• Men's Fashion Guides

How To Wear Burgundy: AW13 Edition

Introduction

The seasonal change from summer to autumn generally heralds a more sombre approach to style and, particularly, colour. Bright and pastel shades are pushed to the back of the wardrobe as we make room for a flood of neutral tones and rich, muted hues. We’ve already identified camel, emerald green and orange as key colours for AW13, so today burgundy gets the FashionBeans treatment. The colour, one of Matt Allinson’s top picks for the season, has become a menswear stalwart over recent years – cementing itself as a year-round staple. With this in mind, we’re taking an in-depth look at both classic and on trend ways you can begin to integrate this versatile hue into your wardrobe this year…

Look One: Tonal Outfitting

Single colour, tonal outfitting was a major trend at the AW13 London Collections: MEN showcase and, as Chris Gill pointed out in his guide last week, red/burgundy hues make for a great option when putting the styling technique into practice. When building a single colour outfit, it is important to create a clear definition between pieces, which can be achieved via changes in tone or texture. Therefore, begin with a woollen knit; the sweater below is constructed from a variety of coloured yarns, with red and pink being the most prevalent. Underneath, a washed pink Oxford shirt offers a lighter contrast, helping bring a sense of depth to the top half. Some dark burgundy cotton chinos and a pair of red suede trainers finish the outfit on a casual note, whilst adding two more distinct textures into the mix:

• Topman Pink Acid Wash Oxford Long Sleeve Shirt
• Hentsch Man Wool Crew Neck Sweater
• Asos Slim Chino
• New Balance M990bd Made In Usa Sneakers

Lookbook Inspiration

Look Two: Accessory Accent

The easiest way to introduce any new colour into your look is via a well-placed accessory. Burgundy may not be the boldest of hues but its richness and versatility make it a great accent. This is especially true in formal looks where a burgundy tie or pocket square can quickly become a point of interest, especially when set against a classic navy, grey or black suit. Texture really comes into play during the winter months and the blue houndstooth suit below ticks all the right boxes, combining heritage appeal with a modern cut. Complement the suit’s blue colouring whilst injecting another tactile element with a burgundy corduroy tie. Cord may seem an unconventional choice for neck wear but it is on trend for AW13 and oozes character and individuality. Finish with a pair of Chelsea boots to complete this sharp outfit with a hint of mod rakishness:

• Reiss Contra Plain Wool Tie Bordeaux
• New Balance Mens Ml574fsm Sneakers

Final Word

Burgundy, maroon, wine, oxblood… whatever you call it, this versatile and masculine shade of red is perfectly in tune with the autumn/winter season and certainly one to invest in. But now we want to hear your view:

• Will you be adding the colour to your wardrobe this season?
• Or is it already a permanent fixture?
• Are you confident enough to wear burgundy tailoring?
• What about burgundy footwear?
• Is tonal outfitting a styling technique you see yourself utilising?

Let us know in the comments section below…

Alex Woodhall

A student and self-confessed fashion fanatic whose articles mainly focus on seasonal topics varying from trends to guides. As well as being a contributing writer at FashionBeans Alex maintains his own blog over at wardrobewarrior.co.uk.