Cheryl Shops

Red has been trending for several seasons now—it was my accent color for my Italy trip this summer—which means that according to the whims of fashion, it's time to move on to a new one. For a minute, it looked like we were trying to make chartreuse happen with brat summer, but since that color looks good on 2% of the population, it didn't quite catch on. Thankfully the pendulum has swung in a more democratic direction to burgundy, which feels more natural and logical—this moody hue is red's goth older sister and feels totally right for fall. Deeper, darker, more mysterious, she's like a nice glass of pinot noir...which happens to be the grape in—wait for it—Burgundy (a.k.a. Bourgogne) wine. Since pinot happens to be one of my favorite wine varietals, and because I'm definitely embracing this rich evolution of red, here's how I'm wearing burgundy for fall. 

My skin has a natural flush and can be prone to redness, so when I wear any variation of red, I try to keep it away from my face. I also like to highlight my legs, so for me, it's a logical move to wear burgundy on my lower half. I love wearing skirts this time of year, when it's still a little warm during the day; I think they're a great transitional piece. I already own this skirt in ivory; it's really soft and comfortable, the bias-cut fit is incredibly flattering, and as a bonus, it's machine washable. I am now that person who buys things in multiples when they find something they love, so getting it in burgundy seemed like a logical thing to do. I'm wearing a medium, which my usual Quince size. As for styling, I think burgundy looks best with fellow dark colors (white and any shade of red makes me think of The White Stripes, Santa Claus, or both), so that's what I did here—a skirt this fancy-looking always looks cooler with more casual things. 

OUTFIT DETAILS: Quince oversized leather jacket | old Everlane sweatshirt (similar here) | Quince silk slip skirt | Loewe Puzzle bag | Adidas superstar sneakers 

Here are more burgundy pieces I have my eye on for fall, all under $200. 

1.  I think burgundy makes so much sense for a fall or winter coat. It's a little more exciting than black or gray, but it will still hide the winter grime well. At this price point, 100% polyester is your only option, but this at least looks a little nicer than you'd expect. 

Sam Edelman single-breasted coat $200

2. I am already thinking ahead to the holidays (they'll be here before we know it!) and I feel like this would be such a pretty Christmas dress—not to mention one warm enough for Midwestern or East Coast winters. 

Quince cashmere midi turtleneck dress $139.90

3. Shoes are another great way to wear a color if you don't want it anywhere near your face. I own these boots in a different color and they are incredibly comfortable (honest review coming soon!). 

Madewell The Dimes kitten-heel boot $198

4. Speaking of the holidays, I think this would be the most fun party skirt of the season. Can't you just picture it with a cashmere sweater, tights, and knee-high boots?

Kim Shui pailette mini skirt $188

5. This bag is totally doing the late-'90s minimalist thing that The Row is also doing—but at a fraction of the price. Long live the hobo. 

Banana Republic crescent shoulder bag $200

6. J.Crew has been looking really good to me lately; the '90s resurgence is right in their wheelhouse. I kind of wish that these were a nicer fabric than acetate, but for the price (and the gorgeously deep color) I won't complain. 

J.Crew Stratus pant $148