Don't Default to Black—These Colors Look Even Better With Burgundy
Our take
The enduring appeal of burgundy as a fall staple is undeniable, and the recent shift away from the predictable black pairing is a welcome evolution. For too long, burgundy has been relegated to a supporting role, its richness muted by the starkness of black. This piece rightly points out the untapped potential of this deep, luxurious hue. It’s a subtle yet significant recalibration of fall style—a move toward embracing more nuanced and emotionally resonant color combinations. The suggestion to explore alternatives reflects a broader trend within fashion toward thoughtful layering and a rejection of purely transactional dressing. It's a visual whisper rather than a shout, and aligns perfectly with the idea of cultivating a personal style narrative rather than chasing fleeting trends. Consider this shift in context with the Olsen Twins’ dedication to effortless, layered looks [The Olsen Twins’ Best Styling Tricks Were Made for Fall], which demonstrates a similar ethos of quiet confidence and intentionality in personal style.
The beauty of this advice lies in its simplicity and accessibility. It’s not about demanding extravagant pieces or adhering to a rigid set of rules. It’s about expanding one’s visual vocabulary and allowing oneself to experiment. The article’s inspiration from Instagram is particularly relevant – acknowledging that style inspiration now flows from a decentralized, visually-driven ecosystem. This mirrors the current cultural landscape where individuality and personal expression are highly valued. Furthermore, the emphasis on mood and feeling resonates strongly. Burgundy, at its core, evokes a sense of warmth, sophistication, and even a touch of melancholy – and pairing it with the right color can amplify or subtly alter that emotional resonance. Selena Gomez's recent embrace of a double-leather look [What Canadian Tuxedo? Selena Gomez Is All About Khaite's Double-Leather Look for Fall] showcases how unexpected pairings can create a powerful and confident statement, further solidifying the idea that stepping outside of established norms can lead to truly compelling style choices.
The move beyond black also speaks to a larger cultural shift towards embracing complexity and rejecting simplistic binaries. Fashion, like life, is rarely black and white. The suggestion to explore colors like olive green, camel, or even a muted teal creates a richer, more textured aesthetic—one that reflects a deeper understanding of color theory and a willingness to take calculated risks. It’s about crafting a visual story that feels authentic and personal, rather than adhering to a formulaic approach. This aligns with the growing appreciation for individuality and self-expression within the fashion community. We see this celebrated on a larger scale with athletes embracing fashion as a form of personal storytelling, as exemplified by Taylor Townsend’s powerful statement at the US Open [At the 2026 US Open, Taylor Townsend's Fashion Was "Finally Free of the Bondage of What Others Want Me to Be"].
Ultimately, the suggestion to reconsider our pairings with burgundy is more than just a styling tip; it's an invitation to approach fashion with greater intention and emotional awareness. It’s about understanding the power of color to evoke feelings and tell stories. As we move into a future where personal style is increasingly valued over fleeting trends, this shift towards nuanced and thoughtful pairings will only become more important. The question becomes: what other long-held assumptions in our wardrobes are ripe for re-evaluation, and how can we leverage color to better express our inner selves?
Burgundy has been the color of fall for a few seasons now and most of us reach for the same color to pair it with every time: black. It's a safe, foolproof combination, but it's too easy to be the only thing you pair it with. Burgundy deserves a wider rotation than that. After some serious scrolling on my IG, I found so much inspiration. We have plenty of colors to choose from.
I'm not saying retire the black pants or the black boots, they're still doing their job. But there are quite a few colors and prints that all bring out something different in burgundy, from a little more warmth to a little more edge, and they're worth working into your closet alongside it. From leopard print to yellow, try these colorways next time.
Grey
This is the color pairing for when you want burgundy to look put together without any real effort. The two never compete, so a grey knit or trouser just lets the burgundy piece carry the look. It's an easy pairing to build a whole capsule around.
Leopard Print
I know, I know, leopard print isn’t exactly a color. But lately, it feels like a neutral. Pairing it with burgundy leans into the moodier, richer side of fall dressing instead of fighting it. Think a leopard coat over a burgundy dress, or a leopard bag against burgundy separates.
Yellow
Would you have guessed yellow and burgundy work together? The two sit on opposite ends of the color wheel, which is exactly why the combination feels so unexpected next to the black-and-burgundy default. But this color combo brings out a retro vibe I’m all about.
Denim
Burgundy and denim might be the lowest-effort pairing on this list, and that's exactly the point. Instantly, you've got a fall outfit without overthinking it. It's the combination for days when you want the color payoff without the fuss.
Brown
Here’s to an easy tonal pairing since both colors are rooted in the same warm, earthy family. This one feels especially right once the weather actually turns cold.
But Yes, Black Never Fails
It's polished, it works for basically any occasion, and it never asks you to think too hard about getting dressed. This isn't an argument to retire it, just a reminder that it's not the only option in your closet. Rotate in a few of the pairings above and black will still be there waiting for you.
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