How To Wear: Burgundy AW12

Key AW12 Colour: Burgundy

Burgundy has been the seasonal slow burner, taking a few years to really make its mark on the wardrobes of the everyday man. However, with time, our hue under the spotlight has certainly seen its stock under go a dramatic rise. Unequivocally, burgundy has cemented itself as a timeless staple colour that men now feel comfortable wearing everyday without having to plan too much around.

The perfect binding to a fall day, burgundy has been a major influence for many collections this year. Its impact can be found taking the lead on everything from suiting to standout blockbuster coats. The deep red tone is as versatile as it is flattering, pairing exceptionally well with many other colours that men have a tendency to flock to (navy, grey, black and even tan and brown.)

The combination of burgundy and navy is one that is particularly easy to wear. This mixture is a stylish, often more sophisticated take on the traditionally successful combination of red and blue. Similarly, both burgundy and black emerged in key colour combinations last autumn/winter and the dark shades both bring a masculine element to any look.

Against a backdrop of neutral black, burgundy is allowed to become more of a statement. Unlike the harmony created when navy and burgundy are utilised together (contrasting colours where both will stand out individually), black will be a solid anchor that allows burgundy to truly manifest its stylish presence.

Burgundy’s versatility is such that it not only pairs well with a variety of colours but it also suits all types of skin tones and, in fact, flatters most.

So how should we start to integrate this season’s most sought after colour into our AW12 wardrobes?

How To Wear: Burgundy AW12

Burgundy AW12 Lookbook

Burgundy Outerwear

A burgundy coat makes an on trend statement whilst still fitting into your carefully curated capsule wardrobe. Underneath, keep the look simple and timeless with a shirt and jumper layering combination. Allow the small detailing in the shirt to add something extra if you choose to have the collar out of the jumper rather than tucked in.

A pair of casual navy trousers and (minimal) brown leather shoes finish off a great everyday look. Drape the scarf loosely under the lapels or tie with a desired knot – my personal favourite is the Chelsea knot but your personal preference will be your own moniker.

• Asos Shirt With Contrast Collar Tip
• John Smedley Hunter Crew Neck Merino Wool Sweater
• Topman Burgundy Wool Trench Coat
• Reiss Bell Moleskin Trousers Blue
• Topman Black Lambswool Scarf
• H By Hudson Burgess Brown Leather Shoes

Burgundy Tailoring

We’ve already put pen to paper with a full guide to the burgundy suit; therefore I won’t go into excessive detail here. Due to the bold colour, the suit is perfect when dressed down for a night out or a great way to standout from the crowd at a ball or other formal event.

To dress the suit down, consider wearing a well fitted, suitably dark coloured long sleeve tee underneath. Accessorise with a rakishly stuffed pocket square for some flamboyant flair and keep the socks and shoes simple; trainers and suit pairings is dangerous ground and probably best avoided if at all cautious.

• Sunspel Long-sleeve T-shirt 142478
• Slim Fit Suit: Jacket
• Alexander Mcqueen Skull-patterned Silk Pocket Square
• Topman Hudson Grohl Formal Shoes

Burgundy Knitwear

Burgundy knitwear is a worthwhile investment and a great way to work warm autumn colours in between your layers. A cable knit jumper brings a tactile element to your look and, with a denim shirt worn underneath, you’re well on your way to perfecting your layering craft.

Black jeans and grey Derbies finish off this simple everyday look, which can be also become the perfect starting point to add some accessories and/or outerwear to.

• A.p.c. Washed-denim Shirt
• Topman Burgundy Shoulder Patch Cable Knit Jumper
• 5th & Main Black Slim Jeans
• Ted Baker Fid Derby Shoes

Burgundy Trousers

Burgundy trousers are an easy way to inject colour into the legwear department of your wardrobe while others are preoccupied up top. As versatile and easy-to-wear as navy chinos or jeans, they will quickly become your go-to pair of casual trousers.

The shade really comes into its own when used on your bottom half. Burgundy trousers all but eliminates the dilemma of which shoes you can wear. It marries well with both black and brown but also white, tan, navy and even grey shoes would look spot on.

Pair deep burgundy chinos with a much-feted printed shirt and layer with chunky-knits galore for warmth. The belted detailing on the cardigan below separates the look from your everyday run-of-the-mill casual style.

• Our Legacy Success Blue Stars Shirt
• Slowear Zanone Chunky-knit Wool Cardigan
• Dickies X Uo Maroon Collville Slim Trousers
• Clarks Originals Chocolate Vintage Leather Desert Boots

Key Burgundy Menswear Picks

• Topman Blackberry Flannel Shirt
• Easy Chunky Cable Knit
• Alan Paine Claret Linton Merino Roll-neck
• River Island Aran Cardigan
• Voi Jumper
• Carhartt Wine Anchorage Parka Jacket
• Burgundy Slim Fit Chino
• Ymc P41z8 Classic Burgundy Chino
• Reiss Waver Wave Stitch Polo Knit Claret
• Gloverall Made In London Bolied Wool Short Monty
• Ted Baker Wool Blazer
• Asos Slim Fit Blazer In Velvet
• Reiss Carisbrooke Plain Wool Tie Claret
• Penfield Glendo Burgundy Palm Suede Gloves
• H By Hudson Smyth Bordo Boots
• River Island Suede Smart Shoes
• Topman Miller Suede Slim Soled Loafers
• Allsaints Rule Low-top

Conclusion

Whether you call it maroon, oxblood, claret or just plain burgundy, there is no doubt that the colour is an absolute essential addition to the wardrobe of the contemporary gentleman – whomever he may be this season.

So, what do you think?

• Will you be adding a host of burgundy to your wardrobe this season?
• Which pieces will you be investing in?
• Are any of the looks above something you’ll be considering in the near future?
• How do you like to wear burgundy and what is your go-to piece?

Let us know in the comments below.