Burgundy is Autumn 2012’s It Colour

Whether worn head-to-toe or as an accent colour, burgundy will update your Fall look

Burgundy’s always been a popular colour for Fall, but for 2012 it’s achieved “it” status. One colour but many shades – burgundy ensconces a range of earthy hues from blackest oxblood to luscious plums and wines.

This is a refreshing and definitive departure from summer’s playful neons and pastels. This year’s burgundy is a statement colour and one that will transform your wardrobe from safe neutrals to sophisticated vamp.

Whether you commit to it for a luscious head-to-toe ensemble, as above, or use it sparingly for dramatic effect, burgundy will instantly update your look and have you sailing through autumn in spectacular style.

Click through for 8 ways to add burgundy to your Fall style arsenal.

Shellac Dark Lava Polish, CND

Dark Lava: the name of CND Shellac’s vampy nail polish says it all. It’s a deep, lusciously dark shade of burgundy that will instantly autumn-ize your tips for weeks. Go the Shellac route here: colour this intense needs the precision application that can only come from another set of hands, professional training and a small arsenal of manicure tools.

Then flaunt and relish with glee as your glamorous nails remain mirror-like and chip-free for weeks as you carve pumpkins, rake leaves and enjoy all the other fun activities of the season with your perfectly colour-coordinated nails.

CND Shellac is available in select salons, like Frilly Lilly.

Plaid Print Dress, Banana Republic — $160

This pretty pleated frock is the perfect transitional piece – its burgundy plaid print adds tonal interest to the simple silhouette, which can take you through the entire week, morning to night.

Add tights and a blazer for work, dig out your riding boots to help you hustle through your weekend errands, or add a statement necklace and some platforms to kick it up a notch in the evening. It’s fully lined and has an invisible back-zip to ensure a perfect fit. Available at Banana Republic in-store and online.

Eggplant Corduroy Jacket, Reitmans — $56

This cozy jacket could be the key piece in your autumn layering wardrobe. Toss it over a T-shirt and a scarf, or bundle up with it over a slubby knit sweater. It’s a simple way to update your wardrobe especially if it consists mostly of neutrals.

Jackets are great for quickly topping off any outfit and giving it a fresh, contemporary update. Made from dream-team cotton and spandex, this eggplant corduroy jacket will be as comfy as it is stylish. Available in-store and online at Reitmans.

Juicy Cabarnet, J. Crew Slipper — $460

If you want shoes as comfortable as slippers, wear slippers. And if you want exquisite slippers, designed to take you from the breakfast nook to your evening party, there’s nothing like a pair of Stubbs & Wootton® slippers.

These gems are hand-crafted by artisans in La Mancha, Spain, where they continue the tradition of quality and expertise in stitching and assembling fine footwear. This season, Stubbs & Wootton created a series of lovely velvet slippers, including this juicy cabarnet version. They feature cotton velvet uppers with leather lining and soles. Available at J. Crew in-store and online

Skinny Cords, Joe Fresh — $19

When you combine two simple trends like colour and shape, it’s usually an instant hit, like these burgundy skinnies from Joe Fresh. Sleek shape, plush corduroy texture and this season’s goes-with-everything colour, these jeans are a no-brainer… unless you’re deciding how many to buy (especially at this price point). Available at Joe Fresh.

Leather Messenger Bag, Gap — $178.95

Accessories are the perfect go-to when you need to update your look in a flash, and this deep berry-toned bag is both stylish and delightfully practical.

This 100% grain leather messenger bag is fully lined and features an adjustable shoulder strap, large-zip front cargo pockets and a top flap secured with buckles. Large enough to stow your scarf along with all your daily necessities. Available at the Gap in-store or online.

Annabelle Acajou Kohl Eyeliner, Annabelle — $5.95

Try updating your eye makeup with Annabelle’s Acajou eyeliner. It’s a deep plum-purple that brightens up nearly all shades of eyes, especially brown, hazel and green. A lovely alternative to black and brown liners, Acajou is still neutral enough to wear everyday, but will perk your eyes up just a bit, and who couldn’t use that?

There’s a reason why Annabelle is the #1 selling eyeliner in Canada, with 2.5 sold every minute across the country (based on 2012 statistics). Set it with some eyeshadow powder and you’ll be good to go. Or line a bit more heavily and then smoke it out. Again, it’s a nice change of pace from the usual black or grey smoky eye. Available in drugstores across Canada.

Sephora Idol Lipstick, Sephora — $12

Deep burgundy with gold metallic microshimmer; don’t be afraid of this deliciously vampy colour. Everybody can wear it. Yes, it’s a deep, earthy colour but it’s also lustrous and just sheer enough to be forgiving while still making an impact. Sephora’s Idol lipstick (#41) is part of the new Rouge Shine collection of moisturizing lipsticks that impart a rich, glossy shine.

Get the most out of your lipstick

This colour is a gorgeous rich burgundy with gold microshimmers, creating a 3D effect, just in case you were looking for that extra plumpness. It’s also packed with moisturizing oils and antioxidants so your lips will stay comfortable while looking amazing. Available in-store at various Sephora locations and online.