Fall’s Rich Tones: How to Style a Burgundy, Forest Green, or Chocolate Brown Crossbody

There’s something undeniably magnetic about fall’s richest hues. By the time September rolls around, you might find yourself swapping bright summer colors for deeper, moodier tones—especially when it comes to your accessories. 

A leather crossbody bag in oxblood or deep caramel feels like a mini celebration of crunchy leaves, pumpkin-spiced everything, and blankets pulled tight around your shoulders. But beyond the cozy vibe, these saturated shades actually elevate your everyday outfits in ways you might not expect.

Burgundy: The Season’s Velvety Statement

Imagine stepping out on a crisp morning in a camel coat. Now picture that coat accented by a wine-hued crossbody swinging gently at your hip. That’s burgundy working its magic. Rich and velvety, it can hold its own against neutrals, but it also plays beautifully with patterns—plaid blazers, yes, but also subtly checked scarves or even windowpane trousers. If you’re feeling bold: 

• Layer a chunky cream sweater under a rust-toned jacket, then drape on your burgundy crossbody.
• Choose gold hardware on the bag to warm up the look.
• Slip into dark-wash jeans and suede ankle boots for a casual weekend spin.

Burgundy bags make a statement without shouting. And if you’re heading into a meeting, swap the boots for loafers, add a delicate necklace, and you’re sophisticated in seconds.

Forest Green: Nature’s Rich Invitation

Forest green is the underdog of autumn palettes. Unlike burgundy or chocolate brown, it feels a bit unexpected—yet so deeply rooted in the season’s scenery that it never feels out of place. You might pair a forest green leather crossbody with:

• A camel blazer for contrast
• A chunky knit scarf in mustard or ochre
• Mid-rise black jeans and tan Chelsea boots.

There’s a certain quiet confidence in green accessories. They nod to evergreen woods and earthy undercurrents. And if you like tonal dressing, you could layer different greens—an olive wool coat, a sage turtleneck, and then that darker handbag. The effect is subtle, refined, and just a little bit adventurous. 

Chunky knits, tweed skirts, even leather pants—all welcome a flash of deep green. It’s versatile. It’s red-carpet-worthy without feeling pretentious.

Chocolate Brown: Quiet Confidence and Warmth

Chocolate brown might just be the easiest shade to integrate into your fall wardrobe. It essentially reads like black’s warmer cousin—equally chic but far cozier. Swap your staple black crossbody for something in rich brown leather, and watch how it softens every outfit. Think:

• A plaid blazer (in gray or navy) plus brown bag and matching loafers
• A monochrome look—tan trousers, beige sweater, brown crossbody—for full tonal impact
• A simple denim jacket over a white tee, topped with a chocolate-hued bag and chunky boots

The beauty here is that chocolate brown blends. It’ll ground florals leftover from summer, complement burnt orange sweaters, and keep pastel accents from feeling out of place. And if you’re ever in doubt, it pairs almost effortlessly with denim—light, dark, distressed. You name it. 

Bringing It All Together

Here’s the thing: embracing these deep fall crossbody shades isn’t just about following trends. It’s about letting your accessories tell a story, about choosing a little piece of the season to carry with you. Maybe you lean heavily on burgundy one week, then switch to forest green when the air turns a bit colder. Or maybe you live in chocolate brown all season long. Whatever you choose, let your style be playful. Mix textures—corduroy, cashmere, suede. Add layers. Experiment.

Which hue will you reach for first? Drop a comment below with your go-to fall palette.