The psychology behind my love for maroon

By Cassie Weiss, Features Editor

How do you look at colour?

I know, I know — it’s a strange question. In my experience, anyone can say, “My favourite
colour is purple,” but it goes further than that. It pushes into the deeper recesses of our brains and
indicates our mood, our energy and sometimes even aspects of our personality.

Have you noticed certain colours come out around certain times of the year? I sure have. I notice
the sunny yellows and floral prints of summer fade into the navy blues and reddish browns of
autumn — and it’s interesting to see how that colour shift causes a change in my demeanour.

It is no secret that I am obsessed with autumn. What I get the most excited for is that
aforementioned colour shift. Because as happy and carefree as the colours of summer make me
feel, there is just something haunting and mesmerizing about the darkened hues that appear come
September.

Now, even though I do love all autumn colours, one specific colour reminds me of cozy coffee
shops playing acoustic music in the background while you type away on your laptop, with a
steaming latte just within arm’s reach.

I’m not sure when I started to find solace in the burnt red colour we call maroon. It slowly took
over the skirts, dresses, sweaters and even the nylon tights in my wardrobe.

According to Colour Psychology, the colour maroon has often been used to encourage
seriousness in behaviour and encourage feelings of warmth and comfort.

This explains why you often find the colour shifting through formal wear and wedding parties,
and why pillows and thick sweaters hint at the reddish hue.

Further, choosing to wear maroon indicates that you’re “reserved, controlled, and dignified in
character.”

Maroon also represents passion, so it’s easy to see why so many designers are starting to
incorporate the colour into their autumn fashion lines. I know I’m not the only one who finds
fascination in the darkening of the days and the smell of pumpkin spice in the air. Now that I
think about it, many of those I know who are also in love with autumn fit the symbolism behind
the shade.

Don’t get me wrong, I love all aspects and colours that show up in autumn, but I will always try
to convince anyone who will listen that maroon is, in fact, the best autumn colour.