Burgundy has become fashion’s latest fixation. Deeper than crimson, more interesting than brown, and infinitely more wearable than the fleeting “It” shades of seasons past, this wine-soaked hue is autumn’s firm favorite.
Sitting somewhere between cherry and oxblood, burgundy takes its name from the red wines of France’s Burgundy region (what’s not to love?). It’s luxurious without being loud, and, crucially, easy to style. Even those of us who rarely stray from head-to-toe black can dabble in the shade without feeling out of our depth.
Balenciaga AW26
Max Mara AW26/27
From high-shine leather and liquid satin to plush, cocooning knitwear, burgundy has infiltrated every corner of our fall wardrobes. Across the catwalks, designers made the strongest case for burgundy with slews of the shade seen across Elie Saab, Max Mara, and Julien Dossena. Elsewhere, Balenciaga proved that the wine-tinged hue can perform just as well as any neutral, opening the show with all-black looks before quickly introducing the moody hue.
If you’re tempted to introduce this jewel-toned shade into your wardrobe, the best place to start is with a dress. Whether you’re drawn to velvet, silk, or knitted textures, minis or maxis, a burgundy dress will carry you into the depths of autumn with ease. Year after year, it’s a hue that’s never fallen out of favor, making it a stylish (and sensible) investment to make this season—and a piece you’ll reach for time and time again.
Here are the most stylish ways to wear one now.
The velvet midi
Try a plush burgundy velvet midi dress layered under a black wool overcoat, balancing feminine flourishes with oversized outerwear. When styling it, the dress carries enough impact, so keep your accessories minimal—a delicate pair of strappy heels and a small shoulder bag are enough to complete the look.
The satin slip
A deep burgundy satin dress is a natural staple for any transitional wardrobe. For ultimate versatility, a long-sleeve dress will see you through any autumnal occasion, from dinner dates to after-work drinks, and will add more coverage to fend off that evening chill. Finish with coordinating wine-tinged mules and a croc-embossed bag.
The smock
For an easy daytime look, a ruffled smock dress with a leather jacket is the perfect pairing. Add slouchy black leather accessories—a Loewe Flamenco shoulder bag and ballet flats—to contrast the frills.
The cozy knit
Lean into the richness of the hue with a full monochrome look. A burgundy maxi knit dress will work exceptionally hard in your wardrobe and is surprisingly simple to style, too. The pearl-button front of this Nobody’s Child number is like an accessory in itself, so keep things polished with a sleek pair of brown leather boots and some delicate huggies.
