Oxblood Is The Grown-Up Version Of Last Year's Cherry Cola Trend: Our Favorite Ways To Style The Color

You may remember cherry cola having a moment in 2023. We painted the rich red shade on our nails, wore it via our hair, and we even saw the cherry mocha twist in our makeup. But there's a new way of sporting the hot shade when it comes to 2024. And it's called oxblood. Oxblood is a slightly more sophisticated way of rocking deep red look than cherry cola. It's a little more chic and grown-up, and can be a great alternative to black to do something a little less, well, muted (or boring, if you want to go there).

Oxblood and cherry cola are pretty similar though, so don't worry if you struggle to tell the difference between the two at first. But oxblood is that bit darker. There's still some variation around and room for different shades, but oxblood is slightly darker than cherry cola and, while we're at it, also more deep brown than burgundy which has a more purple hue. So, if you bought an item during the cherry cola hype and it's on the darker, more brown side, you could probably get away with it still now and be on trend.

But, we get it, once you've picked out your oxblood pieces for your wardrobe (or treated yourself to a little something new) it can be really hard to know how to style them. So that's why we've picked out some of our favorite oxblood incorporating looks for you.

One of the easiest and chicest way to incorporate oxblood into your wardrobe is to make it somewhat of a statement piece. And via outerwear is a great way to do that. A leather or leather-look oxblood jacket will add some sophistication to any outfit, and it can be great for throwing on over an all-black (or dark) ensemble to take it to the next level in a sophisticated way.

Another way to bring oxblood into your wardrobe is to swap out your classic black tights for this dark shade. The great thing about oxblood is that it's still very wearable, just like black, but may just be a more fun yet still sophisticated and chic alternative. Not to mention, they'll pair great with a skirt or demure dress when you're going for a more corporate look.

You can also try a preppy look with oxblood by trying out the pieces more associated with menswear. One way to do that is to try a tie in the shade, as something so corporate and somewhat formal will really add to the polished and refined look the color already embodies. Add a skirt, tights (in whatever shade you want) and loafers for the ultimate preppy chic style.

If you're not really feeling wearing oxblood in your clothing, then add it to your accessories instead. This rich color on a bag, as we've mentioned, creates another great opportunity to swap out something traditionally black for something more fun without going over the top. It can also go with almost anything, as it's so dark it's almost a neutral. If you're planning to get your hands on a new pocketbook though, then don't forget that oversized and slouchy bags are in for spring/summer 2024.

If you're looking to incorporate oxblood into your wardrobe in a more undone, casual way, then grabbing boots in the color could be the way to go. For something a little less fancy, tougher and more rugged engineer-inspired boots could be the way to go, paired with baggy or bootcut blue jeans — seeing as skinny jeans are still out. Of course, there are countless ways to dress oxblood boots in a more formal way too, such as heeled boots with a chic dress.

Now for the opposite. Oxblood sequins. Hear us out. This shade may not be what you instantly think of when you imagine sequins, but it sure does work. For a more grown-up twist on the shimmery look, try an oxblood sequin gown so you can shine well into the night without looking like, well, a unicorn dressed you. There's nothing wrong with that of course when the moment's right, but this color will elevate your light-reflecting look into something more grown-up that's suave and elegant. Add a metallic or nude pair of strappy heels, and you're good to go!