ele STYLED

Burgundy has officially cemented itself as the colour of Autumn/Winter 2025. Dominating European fashion capitals from Paris to Milan, this deep, wine-soaked hue is redefining modern luxury and everyday style. But what makes burgundy stand out this year isn’t just its undeniable presence on the catwalks, it’s its versatility, its quiet elegance, and its ability to suit virtually everyone.

Fashion insiders are calling burgundy the new black for 2025, with its return marking a shift toward rich, earthy palettes that offer timeless sophistication while feeling refreshingly modern. Whether you’re dressing for the office, layering up for winter, or styling an evening ensemble, burgundy is your all-season hero.

Let’s dive deep into why burgundy is so dominant this year, how it works across all skin tones, and how you can style it with confidence.

Burgundy: The Colour of the Season

Burgundy was spotted all over the A/W 2025 runways, with major fashion houses like Valentino showcasing dramatic monochromatic looks, while Saint Laurent paired burgundy leather pieces with soft knits for a textural, modern twist. Even streetwear giants like Off-White incorporated burgundy into their latest collections, using it to soften oversized tailoring and urban silhouettes.

Why is burgundy suddenly everywhere? According to trend forecasts, 2025 is seeing a return to tactile, comforting colours as people seek both elegance and practicality. Burgundy perfectly straddles this line, it’s bold without being garish, warm without feeling too heavy, and sophisticated without losing approachability.

More than just a trend colour, burgundy carries a sense of maturity and confidence. It evokes feelings of warmth and power, making it ideal for both casual and formal settings.

Burgundy Through the Ages: A Colour That Never Dates

Unlike fleeting trends, burgundy is a colour with staying power. It has consistently re-emerged decade after decade. From the plush velvet suits of the 1970s to the tailored power suits of the ’90s and now to the oversized outerwear of the 2020s, burgundy has always found a way to feel both classic and contemporary.

Historically associated with royalty and luxury, burgundy has roots that stretch back centuries. Its deep red undertones signal opulence and authority, while its earthy base makes it grounded and wearable. That balance is precisely why burgundy feels fresh each time it cycles back into the mainstream.

Burgundy is Seasonless

While burgundy flourishes in autumn and winter thanks to its rich undertones, it isn’t limited to colder months. Lighter iterations like berry or claret can be worn through spring, while burgundy accessories, think handbags, belts, or shoes, can elevate summer neutrals.

How Burgundy Works with Every Skin Tone

One of the key reasons burgundy is so universally loved is its ability to flatter every complexion. Unlike colours that skew too warm or too cool, burgundy has a perfect balance of red, brown, and purple undertones, making it adaptable across skin tones.

Fair Skin Tones

For those with fair or porcelain skin, burgundy adds a beautiful contrast without washing you out. The trick here is to opt for purer burgundy shades, those that lean slightly more red or berry.

How to wear it:

• A burgundy turtleneck paired with camel or beige trousers creates a soft, balanced look.
• For evenings, try a burgundy silk or satin blouse with gold or pearl accessories to enhance your natural glow.
• Avoid shades that lean too brown, as they can look heavy against lighter skin.

Medium and Olive Skin Tones

Medium and olive complexions can handle a broader range of burgundy shades, including deeper oxblood and merlot hues. These tones complement the natural warmth in your skin, adding depth and richness.

How to wear it:

• A burgundy leather jacket paired with dark denim and a crisp white shirt is an effortless day-to-night option.
• Opt for burgundy dresses with bronze or copper accessories to enhance the warmth in your skin.
• For a bolder approach, go head-to-toe burgundy with tonal layering, think burgundy knitwear with matching wide-leg trousers.

Dark and Deep Skin Tones

Burgundy looks exceptionally striking against darker skin tones. Its richness enhances the skin’s natural radiance, allowing you to embrace everything from glossy burgundy patent leather to matte knits and velvets.

How to wear it:

• A burgundy tailored suit with gold statement earrings and bold lip colour is a showstopper.
• Layer burgundy with other jewel tones like emerald green or sapphire blue for a modern, fashion-forward look.
• Don’t be afraid to mix textures, think burgundy suede boots with a velvet coat or leather bag for maximum impact.

How to Style Burgundy in 2025

1. The Monochrome Look

Go all in with a burgundy monochromatic outfit. Designers are loving tonal dressing this year, and burgundy lends itself perfectly to this trend. Try mixing textures like pairing a burgundy wool coat with a satin dress or leather pants to create depth and interest.

Pro tip: Break it up with neutral accessories – ivory boots, black belts, or gold jewelry.

2. Burgundy as a Statement Piece

If you’re hesitant to go full burgundy, start with a statement item. A single piece, like a burgundy blazer, trench coat, or handbag, can easily transform a minimalist look.

Pair it with: Navy, grey, camel, or charcoal for a balanced and polished finish.

3. Layering Burgundy in Winter

Burgundy is practically made for layering in the colder months. Think chunky burgundy knitwear layered over turtlenecks, topped with oversized scarves and finished with sleek leather boots. It’s both cozy and elevated.

Textures to try: Wool, cashmere, leather, suede, velvet, or corduroy.

4. Burgundy in Eveningwear

For evening occasions, burgundy oozes understated glamour. Velvet burgundy gowns, satin slip dresses, or sharply tailored suits are perfect for after-dark dressing. Metallics like gold, silver, or rose gold complement the richness of burgundy, making it ideal for festive events and formal nights.

5. Accessories in Burgundy

If you’re more of a minimalist or just testing the waters, accessories are the easiest way to embrace the trend:

• Burgundy leather gloves
• Structured handbags
• Burgundy loafers or ankle boots
• Even lipstick in a deep burgundy shade can tie a whole look together

Burgundy Colour Pairings: What Works Best

Wondering how to combine burgundy with other colours? Here are some foolproof pairings for 2025:

• Burgundy + Camel: Warm, luxurious, and perfect for autumn.
• Burgundy + Navy: A smart, office-ready combination.
• Burgundy + Charcoal Grey: Understated and elegant.
• Burgundy + Blush Pink: Softens the richness of burgundy with a touch of femininity.
• Burgundy + Olive Green: Earthy and fashion-forward.
• Burgundy + White/Cream: Creates a crisp and clean contrast, especially for winter.

Burgundy’s Enduring Legacy

Burgundy’s enduring popularity comes down to its versatility, elegance, and ability to transcend fleeting trends. It’s a shade that works for every wardrobe, whether you lean classic, edgy, or trend-driven. In 2025, burgundy isn’t just a colour; it’s a mood, a celebration of confidence, warmth, and timeless sophistication.

As the temperatures drop and wardrobes shift toward layering, let burgundy be your statement. Whether worn head-to-toe or subtly incorporated via accessories, this colour promises to be a key player in your style arsenal—not just for this season, but for many to come.