Burgundy bags come in a range of shades, from merlot and burnt cherry to oxblood and beetroot, and they look best with white, navy, gray and denim. Start with a shape you already carry. Saint Laurent's burgundy Cassandre XXL bag, Liffner's croc-effect belted clutch, Zimmermann's leather and denim Cloud 91 bag and Dries Van Noten's burgundy leather clutch show the range.

Burgundy looks crisp next to white. Tod's brick croc-effect Bauletto and Bottega Veneta's burgundy Pinacoteca tote are paired with Dôen's white lace-trimmed Helena blouse and Agolde's white Arc jeans for an easy early fall outfit.

Navy and burgundy make a quietly rich pairing. Christian Louboutin's burgundy satin Sabrina clutch and Toteme's ostrich-effect T-Lock bag sit well with Khaite's navy Jackson sweater and Citizens of Humanity's dark Nora jeans.

A burgundy top handle adds polish to a classic outfit. Rue de Verneuil's flannel Club tote and Loewe's Featherlight Puzzle bag pair with Burberry's beige Castleford trench, and Aeyde's burgundy patent Terry loafers pick up the colour.

A burgundy shoulder bag is the most versatile of all. Acne Studios' crinkled patent Multipocket bag and Proenza Schouler's Hex bag work with &Daughter's gray argyle Ava sweater and Mother's dark Lasso Sneak jeans.

Burgundy is one of those colours that works as a neutral while still feeling like a choice. If you take one thing away, let it be that the deeper the shade, the more it goes with: a dark oxblood works with black, navy, brown and gray, while a brighter cherry is best with white and denim. Texture matters too, since croc-effect and patent leather make burgundy look richer. We would skip matching a burgundy bag to burgundy shoes and a burgundy coat at once, which can feel heavy. One burgundy piece per outfit is plenty.