An olive top, brown trousers and a deep red loafer: the color switch that makes a fall outfit feel richer. Last fall, brown shoes were everywhere, from chocolate suede loafers to espresso ankle boots. They were safe, easy and endlessly wearable. This season, Taylor Swift has shown that a slightly bolder shade can work just as easily, and look even more polished.
The color is burgundy, and her date-night outfit made a convincing case for it.
The Look
On October 9, Swift and Travis Kelce had dinner at Old Rose, the American-Italian restaurant inside The Jane Hotel in New York, Marie Claire reports. She wore a long-sleeved olive green ribbed top, brown trousers and burgundy leather loafers, with Gucci’s Horsebit 1955 small shoulder bag, a $3,900 classic.
Marie Claire describes loafers as footwear “beloved by It girls everywhere” and an ideal transitional shoe for fall. Paired with earthy neutrals, the look had the effortless polish often associated with Parisian style: classic pieces, a restrained palette and one rich accent.
Why Burgundy Looks Richer Than Brown or Black
Black can look harsh against warm fall colors, and brown can blend into them. Burgundy sits in between. It is dark enough to work as a neutral, but its red undertone adds warmth and depth. In leather, it catches the light and looks expensive, especially in a polished finish.
The Three Colors It Works Best With
Olive: as Swift showed, olive and burgundy are a natural pair. The green cools the red, and both feel autumnal.
Camel: a camel coat or trousers with burgundy loafers is a timeless combination that looks instantly elegant.
Gray: heather gray knits or charcoal tailoring let burgundy stand out as the single accent of color.
Navy and denim work well too, while bright reds and pinks tend to compete with it.
Accessories can tie it together. If you want to echo the color, choose a belt or a small bag in a similar wine tone rather than a perfect match, so the shoes remain the main accent.
How to Wear Burgundy Loafers
With jeans: choose straight or slightly cropped jeans that show the shoe, then add a fine knit and a trench or blazer. Visible socks in gray or cream give a preppy touch.
With a midi skirt: pair them with a pleated or pencil midi skirt and opaque tights in black, brown or burgundy for a tonal look.
With trousers: copy Swift with brown or charcoal trousers that just graze the top of the loafer.
Pairs at Every Price Point
Marie Claire highlights several options. On the accessible end, Clarks’ Westlynn Bella Loafer is around $100, and Topshop’s Clover leather loafers are about $149. In the middle, Charles & Keith’s Georgina leather penny loafers cost $184, Rothy’s Penny Loafer in Revelvet Syrah $185, and Dr. Martens’ Delapre Penny Loafer $260. For a lug-sole version, Paul Green’s Carmel Lug Penny Loafer is $429.
Before buying, check the shade in daylight. A deep wine or oxblood tone is the most versatile.
Goodbye brown shoes, at least for a season. Taylor Swift’s burgundy loafers prove that a single color change can make a simple fall outfit look richer.