Burgundy Abayas and the Dark Colors That Work Like Black

Every year around this time I get the same urge. The mornings feel a little softer and the malls are colder than ever. I want to wear something other than black, without looking like I'm trying too hard. This season my answer is a burgundy abaya, plus three shades that sit right next to it: plum, bottle green and navy. They're dark enough to behave like black, but they bring more warmth to your face and more depth to the outfit. Here's how I'm wearing each one, and the new piece I'd start with for every shade.

Why dark colors are easier than they look

Most of us reach for black because it's safe. It works with every sheila, every bag and every pair of shoes. Deep colors keep almost all of that. A dark burgundy or navy still reads as neutral from across a room, so you don't have to rebuild your wardrobe around one piece. Up close, the color shows. That's the part I like: people notice something is different, but nothing feels loud.

My one rule is to keep everything else quiet. A black or nude sheila, simple gold jewelry, and shoes in black or tan. Let the abaya carry the color.

The burgundy abaya I'd buy first

If you only try one shade, make it burgundy. It works with a wide range of skin tones and looks richer than black in evening light. The Fariah Sheer Trim Abaya with Sheer Cuff Detail is the one I keep coming back to. A satin-effect trim traces the shawl-style wrap neckline, and the sleeves open into sheer inserts and softly flared cuffs. In burgundy, that trim catches the light just enough for a dinner, and the same piece still works at the office the next morning.

Featured Product: The Fariah Sheer Trim Abaya with Sheer Cuff Detail

Bottle green for daytime

Green is the shade I would have avoided a few years ago. Now it's the one I get the most compliments on. A deep bottle green looks calm in daylight and pairs well with gold. The Ramlah Shawl Sheer Collar and Sheer Cuff Detail Abaya is an easy way in because the shape is so relaxed. A layered shawl collar frames the neckline in long, clean lines, the body falls into an easy A-line, and sheer panels finish the cuffs. It's the kind of piece you wear to a long lunch and never think about again.

Featured Product: The Ramlah Shawl Sheer Collar and Sheer Cuff Detail Abaya

Plum when you want something softer

Dark purple sits between burgundy and navy, and it's more forgiving than you'd expect. The Ameera Pleated Trim Abaya with Layered Sheer Cuffs is an open front style with fine vertical pleats along the neckline and front edge. Its layered sheer cuffs move when you do. I'd wear it over a simple black inner dress so the pleated trim does the talking.

Featured Product: The Ameera Pleated Trim Abaya with Layered Sheer Cuffs

Navy, the easiest swap for black

If burgundy feels like too big a step, start with navy. It's the closest thing to black in this palette, and most people won't notice the change until you step into daylight. The Rayia Sculpted Panel Abaya with Sheer Cuff Detail has a minimal stand neckline, an asymmetric sculpted front panel and sheer inserts at the cuffs. In navy it looks sharp and structured, which makes it my pick for meetings.

Featured Product: The Rayia Sculpted Panel Abaya with Sheer Cuff Detail

One shape, six colors

All four of these come in the same six shades: burgundy, dark purple, green, navy, black and off white. Fall for a shape but not ready for the color? Buy it in black first and come back for a second shade later. That's how I'd do it.

Related reading

• What's Replacing the Classic Black Abaya
• White Abayas: Can You Actually Wear Them Daily?
• Covered Buttons: The Structural Detail Quietly Reshaping Abaya Design

Dark colors aren't a risky trend. They do everything black does, with a bit more warmth, and this is the right time of year to try them. Not ready to leave black just yet? Every piece here also comes in it, and there's more in the Black Abayas Collection.