Burgundy is the New Brown
Ever came across one of those viral TikTok videos or Pinterest boards that are overflowing with the passionate color that looks like red or purple but is neither? That’s burgundy, the sophisticated yet earthy color dominating the fashion scene this season. Once a subtle favorite, it’s now making a bold entrance, seemingly as a substitute for the timeless brown. It’s usually the ultimate go-to color for those who would like to add a little bit of sophistication into their personal style; however, as burgundy is becoming a staple whether on a bold leather skirt or a pair of knee-high boots, it is certain that this color will be dominating the windowsills for quite some time.
Burgundy’s allure isn’t new, but its recent popularity in fashion has made sure to let everyone know that it is here to stay. This color is an upscale color that frequently represents a high-end status and luxury. Its deep and warm undertones evoke cozy feelings, which makes it the perfect shade for colder months. Similar to red, burgundy carries an air of boldness and strength but in a more subdued and mature way. It’s no surprise that it is usually associated with fall and winter months, as it sort of gives off a restrictive and somehow flame-like vibe. While bold, it doesn’t have the same level of aggressiveness as bright red. It’s much more inviting, as if it’s casting a spell to be admired.
It is not only recently that people realized how captivating this regal color is. The fact that burgundy reflects wealth, power and nobility made it the perfect fit for royals throughout history. The color gets its name from the Duchy of Burgundy, what is now inside the territory of France. This duchy was quite famous for its rich red wines that had the exact tone and shade as the color burgundy. As a matter of fact, the royals of the Burgundian court were also using this purplish red color to symbolize their prestige. Some infamous historical figures who wore burgundy quite frequently include Henry VIII of England, who was known for his extravagant wardrobe fit for kings and Margaret of Austria, whose portraits usually portray her with a burgundy dresses.
Now, let’s delve into why leather and burgundy go hand in hand. Also among the hit trends of the season, leather nowadays is used significantly on midi skirts or jackets, and has an edgy vibe to it. The aesthetic appeal of this fabric crowns and elevates the already existent noble feeling of the color burgundy by making it flashier and bolder. That’s why they give off almost the same vibe and yet, they are so different. They result in fashion gems when combined on timeless stilettos, on a pair of boots, on trousers… You name it! They go especially so well with what I like to call 90s “Rachel Green” style. I’m sure the iconic burgundy leather jacket Rachel wore on top of a basic black tee and black trousers has been embedded in the minds of any fashion enthusiast who watched Friends religiously. Guilty, anyone? Now that 90s fashion is surfacing back to the fashion scene, it wouldn’t be fair not to mention this iconic leather burgundy jacket.
As a person who adores the color, I am obsessed with the holy trinity of black turtleneck, leather burgundy midi skirt and a pair of sexy boots. But burgundy also goes so well with soft colors like beige or a soft pinkish color. As for accessories, this might be a bit controversial. I am of the opinion that silver and gold bring out completely different vibes out of burgundy. Not that either one is better than the other, don’t get me wrong. The warmer undertones of gold really brings out the warmth of burgundy, giving off a sweeter and sexier feeling; whereas silver brings out this sort of “queen of ice” vibe out of the color. The choice is yours, which one it will be depends on you.
And why is it “the new brown”? There are several reasons. It’s adaptable for starters, just like brown. It is comprised of a mix of grounded neutrality and the elegance of brown, but with a confident and bold edge. Safe to say that burgundy is the perfect modern update for those looking to add richness and personality to their wardrobe while maintaining the nobility of brown. There is nothing this versatile color can’t fix; burgundy is here to demand our attention and we’re all here for it!