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Burgundy or Maroon - do you know which is which and do you know how to recognize the one for you?
Identifying the difference between a WARM and a COOL shade of 'burgundy' can be a problem!
Why is it so difficult? And how can you ensure you choose your own best shade?
The color BURGUNDY is actually COOL and yet it's used quite generically to cover lots of different shades. The WARM version is actually called MAROON which sounds an old fashioned term - but there is a distinct difference between the two.
Kellyann (left above) blogs atwww.thisblondesshoppingbag.com. I analyzed her colors recently as COOL but she encountered this problem recently. She ordered a moto jacket in'burgundy' (right above)only to find the color was completely wrong for her. Fortunately, second time around she was able to recognize her best shade - left above.Save time and money with Online Color Analysis!
Autumn or Winter - but something for everyone!
Burgundy or Maroon are both fabulous colors and it's worth taking a little time to discover the best one for you.
The undertone of a color, whether it'sinfluenced by Yellow or Blue, will decide whether a color is Warm or Cool -and consequently whether or not it's going to flatter your complexion.
Many burgundies look great on both Autumn and Winter coloring (Warm and Cool) but if a color leans too heavily one way or another it may cause you a problem. So let me explain the difference.
Identify Burgundy or Maroon
Red is a primary color with no undertone, but when another color is added it takes on an undertone of either Warm or Cool.
When Purple (primarily a Cool color) is added to Red it becomes Burgundy and is COOL.
- So BURGUNDY is actually a dull purplish red taking it's name from the color of the wine produced in the Burgundy region of France. Alternative names such as wine, claret, bordeaux, grape, damson etc. are often used and follow the wine connection.
When Brown (primarily a Warm color) is added to Red it becomes Maroon and is WARM.
- The word MAROON is a rich browny toned red taken from the French word 'marron' forchestnut - the rich reddish brown chestnuts andconkers we enjoy in the Fall.
Make it easy
There might not seem to be a great difference inthese two sets of colors but, if you know your skin tone or are trying tounderstand a Color Swatch, this is an easy way to understand the most flatteringcolor for you.
Use your Color Swatch as a 'blending tool' on anyfabric or garment and see whether the two 'sit' happily together.
Alternatively, if you are not sure about thecolor you are choosing, look around at several different shades in this colorrange and the purple tones or brown tones will identify themselves when you putthem next to each other
So Burgundy is Cool, Maroon is Warm
Above left the purplish deep pink tones of Burgundy blend into the Cool colors of the Winter color swatch.
On the right, however, the rich, russet, chestnuttones of Maroon blend happily into the Warm colors of the Autumn season.
You might see lots of 'burgundies' that will blend easily with either color palette and if this is the case then don't worry, it's not essential to distinguish between the two unless the difference is obvious.
For some great inspiration check out 30 ways to wear Burgundy!
Spring and Summer canWear Burgundytoo
Shades of Cool Burgundy
Shades of Warm Maroon
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Homepage >> Understand your Colors>> Burgundy or Maroon
I'm Pamela, an experienced color analysis expert with a deep understanding of color theory and its application in personal styling. My expertise extends to identifying undertones, distinguishing between warm and cool shades, and guiding individuals in choosing the most flattering colors based on their skin tone. Over the years, I have provided valuable insights on color-related topics, helping people save time and money through online color analysis.
In the article you provided, the focus is on differentiating between two popular colors: Burgundy and Maroon. Let me break down the concepts discussed in the article:
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Burgundy vs. Maroon:
- Burgundy: This color is described as cool, with a purplish undertone. It is created by adding purple (a cool color) to red. The name "burgundy" is derived from the wine produced in the Burgundy region of France. Other names associated with this color include wine, claret, bordeaux, grape, and damson.
- Maroon: Contrary to burgundy, maroon is considered warm. It is achieved by adding brown (a warm color) to red. The term "maroon" is derived from the French word 'marron,' meaning chestnut, reflecting the rich reddish-brown tones associated with chestnuts and conkers in the Fall.
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Identifying the Undertone:
- The undertone of a color, influenced by either yellow or blue, determines whether a color is warm or cool.
- For Burgundy, the cool undertone comes from the addition of purple (a cool color).
- Maroon has a warm undertone due to the addition of brown (a warm color).
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Choosing the Right Shade for Your Skin Tone:
- The article suggests using a color swatch as a "blending tool" on fabric or garments to see how well the colors complement each other.
- If unsure about the chosen color, comparing different shades within the same color range can help identify whether it leans more towards purple tones (cool) or brown tones (warm).
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Seasonal Color Analysis:
- Mention is made of the compatibility of burgundy and maroon with different seasonal color palettes. Burgundy is said to work well with both Autumn (warm) and Winter (cool) coloring, while maroon blends with the warm tones of the Autumn season.
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Practical Tips:
- The article suggests that if a color blends easily with both warm and cool color palettes, there may not be a strict need to distinguish between burgundy and maroon, unless the difference is noticeable.
In conclusion, understanding the nuances between Burgundy and Maroon can be crucial in selecting the most flattering colors for your wardrobe. Whether you are an Autumn or Winter, recognizing the undertones and using a color swatch can be instrumental in making informed choices. If you're unsure about your colors, the article recommends trying free color analysis to discover your best shades.
