How to Accessorize a Wine Color Dress: Jewelry, Shoes & More
A wine-colored dress is like that one friend who always elevates the party—timeless, sophisticated, and effortlessly chic. But here’s the secret I’ve learned after a decade of styling (and some hilarious fashion mishaps): The right accessories can make your wine dress sing, while the wrong ones can turn it into a fashion faux pas.
Whether you’re prepping for a wedding, date night, or just want to stand out at brunch, this guide will help you master the art of accessorizing this versatile hue. I’ll share:
✔️ Jewelry pairings that wow (including my $30 dupe for Meghan Markle’s favorite necklace)
✔️ Shoe colors that flatter (and the neon mistake I made at a cocktail party)
✔️ Celeb-inspired looks (how to steal Zendaya’s burgundy Met Gala magic on a budget)
✔️ Seasonal hacks (why my wine dress + ankle boots combo got 3 job offers)
Why Wine Color is a Styling Dream
Before we talk accessories, let’s geek out over why this shade is chef’s kiss:
Skin tone sorcery: Flatters pale cool tones and deep warm undertones (unlike true red).
Year-round versatility: Pair with black tights for winter or straw bags for summer.
Unexpected pairings: Looks stunning with navy, emerald, and even leopard print!
Personal story: My $50 wine wrap dress from H&M has been to 3 weddings, 5 dates, and even a job interview (where I got the offer!). It’s the ultimate chameleon piece.
1. Jewelry: Metals, Stones & Pro Tips
The Metal Matchup
| Metal | Vibe | Best For | Budget Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | Old Hollywood glam | Weddings, holiday parties | Gold Layer Necklace |
| Rose Gold | Romantic softness | Date nights, brunch | & Other Stories Hoops ($25) |
| Silver | Modern edge | Office wear, cool undertones | Target’s Universal Thread Bangle ($12) |
| Pearls | Timeless elegance | Bridal showers, conservative events | Amazon Pearl Studs ($18) |
My go-to hack: I layer a Banana Republic Necklace with my grandma’s vintage locket—it looks luxe but tells a story.
Gemstone Pairings
Emerald green: My go-to for holiday parties (try Kendra Necklace).
Sapphire blue: Unexpected but chic (Kate Middleton-approved!).
Amber/Citrine: Warm autumnal vibes (H&M has great resin options).
Cautionary tale: I once paired ruby earrings with my wine dress—it looked like a Christmas decoration gone wrong.
2. Shoe Colors: The Do’s & Don’ts
Winners
✅ Nude pumps – My ASOS pair ($45) makes legs look miles long.
✅ Black strappy heels – The Sam Edelman Hazel is worth the splurge.
✅ Metallics – Gold sandals = instant glam (Target’s Universal Thread has a $35 dupe for Aquazzura!).
✅ Navy blue – Sounds weird, but trust me—this combo went viral on my Pinterest.
Avoid These
❌ Bright red – Clashes like ketchup on wine (opt for deeper burgundy if you must).
❌ Neon pink – My 2018 club disaster lives in infamy.
3. Seasonal Styling Secrets
Winter
Shoes: Black suede boots (Dr. Martens’ platform Chelseas are my ride-or-die).
Outerwear: Camel coat (Zara’s $90 version looks like Max Mara).
Pro tip: Add tights in eggplant (not black) to match the dress’s undertones.
Summer
Shoes: Nude block heels (Dr. Scholl’s are shockingly comfy).
Bag: Raffia tote (this $28 Amazon one gets me compliments daily).
4. Occasion-Specific Outfits
Wedding Guest
Dress: Lace midi (Lulus’ “Burgundy Beauty” is $89 and looks $$$).
Shoes: Nude pumps + pearl clutch (rent from Rent the Runway for $30).
My hack: Use fashion tape to keep strapless bras secure during dancing!
Night Functions
Dress: Bodycon mini (this $35 Amazon one hugs curves perfectly).
Shoes: Gold sandals + Lulus’ disco-ball earrings ($22).
First-date tip: Bring a black blazer to tone down cleavage if needed.
5. Personal Styling Anecdotes
“How My Wine Dress Got Me a Job”
For a corporate interview, I wore:
Dress: Wine shirt dress (Old Navy, $35 on sale)
Shoes: Black loafers (Madewell’s $98 dupes of Gucci)
Accessories: Silver watch + minimal studs
The kicker: The CEO later told me my “polished but memorable” look stood out among 50 black suits.
“Paris Trip Fail Turned Win”
I packed only my wine dress for a 3-day trip. By day 3, I was over it—until I:
Knotted it over jeans + white sneakers for a French-girl vibe
Added a red lip (Ruby Woo!) + beret
Got stopped for street style photos!
6. Budget-Friendly Dupes
Jewelry Under $50
Meghan Markle’s necklace: This Etsy version ($28) is nearly identical to her $300 one.
Jennifer Lopez’s hoops: Target’s 14k gold-plated ($22) vs. her $850 pair.
Shoe Steals
The Row lookalikes: Steve Madden’s $60 mules vs. $600 originals.
7. Celeb-Inspired Looks
Zendaya’s Met Gala Moment
Recreate her iconic burgundy Tom Ford gown with:
Dress: Burgundy satin slip ($120)
Shoes: Silver metallic heels (Steve Madden, $80)
Hair: Slicked-back bun + diamond studs
Blake Lively’s Red Carpet Glam
Copy her wine + gold combo with:
Dress: ASOS sequin midi ($75)
Clutch: Gold metallic ($25)
Final Thoughts
Accessorizing a wine dress is like seasoning a gourmet meal—too little is bland, too much overpowers. Stick to these rules, but don’t be afraid to break them (once you’ve mastered the basics!).
Now I’d love to hear: What’s your most creative wine dress combo? Share below!
You can find ideal Combos of wine dress with best contrast in the articles
Wine Color Dress Styling: 7 Unexpected Color Combinations That Elevate Your Look
