"The holidays are fraught with powerful associations—some shared and some unique. For me—and likely for many—the months of November and December equate to the smell of warm kitchen spices and pine, the magic of snowfall, and the joyous sound of Christmas music played at every opportunity. As someone who loves cozy seasonal clothing, this time of year also means Fair Isle sweaters, hair bows, and plaid pants worn on repeat. But in addition to my all-time favorite, tried-and-true tartan itself, this holiday season is also serving up something unique: burgundy clothing and accessories aplenty.
While I’ve always trended toward a preference for traditional red, green, and gold, this year the opulent red-purple hue has been taking up increasing real estate in my holiday looks. And not just because it’s trendy. Turns out burgundy is the rich, complementing color that all of our holiday OOTDs have been missing.
How did burgundy become the color of the season?
Fashion color trends have a way of undulating, often quietly shifting versus loudly jumping from one extreme to another. You may recall that bright, cherry red started dominating our looks in winter 2023 and ran a strong course up until just recently. This bright, cadmium red first began abdicating its throne in the spring of this year, making space for burgundy to come on the scene. And the tides have been turning ever since.
While true red has far from disappeared from our outfitting rotation, favor is definitely being granted to its jewel-tone cousin. This isn’t terribly surprising, given the fashion-forward populous’ recent obsession with the “old money” and “quiet luxury” aesthetics. Long story short? Fashion folks are seeking a more sophisticated and refined red to dress themselves in. And what better time than the holiday season?
How I’m styling burgundy clothing and accessories this season
As we hit peak holiday season, I’m feeling inspired to change up my typical festive outfits and aesthetic, incorporating burgundy into any and all of my looks from now through January 1. From cozy Christmas-movie-watching fits to holiday party looks, here are seven ways I’m styling burgundy through the holidays.
Via the sandwich method
Recently, while out to dinner with my husband, a woman stopped by our table to tell me how much she appreciated my outfit—specifically, how my burgundy boots matched my coordinating burgundy headband. As I’d left the house frazzled (is there any other way to leave the house as a mother?), I wanted to jump up and hug her on the spot. While I restrained myself from complete social awkwardness, her compliment made me realize just how much I rely on the sandwich method (literally sandwiching your outfit with a specific color) to add an element of cohesion to my rushed mom outfits.
This holiday season, I’ll be sandwiching away with the burgundy pieces that have become part of my everyday rotation. If you’re on the fence when it comes to purchasing anything burgundy, opt for hair pieces, hats, and shoes. Footwear and accessories won’t feel too daunting to put on and can be easily paired together for a quick dose of chicness.
As an unexpected accent hue
Polarizing as they are, I personally love a good sweater dress. They’re cozy and allow me to feel a little more “put-together” even on my busiest of mom days. This winter, I’m pairing all my favorite sweater dresses with a pair of burgundy boots for an unexpected accent. Similarly, I’ll be using burgundy hair accessories and bags to add a little pop to neutral-based outfits.
Through a cozy Fair Isle sweater
As I’ve mentioned, I can’t resist a classic Fair Isle sweater. Simply putting one on makes your whole outfit instantly scream holiday. This season, I’m adding a few new burgundy-bearing Fair Isle tops to my wardrobe to reach for on those days I just need an easy festive fit. I’ve been loving pairing these sweaters with studded jeans, which add a hint of holiday pizazz and create a playful, textural combo when juxtaposed with knits.
As a complement to traditional holiday plaid
If you’re like me and can’t resist the feminine urge that is to dress in plaid from November 1–January 1, have no fear. Burgundy complements all the traditional reds and greens rather spectacularly. I myself have especially been enjoying bordeaux tights layered beneath wool shorts and seasonal plaid skirts.
Next time you reach for your favorite holiday plaid shirt or dress, opt for burgundy tights or pants in place of conventional jeans or black tights—you won’t regret it.
With metallics
Metallics are yet again the texture to don this holiday season. Whether you’re headed to a Christmas party or have managed to secure a sitter for New Year’s Eve, burgundy is an optimal, grounding hue to pair with all of your sparkle and shine. While I’m a fan of a monochromatic metallic look with pops of burgundy, a more balanced outfitting approach can also be taken. Think sequin pants with a burgundy top or a burgundy dress with a sparkling rhinestone or sequin handbag.
Alongside cheetah print
While I’ve spent the past year purposefully avoiding cheetah print, the trend has inevitably nabbed me in its clutches at last. If you’ve already jumped down the cheetah print rabbit hole and have several pieces now hanging in your closet, know that your new friend burgundy plays (surprisingly) quite well with everyone’s favorite animal print.
Albeit unconventional, both can be (and often are) considered neutrals. All it takes is a little courage to throw them together. Adding burgundy to your mob wife-inspired ensemble is an easy way to make it instantly more holiday.
Paired with my favorite holiday sweaters and sweatshirts
I’m not ashamed to admit that I have a wide collection of kitschy holiday sweaters and sweatshirts lining my closet. What some might call “on the nose,” I consider seasonal perfection. Something about graphic sweatshirts just brings me joy.
If you find yourself in the same camp as me, try pairing your favorite festive tops with a pair of burgundy pants or a skirt. Reaching for this deep red will complement all your favorite pieces without screaming “Kris Kringle.”
Burgundy clothing and accessories to shop now
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Emilee Janitz, Contributing Writer
Emilee is an accomplished communications strategist and lifestyle journalist. She currently works on the content team at Enterprise SEO company Terakeet where she creates and executes reputation management strategies for Fortune 500 companies. She is a Contributing Fashion Writer for The Everygirl and has additionally been published on POPSUGAR, Motherly, MSN, and Yahoo.