If it’s neither red nor brown, it’s likely burgundy. No, not the region of France famous for wine, but the two are most definitely, inherently linked. It is thought that the colour was first described in the 19th century and its name was likely influenced by the large influx of French wine into England during the Regency and Victorian eras.
It’s a deep, reddish brown colour with glorious purple undertones that’s largely associated with opulence and luxury. It became a favourite of royal courts, associated manors and estates, and later became the colour of officialdom – which is why the UK passport used to be a lovely burgundy colour (gone, but never forgotten).
If red is the colour of aristocracy, burgundy is its bureaucratic yet equally opulent cousin. The family is rather extended, for other French wines have popular corresponding hues. Bordeaux is a far deeper red, the kind typically associated with red wine, while merlot is deeper still but with more visible purple undertones.
In much the same way that the colder seasons usher in a re-interest in all things red wine-related, the sartorial colour palette tends to shift towards the vine-ripened, fermented end of the spectrum. Though burgundy has historically been associated with strength and power, there’s something about the hue which, when introduced to a thoughtful autumn/winter ensemble, has a simultaneously striking yet calming effect.
It’s been described as 2024’s ‘new neutral’ which is why you’ll be spotting across the board - whether woven into oversized woollen coats, delicate silk slips, or incorporated into high-end leather accessories. When it comes to the latter, we’ve got you covered.
Keep scrolling for the best burgundy bags that will go with all of your autumnal outfits, whether you’re dressing up or down.
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Loewe Flamenco Leather Clutch Bag
If you’re a regular Loewe fan, you’ve likely come across the cult-favourite Jigsaw bag. New to the scene and set to be another contemporary sensation is the Flamenco clutch. Though the bag is currently having a moment on social media, the Flamenco has undergone various changes since its inception in 1984.
This sleek, sophisticated and embellished burgundy option has been crafted from sumptuous Nappa lambskin leather, and has a ruched design, suede lining and coiled knot details. It also comes with two adjustable and detachable straps: one leather, and one embellished donut chain.
Buy now £2550.00, Liberty
Arket Crescent Shoulder Bag
We’ve yet to come across an autumnal work bag as perfect as this crescent-shaped piece from Arket. It boasts a classy, high-end silhouette at a bargain price with a magnetic closure and an adjustable shoulder strap. The accessory also features a handy inner pocket for organisation, but functions brilliantly as a premium oversized tote for tossing in all your daily essentials.
Buy now £189.00, Arket
Dries Van Noten Micro Leather Tote Bag
One of the influential 'Antwerp Six' design collective, Belgian designer Dries Van Noten launched his eponymous label in 1986, and is known as one of the influential ‘Antwerp Six’ design collective. This micro tote certainly fits the brand’s utilitarian yet avant-garde and opulent aesthetic, with its resin top handle and adjustable shoulder strap. Pair it with daily workwear or dress it up for the evening.
Buy now £650.00, Liberty
Uma Wang Large Tote Bag
The ultimate tote for the fashion mogul who always has a Mary Poppins-esque number of things lurking in the bottom of their bag – from outfit changes to full makeup kits and more – this Uma Wang burgundy tote is a must-have. It’s also fabricated to brave British weather, for its outer shell is crafted from 100 per cent plastic and it’s equipped with an internal zip-fastening pocket to keep your essentials protected.
Buy now £508.00, Farfetch
Anthropologie The Love Knot Slouchy Bag: Buckle Edition
Say goodbye to micro baguettes, for oversized totes are the new it-bag silhouette. This sculptural option by Anthropologie features a lovely, moulded gold buckle, magnetic closure, a removable inner zip pouch and an adjustable shoulder strap. We can guarantee you’ll be spotting this piece of kit on your morning commutes throughout the autumn and winter in one of its four shades, though the burgundy is our top pick.
Buy now £98.00, Anthropologie
Etro Large Vela Bag
The Vela Bag by Etro feels like a daily essential from the 1950s that has been given a 21st-century makeover. Crafted in Italy from 100 per cent calfskin, the gold-toned hardware is eye-catching without being overwhelming, and we love the way in which the V-shaped closure falls to create a natural dip in the soft leather. It comes with a removable suede inner pouch and a pendant featuring Etro’s signature Pegasus.
Buy now £1587.00, Farfetch
Isabel Marant Oskan Moon shoulder bag
Forget the Dior saddle bag, this season it’s all about the classic moon-shaped shoulder bag by Isabel Marant. With gold-toned hardware and glorious stud detailing, the intricately moulded accessory will instantly elevate any autumnal outfit – whether you’re commuting to work or fine dining.
Buy now £695.00, Farfetch
Gucci Jackie 1961 Small Shoulder Bag
Realised in Gucci Rosso Ancora leather, the signature red hue of the fashion house, this wine-coloured delight is an iconic accessory for a reason. Originally known as the Constance, the bag was renamed due to Jackie Kennedy’s enduring love for the crescent-shaped design. She was known to have purchased multiples, hence the relaunch of the eponymous design in 1961, which continues to have an enduring appeal.
Buy now £2820.00, Gucci
Mulberry Clovelly Tote Black Cherry Refined Flat Calf
Luxurious, minimalistic and wonderfully spacious, it doesn’t get more sophisticated than a daily-use tote from Mulberry. Quintessentially British, it’s made with Mulberry’s most supple leather to date and can be worn either over the shoulder or with the top handle alone.
Buy now £895.00, Mulberry
Reformation Medium Vittoria Tote Bag
Reformation’s subtly feminine bag taps into the never-ending bow brilliance that is dominating the style sphere. A slouchy leather tote (which can technically also pass a hobo), the lavish item features decorative tie detailing, a magnetic closure for added security and a handy inside pocket for keys, cards and everything in between.
Buy now £498.00, Reformation
Elleme Small Boomerang Suede Burgundy
Though suede isn’t exactly made for British weather, it’s impossible to resist the ultra-soft and stylish design of this signature tote by Elleme. The boomerang-style handle is gold-toned, and it also comes with a removable and adjustable strap for shoulder or crossbody wear.
Buy now £406.81, Elleme
