If you need an excuse to break the January detox, pour yourself a nice glass of red and call it research.

Meet colour authority Pantone's top tip for 2015: Marsala. A robust, earthy red, it's the perfect transitional tone to add to your wardrobe that will take you take from winter to spring.

"Much like the wine that gives Marsala its name, this tasteful hue emanates a sophisticated natural earthiness," says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute.

"The impactful, full-bodied qualities of Marsala make for an elegant statement used on its own or as an accent."

Uncork Marsala and add a splash of this year's colour to your closet.

If you need an excuse to break the January detox, pour yourself a nice glass of red and call it research.

Meet colour authority Pantone's top tip for 2015: Marsala. A robust, earthy red, it's the perfect transitional tone to add to your wardrobe that will take you take from winter to spring.

"Much like the wine that gives Marsala its name, this tasteful hue emanates a sophisticated natural earthiness," says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute.

"The impactful, full-bodied qualities of Marsala make for an elegant statement used on its own or as an accent."

Uncork Marsala and add a splash of this year's colour to your closet.

MARSALA MATCH

If scarlet red feels too much (Santa, you're so 2014), Marsala might be the tone for you. This colour doesn't scream statement; it's surprisingly soft and muted for a red.

The reddish-brown hue is rich but grounding, making it work for both casual and eveningwear.

"Marsala is an elegant colour to wear, as long as you have the right colouring for it," warns Veronique Henderson at Colour Me Beautiful (colourmebeautiful.co.uk).

"Wear it head-to-toe if you have more of a soft colouring - think Jennifer Aniston. For everyone else, try teaming it with other colours."

For a quick test, hold the colour under your chin and see if your complexion gives you a beautiful flush (one glass of wine) or the hungover look (lost count).

HOW TO WEAR

Pantone describes Marsala as a "highly varietal shade" that combines well with neutrals.

Try mixing your new-found red with taupes and greys to soften up the colour. Teamed starkly against black, it's more of a dark and dramatic statement.

If you're feeling dedicated to 2015's colour, wear Marsala top-to-toe, teaming together different textures like faux fur, lace and big knits to add interest. More hesitant? Weave Marsala into your outfit via a print on one piece, like a top or shirt.

Those not mad on Marsala can still get a colour injection with bold accessories. Henderson advises: "Don't go for a necklace or scarf that's too close to the face, but a bracelet, handbags or shoes will work a treat."

Examples include a fine Knit mohair v-neck jumper, from £21; lace trim tailored shorts, currently reduce to £16.10, both La Redoute (laredoute.co.uk)

:Also, Best of Britispure wool panelled flippy skirt, £58; polo neck, £29.50; pure wool herringbone coat, currently reduced to £179 from £299, all Marks & Spencer (marksandspencer.com), and blazer, £38; trousers, £20; court shoes, £23; all Dorothy Perkins (dorothyperkins.com). See also Daxon trousers, £35 (www.daxon.co.uk), Little White Lies ziggy shirt, currently reduced to £65 from £130 (littlewhitelieslondon.co.uk) and Topshop premium padded jacket, £150 (www.topshop.com)

BEAUTY INJECTION

The Marsala takeover continues with your cosmetics bag. Beware if you're wearing the colour close to your face: "Make sure the lipstick you wear works with it and doesn't clash," Henderson says.

You can't go wrong with matchy-matchy tactics. Exaggerate the top-to-toe look with Marsala-toned lips or nails to bring your 2015 red look together.

For a softer look, try a muted Marsala and wear blotted on to lips that's more like a stain, or create a statement lip with a punchy, matte deep red.

Painting your nails is probably the most non-committal way to wear Marsala, while also testing out your colour compatibility. Apply two to three coats for a bold, opaque look and accessorise with a large glass of red. See Butter London Nail Lacquer in Tramp Stamp, £12 (butterlondon.co.uk) and Topshop Lips in Wicked, £8 (topshop.com)