Shopping and alcohol have long gone hand in hand. How else to explain the unquenchable thirst for red wine that comes after three hours spent trying on jeans in Selfridges?
This season, the correlation between our wardrobes and the hard stuff is stronger than ever. While a full-bodied shiraz was once considered a fitting reward for hours pounding Oxford Street, this autumn its standing has been elevated.
From rich Rhône to luscious-looking Cabernet Sauvignon, clothes in boozy hues are big news this autumn. First championed on the catwalk - Emma Hill created slouchy duffel coats and tote bags in grape and burgundy for her autumn/winter offering for Mulberry, while Roksanda Ilincic unveiled elegant draped gowns in claret - a deep red is this season's most desired shade.
The great appeal of boozy tones is that they look best worn all together. While mixing a few drops of claret with burgundy is considered by most wine buffs to be the greatest of faux pas, the effect of this combination in clothing terms is much more palatable. In short, don't be afraid to mix it up.
To seek out claret on the high street, try Hobbs, which has a stunning pleated leather skirt in the hue, and Karen Millen, which has a ruffle-trimmed dress that is sure to go down a storm come the party season.
