5 Ways To Wear Burgundy
Sleek and sophisticated, a touch of burgundy – or indeed head-to-toe burgundy – is the perfect way to elevate your outfit, this season and beyond, says EMMA SPEDDING
The color red has dominated the runway for several years, however this season, instead of fiery shades of scarlet and crimson, things have gone a little darker. Deep burgundy, cherry, cabernet and mahogany have saturated the fall/winter ’24 collections, with Gucci leading the way with various shades of Bordeaux wines. Creative director Sabato De Sarno’s debut collection for Gucci, in spring/summer ’24, introduced a new rich shade of oxblood, called Gucci Rosso. The color, which taps into the history of the house, can be seen across billboards, taking over digital graphics and, of course, across the entire collection. Glossy rouge handbags are a real highlight and remain a key focus for the brand – and Kendall Jenner helped to solidify It-bag status when she took a ‘Jackie’ bag in this shade to the show.
Burgundy is an innately luxurious color that exudes elegance, making it a natural extension to the wave of minimalism we have seen from the likes of Ferragamo and The Row. Forget any reservations you have about wearing red; this deeper shade can actually function as a neutral and is as versatile and timeless as navy or gray. Read on for five ways to wear it now…
Head to toe
When it comes to styling a bold color, tonal dressing is a simple but effective way to create a cohesive look. The shades don’t need to match exactly, as they will all blend together when worn from head to toe, and the benefit of sticking to one color is that you can play with textures to add depth and dimension to your outfit.
With neutrals
One of the most talked-about styling tricks in 2023 was ‘a pop of red’, and wearing burgundy with neutrals follows the same principle. However, instead of wearing a vibrant traffic-light shade of red, opt for a claret, burgundy or dark cherry. This flash of color should be the focal point of the outfit, so keep the rest of your look minimal with light, neutral tones. This brushed-cashmere midi skirt by Lisa Yang is a sophisticated piece that will blend beautifully with wardrobe staples in ivory, cream and biscuit shades.
Denim/casual
Several designers, from Gucci to Bottega Veneta, have added glossy leathers in deep, cherry tones to their fall offerings, presenting a more romantic alternative to a classic black biker jacket. This Veronica Beard faux-leather jacket in deep maroon looks best when contrasted against light denim rather than darker washes. As for accessories, stick to a rich palette and pair with black boots or sneakers.
Color clash
Those who love to dress in a bolder fashion can easily enliven oxblood and cherry tones with highly saturated brights, from electric blue to bubble-gum pink. Inspired by industry tastemakers, pair this pink JW Anderson satin slip dress with a burgundy faille blazer by Ferragamo, for a look that is guaranteed to turn heads.
Accessories
Although black handbags will always be a classic investment purchase, 2024 sees many key new bags realized in rich burgundy, offering a clever way to add more depth and color to neutral, minimal looks. Driven by the likes of Gucci, Saint Laurent and Ferragamo, this is set to be the most significant handbag trend for fall. But don’t just stop at handbags, you can match your bag to your shoes, gloves and even scarf, for a harmonious look that will pair beautifully with navy, gray, black, brown and taupe. Choose patent finishes for an even more luxurious look.