Colour of the Year 2025)
We couldn’t skip this one!
Mocha Mousse — a soft, creamy brown with a delicate warmth — is the colour of the year according to the Pantone Institute, and it pairs beautifully with Burgundy.
The result is rich, inviting, and deeply elegant, like a cup of hot chocolate beside a glass of red wine.
Try a Mocha turtleneck under a Burgundy leather jacket or blazer, or go for a monochrome palette with Burgundy trousers and a Mocha-toned coat.
This combination feels luxurious without being flashy — perfect for both business wear and smart evenings out.
Burgundy + Copper
A warm, luminous pairing that radiates sophistication. The metallic sheen of copper brings out Burgundy’s depth and adds a subtle touch of glamour without going overboard.
This duo works wonders for evening looks: think Burgundy velvet dress with copper jewellery, or a copper satin blouse tucked into Burgundy tailored trousers.
Even a pair of bronze heels can instantly transform a simple Burgundy outfit into something special.
Burgundy + Mustard Yellow
Energetic yet surprisingly wearable, this combination has a retro charm that feels both confident and creative.
Mustard’s golden undertones balance Burgundy’s richness, creating a palette that works especially well for autumn wardrobes.
Try a Burgundy midi skirt with a mustard knit for casual sophistication, or a mustard trench over a Burgundy dress for a statement city look.
Add neutral accessories — denim, beige or tan work best — to keep the focus on the colour contrast.
Burgundy + Electric Blue
If you want to make a statement, this one’s for you.
Electric Blue and Burgundy are opposites in mood — cool versus warm, energetic versus deep — yet together they create striking harmony.
This pairing feels creative and modern, ideal for evenings or statement pieces. Picture a Burgundy suit with an electric blue blouse, or blue ankle boots with a Burgundy midi dress. It’s unexpected but sophisticated, and the effect is truly unforgettable.
These colour pairings show just how versatile Burgundy can be. Whether you love minimalist neutrals or bold statement hues, this shade adapts effortlessly.
The secret lies in balance — letting Burgundy be the star, while the supporting tones highlight its depth and sophistication.
👉 If you prefer watching to reading, this video is for you.
Burgundy & Complexion – The Colour Season Angle
When it comes to choosing the right shade of Burgundy, your natural colouring plays a big part in how this rich hue interacts with your complexion.
Burgundy, as a colour, is rooted in red with a cool undertone — and that’s precisely why it tends to flatter people belonging to the cool colour seasons, namely Summer and Winter.
- For Summers, softer variations such as Red Plum or Rhubarb work beautifully. They enhance the natural rosiness of cool complexions without overpowering them.
- For Winters, on the other hand, deeper, more intense tones like Classic Burgundy or Bordeaux are simply stunning. They complement the striking contrast typical of Winter types — fair or porcelain skin, dark hair, and bright eyes — creating a luxurious, elegant effect.
If your skin tone leans warm — meaning you belong to the Autumn or Spring palettes — Burgundy can still have a place in your wardrobe.
The secret lies in where and how you wear it. Instead of placing it close to your face, try incorporating it into accessories, footwear, or bottom pieces. A pair of Burgundy loafers, a structured shoulder bag in leather, or a midi skirt can add just the right touch of sophistication without clashing with your golden undertones.
You can also choose prints or patterns that mix Burgundy with warmer shades, like camel or terracotta, for a harmonious result.
And if you’re not sure which colour family you belong to, don’t worry — I’ve written a full guide to help you identify your colour season and understand what shades make you glow.
You can find it HERE 🤗.
How to Incorporate Burgundy into Your Wardrobe: Elegance, Confidence & Polish.
If you’ve fallen in love with Burgundy but aren’t quite sure where to start, the good news is that this colour is surprisingly easy to weave into your wardrobe.
You don’t have to go all-in with a statement dress or tailored suit straight away — a few thoughtful touches can already make a big difference.
If you’re ready to take it a step further, explore outerwear.
A wool coat, velvet blazer, or leather jacket in Burgundy can easily become the hero piece of your cold-weather wardrobe.
These shades draw attention in a sophisticated way — especially when balanced with denim or neutral tones, which keep the look modern and youthful.
And if you’re still unsure about investing a large amount in something Burgundy, consider browsing the second-hand market first.
It’s a great way to experiment with this colour without guilt — and a smart move if you’re shopping consciously.
Finally, don’t forget beauty. A swipe of Burgundy lipstick, a matching nail polish, or even a subtle eyeliner can be the easiest (and most fun) way to embrace this elegant hue.
Final Thoughts About Burgundy
At this point, I believe we can all agree that Burgundy is one of those rare shades that manages to be timeless and trendy at the same time.
It’s elegant but never dull, bold but still sophisticated — the kind of colour that instantly adds depth to any outfit.
Whether you prefer to wear it as a subtle accent or let it take centre stage in a statement piece, Burgundy has the power to make you feel put-together and confident without trying too hard.
If you’re experimenting with this hue for the first time, start small — a bag, a pair of shoes, or even a touch of Burgundy lipstick can work wonders.
And once you realise how versatile it truly is, you’ll probably start seeing it as a new neutral, ready to mix and match with so many shades already in your wardrobe.
As maximising the functionality of our wardrobes is my chief aim here! LOL
And if you’re curious to discover your colour season, you can find my full guides linked just below.
Until next time, stay stylish — and don’t be afraid to add a touch of Burgundy to your world.
🍷✨
XOXO
Agnese K
