Oxblood emerges as hot color for fall
By Linda Miller
| Published: October 9, 2012
Oxblood.
It's not a very pleasant-sounding word, but as a color, it's one of the hottest for fall.
“It's kind of a strong word, association-wise,” said Eden Turrentine, manager of Liberte at Classen Curve.
Perhaps that's why the hot hue is also referred to as burgundy, wine, Bordeaux, cranberry, merlot and maroon. Those words are a little easier to embrace.
Angela Crawford, owner of Closet Moxie at Shoppes at Northpark, said every time she hears the word, it conjures up images of a wounded animal. But she agrees with the fashion industry: “I am sold that it is the hottest color of the season.”
Oxblood, a deep, rich, dark red often with a hint of brown, is dressing up clothing, shoes, accessories and makeup.
“I personally love the color because for me it is so usable in the wardrobe,” Crawford said. “I love it as a pop of color, but I also consider it a neutral because you can pair so many colors with it. I am really loving it in the leather and faux leather arena. It is such a rich color to begin with, but in a faux or leather jacket ... it is rich luxe at its best.”
It also looks amazing with all the standard neutral colors — black, camel, gray, navy, but especially brown. Since oxblood is steeped with brown, it's the perfect complement to the color, she said.
“Now for those of us who are a little more daring, I prefer to think of oxblood as a jewel tone to be paired with other jewel tones.”
She suggests pairing a teal dress with an oxblood top with tones of citrine and topaz. “These colors together scream sexy, dramatic and sophisticated yet edgy and striking. I definitely go for striking at any opportunity.”
Of all the ways to update your wardrobe for fall, oxblood is probably one of the easiest and makes the strongest statement. Not only does it look good against the skin, it goes back to neutrals so beautifully, Turrentine said.
“I also think it's an ageless color that women of all ages can identify with. Older women like it and younger women embrace it as something new. Even though it's hot this year, I think it will have some endurance,” she said.
Still not sure about oxblood? Opt for a scarf, handbag or a swipe of maroon on your nails or lips. One trend this fall is to match nail and lip color to your outfit.
Whatever you call it, this color is hot.
“So if you're considering purchasing a piece in oxblood or already own something but don't know quite how to wear it, rest assured you can pretty much do anything you want with it, and you are going to look smashing,” Crawford said. “It's a good color on most, and there are so many options out there you are sure to find the right look for you. And as an added plus, it will look great for any event during the holiday season.”
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