There is a moment every October when the light turns amber, the evenings arrive early and the wardrobe instinctively reaches for something deeper, richer and more deliberate. This is that moment. Burgundy, fig and claret — the triumvirate of the red wine palette — are the shades defining autumn 2024, and they wear as well at noon on a grey Tuesday as they do under candlelight on a Friday evening. This is not a trend that demands a complete overhaul; it is an invitation to saturate what you already love with colour that feels genuinely, luxuriously seasonal.
The palette at a glance
- Burgundy: The anchor shade — warm, wine-dark and endlessly wearable as a base or a statement.
- Fig: A dusty, slightly muted purple-red that reads as sophisticated rather than bold.
- Claret: Brighter and more saturated than burgundy, with a faint blue undertone that suits all skin tones.
- Key pieces: Tailored coats, soft tops with lace or deep-neck details, layered knits.
- Best neutrals to pair: Camel, black, ivory and warm grey all sit beautifully alongside the palette.
- Occasions: Office, weekend dressing, evenings out — this palette does everything.
Why the red wine palette is the colour story of autumn 2024
After several seasons of soft neutrals and quiet tones, there is a collective appetite for colour that feels intentional — not neon, not pastel, but deeply saturated and emotionally resonant. The red wine palette answers that precisely. Burgundy fashion has always had an autumn foothold, but this season the range has expanded: fig brings a dustier, more contemplative note to the family, while claret clothing in October reads as festive without tipping into Christmas excess. Together, the three shades create a palette that works as a head-to-toe tonal story or as individual pops against your existing wardrobe. There is also a democratic quality to deep reds — they photograph beautifully, they age gracefully across a day, and they sit warmly against every complexion.
Texture is doing significant work within the red wine palette this year. Lace trims catch the light, softening the depth of a claret or burgundy top; structured outerwear in these shades reads almost architectural against autumn skies. The fig colour trend in women's fashion is particularly interesting because it occupies the middle ground between red and plum, giving it a versatility that more straightforward reds cannot quite match. Wear it with black for sharpness, with camel for warmth, or layer within the palette itself for the most editorial result of all.
Three ways to wear the red wine palette
One: The tonal layer. Dress entirely within the palette for maximum impact. Pair a claret or burgundy top — the delicate lace trim detail of Deep Neck Lace Trim Top makes it ideal — beneath a deep-hued coat, and add black or dark tan accessories to ground the look without breaking the colour story. This is the approach that photographs most dramatically and feels most considered in real life.
Two: The statement coat over neutrals. Let one piece do all the work. Wear a rich burgundy or claret coat over ivory, camel or black beneath, and keep everything else simple. Alicia Autumn Winter Coat in this palette is a particularly strong option — its tailored structure means it functions as the outfit, not merely part of one. This is the easiest entry point for anyone who prefers to build colour confidence gradually.
Three: The fig accent. If full commitment feels like a stretch, introduce the fig colour trend through a single top worn with dark-wash denim or tailored charcoal trousers. A deep V-neck style like Sofia Deep V Midi Sleeve Tee brings the shade close to the face, which is where these wine tones do their most flattering work. Finish with black ankle boots and a tan bag for balance.
On shoes and accessories: Black boots — ankle or knee-high — are the most versatile partner across all three shades. For evening, a pointed-toe block heel in black or deep tan elevates the palette instantly. Bags in cognac, tan or black keep things grounded; avoid matchy-matchy wine-toned bags, which can feel heavy. Gold jewellery reads warmer against burgundy and claret; silver suits the cooler, dustier quality of fig.
Shop the red wine edit
Every piece in this edit has been chosen to work as a standalone statement or as part of a larger tonal wardrobe — whether you are starting with a single top or committing to a full burgundy-to-claret outfit. For those who want to test the palette before investing in outerwear, Jeriza Deep Neck Halter Tank Top is an excellent first step: the halter silhouette brings an unexpected edge to these traditionally wintry tones, and it layers cleanly under a blazer or a relaxed open coat like Nova Autumn Winter Jacket for cooler days.
Carrying the palette beyond October
The red wine palette does not retire when the calendar turns. Burgundy and claret sit comfortably in the wardrobe through December — worn with black for New Year's, or layered under camel for the interim weeks between autumn and Christmas dressing. Fig, the quieter member of the trio, transitions most naturally into late winter, pairing well with deep navy and midnight tones when January arrives. Invest in at least one piece from this palette — particularly in outerwear or a well-constructed top — and you will find it earns its place in regular rotation for years rather than seasons.
