THE RICH RED THE PRINCESS OF WALES SWEARS BY – AND HOW TO WEAR IT
When the nights start drawing in, the rich, wintry allure of burgundy unfailingly beckons. It’s the sartorial equivalent of a glass of full-bodied red wine – sophisticated, comforting and often capable of fending off the seasonal blues.
This year, there are three distinct ways to wear this enduring shade and make it feel fresh. The first is to take a monochromatic approach, building your entire outfit from pieces in similar tones of burgundy.
For inspiration, look to Elie Saab’s autumn/winter 2025 show, which was filled with deep claret-hued looks that played with texture – faux fur, chiffon and lace – for contrast.
“I always love a monochrome look – it’s chic and feels fashion-forward,” says stylist Aimée Croysdill, whose recent collaboration with Heist Studios featured a pair of burgundy tights.
“I think it’s most impactful to stick to a single shade throughout. It makes a simple but strong statement.”
It’s a favourite trick of the Princess of Wales, who has adopted burgundy as something of a signature shade over the past year. She often wears her favoured Emilia Wickstead coatdress with a hat, bag and high-heeled pumps in co-ordinating hues.
A more contemporary interpretation came courtesy of Rosamund Pike, who recently wore a pinstripe Magda Butrym suit, a leather-look shirt and Chloé sunglasses – all in shades of deepest plum.
If you’re not drawn to the monochromatic mood, there’s another colour pairing worth considering this season. “Burgundy pairs well with black, grey, white or similar tonal shades, but this season’s hero combination is burgundy and baby blue,” says Croysdill.
“Just make sure to ground it with touches of black or white so it stays fresh and cool rather than too sweet.”
This trend appeared on catwalks from Balmain to Tod’s and can be replicated with a thoughtful blend of high street and high-end pieces. Try a rich maroon Mango blazer with a sky-blue Oxford shirt from A Day’s March, or add a flash of colour with blue socks (Pairs has the best hues and super-soft fabrics) peeking out from burgundy loafers.
Finally, perhaps the easiest way to wear burgundy this season is through your accessories. Whether it’s a bag, a scarf or a bangle, a touch of berry or bordeaux will lift an autumn/winter look without making too bold a statement – or straying too far from a neutral palette.
The bold might choose to experiment with Croysdill’s tights, or Ganni’s mood-lifting “cherry bomb” sunglasses, created in collaboration with Dutch-born eyewear brand Ace & Tate. Otherwise, stick to the simplest way to nod to the trend without fully committing – a great manicure.
Shopping by Hansveni Dave.
2025-11-04T16:01:00Z