Style by Claire Lopez

Berry Nice

While red may be the defining colour of the season, that’s not the only red you have to play with this season. Because wines and berry shades are very much also the order of the day, and arguably more sophisticated than their pillar box cousin. So if you had a burgundy school uniform, try to see beyond this and appreciate the versatility of a merlot, burgundy, Bordeaux or claret (and not just in liquid form).

Starting off with knitwear and this Helen Jumper £69 from Hush (already sold out in XS and S – although may be in John Lewis) shows how well a leather legging works with a textural and oversized bit of knitwear.

Or at &Other Stories they have this Oversized Knit £69 in burgundy.

As well as this Alpaca Blend Sweater £59.

ME+EM has this Short Guernsey Jumper £169 in merlot which works well with a smarter tailored trouser – doesn’t have to be this one.

For something lighter weight try this Pleat Back Woven Mix Top £20.80 from Warehouse.

Jigsaw’s Ring Fastening Pique Cardigan £175 is a beautiful style that you can wear either as a cardi or in-betweeny coat.

Or if you don’t want to splash that amount of cash, try H&M’s Knitted Wool Blend Cardigan £24.99. While the outfit doesn’t totally float my boat, it does illustrate the surprising colour combo of berry and nude which I do like.

On the dress front, try Hush’s Tina Dress £85 in burgundy. This is a great style which will camouflage any stomach issues. This just goes to show how well wine and animal print work together. Not that I ever doubted – animal works with everything as far as I am concerned.

Mango has a good couple of outerwear options including this Unstructured Wool Blend Coat £69.99. You may need to size down with this if you don’t want the oversized look.

But for an investment piece go to Ted Baker for their Kikiie Cashmere blend wrap front coat £329 which is a best seller that they have been selling for several seasons.

So what if your colouring doesn’t necessarily work with this deep shade? Well then go for something on your bottom half – like a coated jean or leather legging.

At one end of the spectrum, Mango has these Waxed Skinny Belle Jeans £35.99 which I have and wear with oversized knitwear, blouses, tees, blazers, trainers and boots and which work for smart and casual wear.

If you don’t like the shine then why not try Boden’s Mayfair Skinny Jeans £50 which come in Regular and Petite. Not superbly styled here, but a white trainer and an oversized cream cable knit would definitely work.

At the opposite end are these Leather Leggings £345 from Hush which would work in the same way. Again the lighter pink and burgundy colour combo here which works even if you don’t like the actual garment.

Don’t discount a pleather/leather skirt either in a berry tone – softer and more sophisticated than black. There are several options for all budgets – from the cheaper end with Warehouse’s Faux Leather Pencil Skirt £36 – which does actually feel rather nice.

Or their Faux Leather Clean Skirt £32 – and yes as the name suggests both are perfect for wearing around small, sticky fingers.

Right up to Reiss’s Olivia Stretch Panel Leather Skirt £195 which you can pair with soft blouses and shirts or a nice knit.

Whistles has a very similar style in it’s Kel Leather Pencil Skirt also at £195.

Alternatively, and as ever, the easiest way of doing a colour trend is to do with accessories or footwear which will give you a little splash (pardon the pun) of wine, rather than a drenching. The Aveline Bag £99 from Hush is a great option and is in this season’s circle shape.

Or for a more timeless design J Crew’s Signet Bag £138 does the saddle bag silhouette.

For a saddle bag under £100, &Other Stories has this bag £99.

They also have this Structured Leather Cross Body Bag £79

Moving onto headgear and H&M has a lovely little pom pom fur beanie which will look great with black/navy/camel/forest green/grey/cream: Rib Knit Hat £8.99.

Alternatively, River Island has a couple of options like this Burgundy pom pom beanie hat £14.99.

And this Cable Knit pom pom also £14.99.

I have a pair of burgundy leather gloves from Whistles a couple of seasons ago and they are perfect with all my neutrals. These Jessica Dents Leather Gloves Bordeaux £65 from Reiss are very similar but only available in M and L. They do have an Oxblood pair which are in stock in S, M and L.

Also at Reiss is this very expensive looking but oddly named Gypsy Faux Fur Scarf £90 which would look amazing over a plain neutral coloured coat or biker jacket.

Or for a woolly number go for this Oversized Wool Scarf £49 from &Other Stories.

Mango’s Tassels Pendant Earrings £12.99 would bring the party to more or less any outfit. Forget Christmas jumpers, it’s all about the earring this season.

For your feet H&M has these plum Court Shoes £17.99.

Or for a boot head to M&S for Autograph’s Block Heel Ankle Boot £85 in oxblood.

On the flat front Jigsaw’s Camber Pointed Flat £98 comes in this oxblood and would look great against a black or navy trouser or even denim for that matter.

Or Aldo’s Cherryhill style in Bordeaux  £60 is another goodie. Both will add a nice bit of interest to your work ensembles.

There’s plenty of inspiration for stocking fillers or more show stopping presents here so drop a few unsubtle hints and you might end up with a rather nice new bag this Christmas. Or at the very worst, all this talk of wine may have inspired you to pour yourself a large glass.

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