Burgundy pants go with black, navy, ivory, camel, blush pink, mustard, charcoal grey, denim blue and leopard print. A dark burgundy behaves almost like a neutral, so it takes most of the colours you would wear with navy. A brighter, redder burgundy is a colour in its own right and looks best with plain neutrals around it.
Burgundy trousers are a bolder buy than navy or black, and it helps to know what you would wear them with first. The app we make, Wdrobe, can try a shop photo of the trousers with your own tops.
The black-and-white photo test
Burgundy covers a wide range, from almost-black wine to a bright berry red. The easiest way to tell which one you own is to take a photo of the trousers with your phone's black-and-white or mono filter.
- If they come out dark grey, close to how navy would look, treat them as a neutral. Navy, mustard, camel, grey, denim and pink tops all work, and you can wear a second colour.
- If they come out mid grey, they are bright enough to count as the colour of the outfit. Keep the top and shoes to black, ivory, grey, camel or navy, and skip a second strong colour.
The same photo is a good check for any top you are unsure about. If top and trousers come out the same grey, the outfit will look flat in real life too.
The almost-match mistake
Burgundy has several close relatives: maroon, plum, oxblood, wine and brick red. Put one of them on top of burgundy trousers and the two look almost the same, which reads as a failed match rather than a tonal outfit. Either match the shades exactly, as in a suit, or keep them clearly apart, such as burgundy with blush or with black.
10 outfits to wear with burgundy pants
1. Black from the waist up
A black tee, a black blazer and black pointed boots let burgundy trousers be the only colour. It is the simplest way to wear them to the office.
Outfit formula: black tee + black blazer + burgundy tailored trousers + black pointed ankle boots.
2. Ivory bow blouse and nude flats
Ivory softens burgundy and looks fresh rather than heavy. A bow-neck blouse with nude flats is a good daytime office outfit.
Outfit formula: ivory bow-neck blouse + burgundy straight trousers + nude ballet flats + tan leather tote.
3. Navy coat and white trainers
Navy and dark burgundy are both deep, cool colours, and together they look smart. A navy wool coat over a striped tee, with white trainers, works for a cold weekend.
Outfit formula: navy wool coat + navy-and-white striped tee + burgundy trousers + white leather trainers.
4. Camel coat and tan loafers
Camel warms burgundy up and makes it look rich. A camel coat, a cream knit and tan loafers make a classic autumn outfit.
Outfit formula: camel wool coat + cream fine knit + burgundy wide-leg trousers + tan leather loafers.
Burgundy is darker in a warm room than in daylight. A pairing that looks right at the window can turn brown under restaurant lights. Look at the outfit on your own photo before the evening.
5. Blush knit and burgundy loafers
Pale pink and burgundy come from the same family but sit far apart, which makes them a soft, deliberate pair. Repeat burgundy in the loafers.
Outfit formula: blush pink knit + burgundy trousers + burgundy leather loafers + grey wool scarf.
6. Mustard cardigan and brown boots
Mustard and dark burgundy are a classic autumn pair. Keep it to one mustard piece, add brown boots, and the outfit looks warm rather than busy.
Outfit formula: mustard cardigan + white tee + dark burgundy trousers + dark brown ankle boots.
7. Denim shirt and white trainers
Blue denim makes burgundy casual. A light-wash denim shirt, half-tucked, with white trainers, is easy for weekends.
Outfit formula: light-wash denim shirt + burgundy cotton trousers + white trainers + canvas crossbody bag.
8. A burgundy suit for evening
A matching burgundy blazer and trousers looks strong for parties and dinners. A black silk cami and black strappy heels keep the colour in charge.
Outfit formula: burgundy blazer + matching burgundy trousers + black silk cami + black strappy heels.
9. Charcoal knit and black Chelsea boots
Charcoal grey and burgundy look quiet and grown-up. A chunky charcoal jumper with black Chelsea boots suits a winter day.
Outfit formula: charcoal chunky jumper + burgundy trousers + black Chelsea boots + black leather bag.
10. Leopard flats and a black tee
Leopard gives burgundy trousers a bit of play. A plain black tee keeps the print and the colour from fighting.
Outfit formula: black fitted tee + burgundy straight trousers + leopard ballet flats + black leather belt.
Ten outfits look like a lot until you check the tops you own. Many wardrobes have black and white and little else that suits burgundy. Find which of your tops pass before buying another.
Which shoes go with burgundy pants
- Black is the safest choice and works with every shade.
- Burgundy or oxblood, matched closely, makes a long tonal line.
- Tan and brown suit dark burgundy in autumn, especially with camel or cream.
- Nude flats and heels keep the outfit light.
- White trainers make burgundy trousers casual.
- Leopard acts as a neutral and adds interest.
Avoid bright red shoes with burgundy trousers. The two reds compete, and the trousers start to look faded.
Frequently asked questions
What colour top goes with burgundy trousers for ladies?
Black, ivory, navy, camel and blush pink are the easiest. With a dark burgundy, mustard, grey and denim also work. Keep a bright burgundy to neutral tops.
What colour shoes go with burgundy pants?
Black, burgundy, tan, brown, nude, white trainers and leopard. Black is the safest; tan and brown suit dark burgundy in autumn.
Can you wear red with burgundy pants?
It is hard to get right. Bright red next to burgundy usually looks like two reds that do not match. A pale pink or blush is a softer way to stay in the same family.
Do burgundy pants go with brown?
Yes, especially dark burgundy with chocolate brown, camel or tan. Brown boots and a camel coat make a warm autumn outfit.
Can I wear burgundy pants to work?
Yes. Tailored burgundy trousers with a black, navy, ivory or grey top look professional. Keep the shoes black or nude.
For tops, coats and dresses in the same shade, see what colours go with burgundy clothes, and for its darker cousin, colours that go with maroon. The neutrals that suit burgundy are in what colours go with charcoal grey clothes, what colours go with navy blue clothes, colours that go with cream and our outfit colour combinations guide.
Burgundy trousers are memorable, which is the catch: wear them twice in one week at work and people notice. Wdrobe's planner lays out the week with an outfit for each day, so you can space the burgundy days apart and fill the rest with what you own. Plan your week around the burgundy trousers.
