It's officially the season to 'eat, drink and be merry'. And the fashion world has taken the festive phrase literally, with heady shades of cranberry, claret and (hiccup) sherry.

Rich berry tones have overtaken Santa red as the colour palette of the festive period.

These opulent yet versatile hues can be worn solo as an alternative to black, or paired with either prints or block colours. Go tone-on-tone if you dare for maximum impact.

"Burgundy, Claret, Bordeaux... whatever you call it, the colour of the season is full-bodied with berry notes," says Sandy Verdon, creative director of Hobbs.

If in doubt, visit a vintage wine cellar for wardrobe inspiration. Best of all, these boozy hues are hangover-free.

VELVET CRUSH

Berry red has instant party appeal in textures like velvet or jacquard. Demonstrate your love of the shade with Lavish Alice's deep wine velvet heart cut-out skater dress, £32 (www.lavishalice.com).

JUICY BERRY

If you're seeking a freshly-squeezed top-to-toe look, Hobbs is bang on the berry trend. Try the Corby burgundy coat, £299 (currently reduced to £229); Caravaggio floral blouse, £110 (currently reduced to £66); Chloe burgundy leather skirt, £249; and Iris burgundy boots, £279 (currently reduced to £139) (0845 313 3130/www.hobbs.co.uk).

CLARET COVER-UP

A winter coat in a berry hue will instantly revive your winter wardrobe. Make it an uber-cosy one with Linea Weekend's blanket coat, £170 (currently reduced to £85), from House of Fraser (0207 003 4000/www.houseoffraser.co.uk).

BURGUNDY BODY-CON

Victoria Beckham's autumn/winter catwalk was a masterclass in sporty elegance. Get the look of her designer contrast collar dress at a snip of the price with Internacionale's stripe panel number, £19.99 (0141 522 2020).

GARNET GEM

With jacquard patterning, embellishment detailing and a shiny patent belt, Closet's jewel flared frock is the ultimate in berry opulence for party dressing, £50 (www.closetclothing.com).

OXBLOOD LEATHER

Just when we'd got our heads around black leather tops, skirts and dresses, along comes the new must-have oxblood shade. Embrace the trend with Per Una Speziale's leather peplum top, £129 (0845 302 1234/www.marksandspencer.com).

CRANBERRY CLUTCH

If you're not convinced about the merits of maroon, give an outfit just a splash of wine colouring with this H! by Henry Holland at Debenhams dark red mock snakeskin envelope clutch, £25 (currently reduced to £20) (08445 616161/www.debenhams.com).

PLUM PINS

Bored of jeans? Give your legs a berry good update with New Look's slim-leg Bengaline trousers, £22.99 (0500 454 094/www.newlook.com).

BERRY MERRY

Warm up dark winter nights with Coast's Kyra rich wine-hued coat with a hint of luxurious cashmere, £220 (www.coast-stores.com).

BORDEAUX BEAUTIES

Top cap courts are hot property on the shoe shelves but, in a berry hue, Pied A Terre's Alford heels are even more desirable, £150 (0207 258 3605/www.piedaterre.com).

GET THE LOOK

X Factor winner James Arthur and triumphant judge Nicole Scherzinger wrap up for a visit to his home town. Go hell for leather with her Winters Knight wedge boots by CJG at Topshop, £195 (www.topshop.com).