Happy New Year All! I hope things are getting off to a stylish start and that Santa was good to you - sartorially speaking. If you will be making good use of gift receipts and returning unwanted wooly scarfs and ugly sweaters, consider keeping your eyes peeled for something in the muted burgundy range.

 Pantone, the color institute, has selected “marsala” as the color of the year for 2015 – which is actually a good thing for menswear. Every year since 2000, Pantone has been designating a color to express what they think is taking place in the global zeitgeist – a color that they believe is a reflection of people’s mood, attitude and feeling for 2015. This year it’s a muted scarlet that brings to mind earthy, rich, full-bodied qualities which lends itself to rich, wintery sport coats, knit ties and ox-blood leather oxfords and saves you from wearing black too much.

 But of course not everyone agrees. When the color was announced social media was abuzz, with some bashing the color choice as ugly and renascent of bodily fluids, dirt or rust. Everyone’s entitled to their opinions, of course, but as far as menswear is concerned, I think it’s an excellent choice and a great color to add into your wardrobe.

I don’t recommend trying to dress head to toe in the muted burgundy, rather add a pop of it here and there with a scarf, tie, blazer, sock or even a pair of jeans.

Here are a few pieces I found. Send me a picture and let me know what you come up with….