How to Wear Burgundy and Jewel Tones This Fall
Anchor burgundy and jewel tones with navy, black or camel, keep the richest color near your face, and repeat it once in an accessory.
Burgundy and jewel tones look richest when one deep color leads and a familiar neutral supports it. Navy, black and camel are the three anchors that work with nearly every shade, and keeping the strongest color near your face lets it light up your complexion instead of competing with it.
Why burgundy and jewel tones feel right for fall
Deep, saturated colors suit the season's lower light and heavier fabrics, and they read polished rather than trendy. Interest is climbing fast: searches for burgundy sweaters, burgundy blouses and maroon tops have risen sharply heading into fall.
These shades also earn their place because they work with the neutrals already in your closet. A wine-colored top refreshes black pants you've worn for years, and the same color in a dressier fabric carries you to the holidays. Burgundy shows up everywhere from weekday blouses to a 3-piece sequin tank pant suit made for weddings and parties.
Which colors count as jewel tones?
Jewel tones are deep, saturated colors named after gemstones. They share a rich intensity, which is why they mix well with each other and with dark neutrals.
- Burgundy, wine and maroon: the deep reds, from purple-leaning to brown-leaning.
- Emerald: a cool, saturated green.
- Sapphire: a strong, true blue that sits brighter than navy.
- Amethyst and plum: purples that range from violet to berry.
- Ruby: a clear, bright red with blue undertones.
- Teal: the blue-green that bridges emerald and sapphire.
What colors go with burgundy?
Navy, black and camel are the easiest partners for burgundy. Cream, charcoal gray and dark denim also work, and blush pink makes a softer, tonal pairing. The same logic applies to every jewel tone: one deep color, one grounding neutral.
Navy with burgundy is the quiet favorite: it's softer than black, still reads polished, and looks especially good in daylight.
| Color | Easiest anchor | Softer pairing | Finishing accent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burgundy | Navy, black or camel | Cream or blush | Gold jewelry, cognac bag |
| Emerald | Black or navy | Ivory or camel | Gold or pearl |
| Sapphire | Charcoal or white | Soft gray | Silver jewelry |
| Amethyst or plum | Charcoal or black | Dove gray | Silver or rose gold |
| Teal | Camel or chocolate brown | Cream | Gold or tortoiseshell |
The three rules for wearing rich color
Anchor it, place it near your face, and repeat it once. Those three moves make any jewel tone look deliberate, whether you're wearing one piece or a full outfit.
- Anchor with a neutral. Pair the color with navy, black, camel, gray or cream so the outfit has a calm base.
- Keep the richest color near your face. A burgundy blouse or emerald cardigan at the neckline brightens your complexion and draws the eye up.
- Repeat it once. Echo the shade in a scarf, a bag, earrings or a shoe. One repeat ties the look together; more starts to feel matched.
How to wear burgundy one piece at a time
Start with the piece you'd wear most often, then build out. A top is the easiest entry point, a pant is the subtlest, and a coordinated set is the most dramatic.
Start with a blouse
A blouse puts color right where it flatters most. The georgette tie-sleeve cafe blouse is a natural fit: its light, fluid drape keeps a deep shade from feeling heavy, and it can be worn buttoned for work or open over a tank. Pair it with navy or black pants and let the blouse do the talking. Browse more tops and sweaters in fall colors to find your shade.
Layer a jewel-tone cardigan
A cardigan lets you add color over the tanks and tees you already own. The Shadow Stripe burnout cardigan is a lightweight open-front layer that comes in a wide range of colors, so you can wear a deep shade over a black tank one day and a cream tee the next.
Add color from the waist down
If a bright top feels like too much, start with pants. The Softluxe sateen stretch pant is "available in rich jewel tones and timeless neutrals," and its straight leg and soft sheen look polished with a simple knit or blouse on top. Keep the top neutral and repeat the pant color in a scarf. You'll find more options among our Catherines women's plus size pants in sizes 0X-6X.
Go tonal for special occasions
For holiday parties and weddings, one rich color head to toe looks elegant and pulled together. A coordinated set does the planning for you: the sequin tank pant suit pairs a shimmering sequin tank with a flowing cardigan and soft pant. See more size 14W-40W dressy pant suits for evenings ahead.
How much color should you wear?
As much as feels like you. There's no wrong amount, but thinking in three levels makes it easier to choose.
- A touch: a burgundy scarf or bag with an all-neutral outfit.
- One statement piece: a jewel-tone blouse, cardigan or pant with neutrals around it.
- Tonal dressing: head-to-toe in one color family, such as burgundy with wine or plum, finished with gold jewelry.
Matte fabrics keep deep colors relaxed for daytime. Sheen, sateen and sequins make the same color feel dressier, so match the finish to the occasion.
Frequently asked questions
Is burgundy the same as maroon?
Close, but not identical. Burgundy leans toward wine, with a hint of purple, while maroon leans slightly browner. Both are deep reds that wear the same way: anchored by a neutral and placed near the face.
Can I wear two jewel tones in one outfit?
Yes. Pair two deep shades of similar intensity, such as burgundy with emerald or sapphire with amethyst, and add a neutral as the third color so the look feels intentional rather than busy.
What shoes go with a burgundy outfit?
Black and cognac or camel are the easiest choices for everyday. For evening, a soft metallic in gold or bronze picks up the warmth in burgundy without competing with it.
Are jewel tones only for evening and special occasions?
Not at all. A burgundy blouse with navy pants works for the office, and an emerald cardigan over a cream tee suits a weekend lunch. Save sequins and sheen for evenings; keep everyday fabrics matte or softly textured.