What Shoes with Burgundy Suit is the Best Choice?

Once reserved only for formal events, burgundy suits have become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to their versatility. However, how to wear a burgundy suit well isn’t just about the suit itself. In fact, choosing the right pair of shoes can determine up to 50% of your overall appearance. So, what shoes with a burgundy suit should you actually wear? This guide breaks it down clearly and practically. Whether you’re dressing for the office or a casual event, you’ll learn how to choose the best shoe colors and styles to match a burgundy suit effortlessly. No guesswork, no fashion mistakes.

1. Understanding the Burgundy Suit Color

A burgundy suit takes its name from the deep red wine produced in the Burgundy region of France. It is a rich, dark red tone with subtle purple or brown undertones, which gives it a sophisticated and mature appearance. Because of this depth, burgundy sits somewhere between classic and expressive. It stands out without looking flashy.

Depending on how you style it, the same burgundy suit can feel formal, relaxed, or fashion-forward, suitable for both formal settings, like business meetings, and casual, party settings like weddings or a night date. Though many people confuse burgundy with similar shades, there are important differences:

• Burgundy: Deep red with purple or brown undertones; elegant and balanced
• Wine: Slightly brighter and more vibrant than burgundy color
• Oxblood: Darker, with stronger brown undertones and a heavier feel
• Maroon: Red mixed with brown, often warmer and less refined than burgundy

Understanding these differences matters because shoe color choice depends heavily on how dark or warm the burgundy shade is. Without considering the exact shade of burgundy, the wrong shoes can easily throw off the balance of the outfit.

• A dark burgundy suit pairs best with black, dark brown, or oxblood shoes.
• A lighter or brighter burgundy suit works better with medium brown or tan shoes, especially for daytime wear.

2. Best Shoe Colors to Wear with a Burgundy Suit

Black Shoes with a Burgundy Suit

Wearing black shoes with a burgundy suit is a classic and reliable choice, especially when the occasion calls for formality. Black shoes create a strong contrast against the deep red tone of burgundy, resulting in a sharp, polished appearance that feels confident and intentional.

This combination works best for:

• Business formal environments
• Evening events
• Formal dinners or corporate occasions

Black shoes help ground the richness of a burgundy suit, making the outfit look more structured and professional. However, because both colors are dark, there is one important thing to keep in mind: avoid making the outfit feel too heavy.

When it comes to shoe styles, clean and minimal designs work best:

• Oxford shoes for traditional formality
• Wholecut shoes for a sleek, modern finish

Pairing black shoes with a crisp white shirt or a light-colored dress shirt can help balance the look and keep it from appearing overly dark.

Brown Shoes with a Burgundy Suit

For most men, brown shoes with a burgundy suit are the most versatile and safest option. Brown naturally complements the warm undertones of burgundy, creating a harmonious and well-balanced outfit that works across many occasions.

The key is choosing the right shade of brown:

• Dark brown shoes offer a more formal and sophisticated look. They are perfect for business wear, semi-formal events, and weddings where you want to look polished without appearing too strict.
• Medium brown shoes feel slightly more relaxed and modern. They work especially well for daytime events, smart business outfits, and social occasions.

Brown shoes soften the intensity of a burgundy suit, making the outfit feel approachable while still maintaining elegance. This is why they are often preferred for:

• Office and business settings
• Semi-formal events
• Weddings (as a guest or groom)

In terms of style, Derby shoes, monk straps, and classic lace-ups in brown leather pair exceptionally well with burgundy suits.

Tan / Light Brown Shoes with a Burgundy Suit

Wearing tan or light brown shoes with a burgundy suit is an excellent choice when you want a lighter, more relaxed, and modern look. This combination works best when the burgundy suit is on the lighter side or has softer red undertones rather than being very dark or heavy.

The reason this pairing works so well is contrast. Tan shoes brighten the overall outfit and prevent the burgundy suit from feeling too formal or intense. When styled correctly, the result looks fresh, confident, and effortlessly stylish.

Tan shoes are especially suitable for:

• Daytime events
• Summer or outdoor weddings
• Smart casual outfits
• Warm-weather occasions

That said, there is an important warning to keep in mind. Tan shoes do not pair well with very dark burgundy suits. If the suit is deep, almost wine-colored, light brown shoes can look disconnected and unbalanced. In those cases, darker brown or oxblood shoes are a better option.

From a style perspective, tan Derbies, loafers, or monk strap shoes are all strong choices.

For best results, pair tan shoes with:

• A white or light blue shirt
• Minimal accessories
• Lightweight fabrics, especially in spring and summer

Oxblood or Burgundy Shoes with a Burgundy Suit

Wearing oxblood or burgundy shoes with a burgundy suit is a more advanced styling choice, but when done right, it can look exceptionally refined and intentional. This is known as a tone-on-tone combination, where the shoes echo the color family of the suit rather than contrasting it.

It’s not the safest choice, but it’s one of the most rewarding for men who know how to dress with intention.

So, should you try it? Yes. But only if you pay attention to balance.

The key to making this combination work is variation in depth and texture:

• Choose shoes that are darker or richer than the suit
• Avoid exact color matches, which can make the outfit look flat
• Use contrast through materials, such as polished leather shoes with a matte wool suit

To avoid looking “too red,” keep the rest of the outfit neutral. A white, cream, or light grey shirt helps break up the color, while darker accessories add structure.

This pairing is best suited for:

• Men with a confident sense of style
• Fashion-forward outfits
• Evening events or upscale social occasions

White Sneakers with a Burgundy Suit

Wearing white sneakers with a burgundy suit is a bold, modern styling choice that works best in casual or fashion-forward settings. This combination creates a strong contrast between the refined richness of burgundy and the clean, minimalist feel of white sneakers, resulting in a look that feels youthful, relaxed, and contemporary.

White sneakers pair well with a burgundy suit when:

• The setting is smart casual or casual
• The suit has a slim or modern cut
• The outfit is worn without a tie
• The fabric is lightweight, such as cotton, linen, or unstructured wool

This look is especially popular for creative work environments, social events, travel outfits, and street-style inspired looks. To keep the outfit intentional rather than sloppy, the sneakers should be clean, minimal, and low-profile. Simple leather or leather-look white sneakers work best. Avoid bulky soles, loud logos, or athletic running shoes.

However, there are important limitations to consider. White sneakers should not be worn with a burgundy suit in formal, business, or traditional settings such as corporate offices, weddings with a dress code, or evening events.

For best results, balance the look with:

• A white or neutral-toned shirt
• Minimal accessories
• No visible socks or neutral socks

3. Shoe Styles That Work Best with a Burgundy Suit

Choosing the right shoe style is just as important as choosing the right color when wearing a burgundy suit. Different shoe designs send different signals: formal, relaxed, modern, or fashion-forward. Choose the one appropriate for the occasion, and you won’t ever feel out of place ever again.

Oxford Shoes with a Burgundy Suit

Oxford shoes are the most formal and traditional shoe style you can wear with a burgundy suit. With their closed-lacing system and clean lines, Oxfords create a sharp, structured look that feels polished and professional.

This shoe style is best suited for:

• Formal occasions
• Business and corporate environments
• Evening events that require a classic dress code

When paired with a burgundy suit, black or dark brown Oxford shoes emphasize elegance and authority. They work especially well when the suit is tailored, the shirt is crisp, and accessories are kept minimal.

Derby Shoes with a Burgundy Suit

Derby shoes are more versatile and easier to wear than Oxfords. Thanks to their open-lacing design, they feel slightly more relaxed while still remaining dressy enough for professional settings.

Derby shoes work well with a burgundy suit for:

• Office and business wear
• Semi-formal events
• Weddings and social occasions

Because burgundy already adds personality to the outfit, Derby shoes help balance things out by keeping the look approachable and modern. Brown Derby shoes, in particular, pair beautifully with burgundy suits and are suitable for both daytime and evening wear.

Monk Strap Shoes with a Burgundy Suit

Monk strap shoes are a stylish and contemporary choice for men who want to stand out without looking overdressed. Instead of laces, monk straps use buckles, giving the shoes a clean yet distinctive appearance. Dark brown or oxblood monk strap shoes are particularly effective, adding depth without overpowering the suit.

There are two main types:

• Single monk strap: Sleek and understated, ideal for business or semi-formal outfits
• Double monk strap: Bolder and more expressive, perfect for modern, fashion-forward looks

Monk strap shoes pair especially well with burgundy suits because both elements share a sense of individuality. This combination works best for:

• Creative or modern work environments
• Upscale social events
• Men who want a refined but distinctive style

Loafers with a Burgundy Suit

Loafers are the most casual shoe style that still works well with a burgundy suit, ideal for creating a relaxed, stylish look without sacrificing elegance. They are especially effective when the suit has a slimmer cut, lighter fabric, or is worn without a tie. In these settings, loafers help create a clean, modern silhouette that feels intentional rather than underdressed.

This combination is best for:

• Smart casual outfits

  

• Summer or warm-weather wear
• Outdoor events and daytime weddings

Loafers work best when the burgundy suit is worn without a tie or with lighter fabrics. Penny loafers offer a cleaner, more classic feel, while tassel loafers add a touch of personality and movement.

However, loafers should be avoided in strictly formal or conservative business settings.

 

4. What Shoes to Avoid with a Burgundy Suit

While a burgundy suit is versatile and stylish, not every type of shoe works well with it. Choosing the wrong shoes can quickly ruin the balance of the outfit, making it look awkward, overly casual, or poorly coordinated.

Shoes That Are Too Bright or Flashy

Shoes in very bright colors, such as white, neon shades, or overly bold fashion colors, should generally be avoided with a burgundy suit. These colors clash with the deep, refined tone of burgundy and pull too much attention away from the suit itself.

Bright shoes can:

• Break the visual harmony of the outfit
• Make the look feel unbalanced or gimmicky
• Reduce the elegance that a burgundy suit naturally offers

A burgundy suit works best with grounded, classic shoe colors that complement its richness rather than compete with it.

Sneakers in Formal or Semi-Formal Settings

Although suits with sneakers have become trendy, wearing sneakers with a burgundy suit in formal or semi-formal settings is a mistake. Burgundy already has a strong visual presence, and pairing it with casual footwear often sends mixed style signals.

Avoid sneakers when:

• Attending business or corporate events
• Dressing for weddings, formal dinners, or evening occasions
• The dress code leans toward classic or traditional

Sneakers can work only in very casual, fashion-forward contexts—and even then, they require careful styling. For most situations, classic leather dress shoes are a far safer and more refined choice.

Reddish-Brown Shoes That Are Too Close to the Suit Color

Shoes in reddish-brown or burgundy-adjacent tones can be tricky. When the shoe color is too similar to the burgundy suit, the outfit lacks contrast and can look flat or monotonous.

This happens when:

• The shoes closely match the suit’s red undertones
• There is no clear separation between the suit and the footwear

Instead of creating a cohesive look, this similarity often makes the outfit feel visually heavy. If you want a tone-on-tone effect, oxblood shoes that are clearly darker than the suit are a better option.

Overly Shiny Shoes for Daytime Outfits

Highly polished or high-gloss leather shoes are best reserved for evening or formal occasions. Wearing them with a burgundy suit during the daytime can feel excessive and out of place.

Overly shiny shoes can:

• Make a daytime outfit look too dramatic
• Clash with natural light and casual settings
• Reduce the versatility of the suit

For daytime wear, matte or lightly polished leather shoes in brown, tan, or oxblood look far more natural and balanced with a burgundy suit.

5. Shoes to Wear with a Burgundy Suit for Different Occasions

Choosing the right shoes for a burgundy suit depends heavily on the occasion. The same suit can look formal, relaxed, or fashion-forward simply by changing the shoe color and style.

Burgundy Suit Shoes for Business & Office Wear

For business and office environments, the goal is to keep your burgundy suit looking professional, polished, and appropriate. While burgundy is more expressive than navy or grey, the shoe choice should add structure rather than draw attention.

Best shoe colors for the office:

• Black – Ideal for conservative or corporate workplaces
• Dark brown – A slightly softer but still professional option
• Oxblood – Works well in modern or creative office settings

Recommended shoe styles:

• Oxford shoes for formal business dress codes
• Derby shoes for standard office wear and business casual

Avoid very light brown shoes or loafers in strict office environments, as they can make the outfit feel too casual.

Shoes to Wear with a Burgundy Suit for Weddings

Weddings allow more flexibility, but the shoe choice should still reflect the time of day and your role at the event.

Daytime Weddings

For daytime or outdoor weddings, lighter tones and softer styles work best.

• Best shoe colors: Medium brown, tan, light brown
• Best styles: Derby shoes, monk straps, loafers

These combinations feel elegant yet relaxed, especially when paired with lighter shirts and breathable fabrics.

Evening Weddings

Evening weddings call for deeper colors and a more refined look.

• Best shoe colors: Black, dark brown, oxblood
• Best styles: Oxford shoes, sleek monk straps

Darker shoes enhance the richness of a burgundy suit under evening lighting, creating a sophisticated and formal appearance.

Groom vs. Guest

• Grooms should lean toward darker, more polished shoes to stand out in a refined way
• Guests have more freedom and can choose medium brown or tan shoes, depending on the dress code

Casual & Smart Casual Burgundy Suit Outfits

A burgundy suit works surprisingly well in casual and smart casual settings, especially when worn without a tie. In these cases, shoes play a major role in setting the tone.

Best shoe choices for casual wear:

• Loafers (penny or tassel)
• Monk strap shoes
• Soft leather Derbies

Best shoe colors:

• Medium brown
• Tan
• Oxblood

Loafers are ideal for warm weather, social events, or relaxed gatherings, while monk strap shoes add personality without looking sloppy. Skipping the tie and choosing lighter shoes gives the burgundy suit a modern, effortless feel that still looks intentional and stylish.

6. Matching Shoes, Belt & Accessories with a Burgundy Suit

When wearing a burgundy suit, details matter. Even if your suit and shoes are perfectly chosen, mismatched accessories can quietly ruin the look. Following a few simple coordination rules will help your outfit feel intentional, balanced, and well put together.

The Shoe and Belt Rule

The most important rule is simple: your belt should always match your shoes in color and leather tone. A mismatched belt immediately breaks the flow and makes the outfit feel careless.

This doesn’t mean the colors must be identical, but they should clearly belong to the same family.

• Black shoes → Black leather belt
• Dark brown shoes → Dark brown belt
• Medium brown or tan shoes → Matching brown or tan belt
• Oxblood shoes → Oxblood or very dark brown belt

Matching shoes and the belt creates visual continuity from top to bottom, which is especially important with a bold suit color like burgundy.

If you’re unsure, always prioritize matching the shoe color first, then choose the closest belt tone.

What Color Socks to Wear with a Burgundy Suit

Socks are often overlooked, but they play a key role in keeping the outfit cohesive. The safest and most stylish approach is to match your socks to your trousers, not your shoes.

Best sock colors for a burgundy suit include:

• Burgundy (slightly darker than the suit)
• Dark red or wine
• Charcoal grey
• Dark brown
• Navy (for modern, subtle contrast)

Avoid bright or novelty socks if you’re dressing for business or formal occasions. While patterned socks can work in casual settings, they should stay understated and never overpower the suit.

A good rule of thumb: socks should blend smoothly, not steal attention.

Matching Watches, Leather Bags & Other Accessories

Leather accessories should follow the same logic as shoes and a belt, and stay within the same color family.

Watch straps:

• Black shoes → Black leather strap or metal bracelet
• Brown or tan shoes → Brown or tan leather strap
• Oxblood shoes → Dark brown or oxblood strap

Leather bags, briefcases, or portfolios:

• Match them to your shoes whenever possible
• If exact matching isn’t possible, choose a darker, more neutral tone

Metal accessories also matter. Silver or stainless steel watches tend to look cleaner and more modern with burgundy suits, while gold tones add warmth and work well for evening or formal settings.

The goal is consistency. When shoes, belt, watch strap, and bag are visually aligned, the burgundy suit looks deliberate, polished, and refined rather than over-styled.

Conclusion

Choosing the right shoes to wear with a burgundy suit doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is understanding balance. Matching the depth and warmth of the suit with shoe colors and styles that complement rather than compete with it. More importantly, always consider the occasion, time of day, and overall outfit coordination. The same burgundy suit can feel professional, elegant, or relaxed simply by changing the shoes and accessories. When done right, a burgundy suit becomes one of the most powerful and versatile pieces in a man’s wardrobe.