The Dark Cherry Edit: How to Wear the Season’s Most Seductive Shade (Before It’s Out of Style)

While rewatching Friends (1994), I couldn’t help but notice Rachel Green’s effortlessly cool brown-red leather jacket. Paired with a black turtleneck and dark-wash jeans for a night out with ex-boyfriend Ross Geller, this iconic look encapsulates early 2000s minimalism at its best—timeless, sleek, and still undeniably chic today

Dark cherry has taken over the fashion landscape. Every Autumn/Fall a new cherry variant makes its way onto the runway, and it’s no brainer as to why. It’s dominant, sexy and perfect for the winter aesthetic. Brands like Gucci and Saint Laurent continue to embrace the dark cherry trend as part of their Fall/Winter collection.

Saint Laurent’s Fall/Winter 2024-25 collection featured multiple earthy, muted tones in sheer fabrics. Exposed amongst all the neutrals was a dark, red cherry dress; long-sleeved in mesh with a head piece. Gucci’s 2024-25 collection by Sabato De Sarno was a mixture of black lace, mustard yellows and chunky jewellery. And right in between all the olive greens was a dark cherry coat-jacket. This three-quarter length coat was the entire outfit, a monochrome look with a matching bag, shoes and accessories. Both designers expressed their views of winter in similar colour palettes but through different textures.

Photo: Gucci, 2024 | Saint Laurent Fall 2024 Ready to Wear

Incorporating such a rich hue into your wardrobe can be a little tricky. You don’t want the dark cherry to clash with brighter colours, nor do you want to push it off centre with a contrasting one. The best way to style dark cherry is with neutral tones. Stick to garments in black, beige and brown. However, if you are looking to make a bolder statement, consider pairing your dark-cherry jacket or bag with earthy greens or mustard yellows. To compliment it, wear denims, plum purples or soft pinks.

With the new Fall/Winter 2025-26 releases just around the corner, it may just be the last time I get to talk about dark-cherry. Below are 5 ways to wear dark cherry!

1. Accessories are Key!

Photo: Pinterest | @ModernOpulentGazette

If you’re looking for a subtle way to observe the dark cherry trend, then accessories are the way to go. Cherry tights or smooth pumps can easily elevate your outfit. If you’re going out for brunch, you could wear a knitted, brown dress with a black, leather jacket. Paired with black boots or sneakers, accessorize with a large cherry hair-clip.

2. An Over-The-Top Classic Coat.

Photo: Pinterest | @ModernOpulentGazette

There is nothing like a classic red coat. It’s daring and fierce. Better yet, if you can get your hands on a leather one. If you’re spending your day out and about, running errands or shopping , style a cherry coat with a grey sweater and dark pants.

3. A Bold Sweater For Layering.

Photo: Pinterest | @ModernOpulentGazette

A warm sweater is a winter special. Whether it’s for a night out or a work day, you can’t go wrong with a knitted sweater or jumper. Match your wooly jumper with formal dress pants and black pumps. Dress it with a plum jacket or blazer.

4. Be Literal, Pop that Cherry!

Photo: Pinterest | @ModernOpulentGazette

And, finally, who said you can’t wear fruit as an accessory. From earrings to print patterns, cherry themed everything is in style. Don’t put away those cherry sundresses just yet; layer it with a cropped sweater, a pair of leggings and winter boots. If layering isn’t your thing, then cherry earrings or a bag charm will do just as well.

Dark cherry is the trendiest colour of the season. While it is a bold hue, you can wear it in so many different ways that best suits you. A few classic pieces like a knitted sweater or leather jacket can go a long way. It’s a seasonal colour that always comes back in style every year.