Sometimes referred to as oxblood or cordovan (a term that’s interchangeable with a specific type of leather), burgundy is a deep reddish-brown color that has style and character. However, it can be somewhat confusing as to what trousers suit this color best.
In this guide, you will learn how to match your trousers with burgundy shoes as we take a look at the following points:
- Burgundy Shoe Coordination Overview
- Matching Burgundy Shoes With Different Trouser Colors
- Printable Shoe & Trouser Coordination Download
You can use the links above to jump ahead or scroll down to read it all! Alternatively, head to menu below to see our other color coordination guides.
Matching Trousers With Burgundy Shoes Overview
Once you’ve acquired your black, dark brown, and light brown shoes, the next color to pick up is burgundy. It’s next in line in wardrobe acquisition, being one of the classic colors for men’s shoes. As you will see below, it’s also quite versatile and is a great way to give your suits some new life.
Read on for a comprehensive guide on how to wear and pair this special shoe color.
NOTE: There are exceptions to every rule.
Use your good judgement, and feel free to leave us a comment if you have questions!
Read on for full explanations and reasoning of the above coordination suggestions. Or, click here to go see our Ultimate Shoe & Trouser Color Coordination Matrix showcasing how to match any color shoes with any color trousers.
How To Coordinate Burgundy Shoes With Different Trousers
Best Trouser Matches
Navy
To oversimplify things a bit, navy is a very deep blue, and burgundy is a deep red. These are two primary colors that pair wonderfully together. A navy suit with burgundy shoes is a classic combination that’s handsome and a bit more unique than a pair of regular brown shoes.
Above is an interesting example, which demonstrates how well burgundy and navy pair together. The Italian-made Ace Marks Vincent brogues feature both tan and burgundy calfskin leather.
On its own, the tan leather would likely clash with the navy trousers and not be a particularly successful pairing. However, the burgundy calfskin leather helps frame the tan and blend it in with the navy trousers. Meanwhile, the additional crimson checks help combine the two even further.
Nevertheless, even without the checks, the burgundy leather would have been very effective in subduing the tan and making the whole ensemble work out.
Dark Grey
Dark grey trousers with burgundy shoes is a can’t-miss combination as demonstrated once again by Ace Marks above.
Similar in terms of formality to the navy combination above, this is a great office look, particularly if you work in a sartorially conservative industry and want to stand out in a subtle, positive way.
Light Grey
You can make your burgundy shoes warm weather-appropriate by pairing them with some light grey trousers. The contrast is lovely between these two colors, and tossing in a red accessory or two won’t hurt your cause either.
Olive
The brownish-green trouser with a brownish-red shoe has been a classic combination for a very long time. Even lighter shades of green will work, just make sure you don’t venture into kelly green territory. This one works particularly well with olive suits, one of the standard colors for a man’s wardrobe.
Tan
A rich Earth tone like tan is a handsome mate for a burgundy shoe. It’s a great way to stay work-appropriate while wearing a relatively non-standard color. Try throwing on a blue top to work in a primary color combination for extra points.
Beige
This combination works particularly well if the beige is a shade of oatmeal. There’s a richness and depth of color there that lends itself very well to burgundy, and it’s more off the beaten path than a plain brown shoe.
Jeans
If you’ve got a pair of dark jeans and are headed out for an evening, a pair of burgundy shoes can’t miss. They take the place of a dark brown shoe in this context and add visual interest with the red. This is a great way to differentiate yourself from all the other single guys at the bar. Well, that and be a gentleman.
Blue
Blue trousers and burgundy shoes work for the same reason navy trousers work. The lighter blue will be more casual, though, so make sure your shoe choice is in keeping with that.
Brown
Chocolate trousers pair very harmoniously with burgundy, which has a fair amount of brown in it to begin with. If you own a brown suit, try this combination out with a white shirt to start and let the compliments roll in.
White
White trousers will lend a fun, new personality to burgundy shoes. Try it on a summer evening.
Acceptable Trouser Matches
Nothing in this category! Burgundy shoes are either a yes or a no for us.
No-Go Trouser Matches
Black
We don’t recommend pairing black trousers with burgundy shoes. Should you ever find burgundy trousers, feel free to throw on some black shoes, just not the other way around.
Red
This combination would be far too matchy-matchy to work well. Avoid it at all costs and consider white, blue, or light brown shoes instead.
Free Printable Download For Reference At Home
Feel free to download a one-page printout of these guides for your convenience so that you can use it at home!
What Next?
Now that you have read about the how to match trousers with burgundy shoes, feel free to peruse our related guides below:
Shoe Content
Hello!
I conclude that burgundy is quite versatile to be paired with variety colours. If it’s so, does oxblood have same characteristics and versatility as burgundy do? Tassel loafers in burgundy (or oxblood, perhaps) might look good. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Alfinsa
Hi Alfinsa,
I would argue that they’re very similar and both offer similar levels of versatility. However, Oxblood is going to be a little more outgoing and less of a subtle colour. Burgundy is cooler as it leans more towards purple. Meanwhile, Oxblood features greater tones of red, which makes it richer and warmer.
I’m a big fan of burgundy tassel loafers but I think oxblood would be a great choice here too.
All the best,
CP
Hi, thanks for the post. i was just wondering if charcoal and dark grey were the same thing in terms of matching with burgundy/ oxblood shoes?
thanks
Hi Hugh,
Charcoal is the darkest shade of grey before becoming black whereas dark grey will be comparably lighter. I’d actually take care in pairing charcoal with burgundy as they may not necessarily match given its closeness to black.
Best,
CP
I have a warm dark grey trousers! Can I pair it with burgundy shoes?
Absolutely!
Thank you for such a nice article. I love burgundy shoes but
I do not own a single pair for the simple reason that i have read so many articles differentiating between ‘oxblood, burgundy and maroon’ which has left me quite confused.
I need a shoe which can be worn with my ‘chocolate brown trousers’ which is actually quite a difficult colour to match shoes with. What would be your suggestion?
Hi Kailash,
Head to this guide to see brown trousers: https://bespokeunit.com/shoes/trouser-coordination/brown-trousers/
Ironically, the most recommend colour is burgundy!
All the best,
CP
Burgundy toe cap shoes. Camel slacks. Camel mock turtle neck. Dark blue blazer. ? Your take PLEASE. And sock color. Thank.you
What shirt to wear with burgundy loafers ??
Hey Dhiraj,
I would concentrate on the shirt matching the trousers (if the trousers match the shoes.) This being said, you can’t go wrong with a white shirt.
Rafael
Would you recommend burgundy shoes with earthy pink trousers? Its not a bright shade of pink rather a more subtle shade which you can wear as business casuals. Tan shoes are ruled out. I’m tossing up between dark brown and burgundy shoes. Thanks
Hello,
It’s difficult to be certain without being able to see the actual tone of the trousers. This being said, it sounds like the burgundy shoes should work if the trousers are relatively light in tone. It’d be up to you to determine if you like the look in person. As you mention, if the burgundy shoes clash too much with the pink trousers, brown shoes are likely a safer bet.
Rafael
When I was a young man, 30 yrs ago, no one wore brown shoes except with brown, tan, or olive slacks, but for some reason it seems that everyone seems to be wearing brown shoes for almost all dress wear. I much prefer burgundy shoes with a navy suit than brown as they are not complementary colors in my estimation. I don’t even own a pair of brown dress shoes but many only own brown shoes these days.
What changed, and why is everyone wearing brown shoes with everything but black pants or suits these days?
I prefer black shoes for most dress wear as they have a classic clean look IMO.
Hey there David,
I’d argue that the rise of brown shoes is down to convenience. Brown shoes are very easy to pair with any number of suit colors and even less formal pants like chinos or even jeans. I agree that burgundy shoes and a blue suit are a phenomenal combination, but I’m sure many don’t want to take the risk of buying burgundy dress shoes and not being able to wear them often enough.
Many thanks for your comment,
Rafael
Any thoughts on pairing burgundy/oxblood shoes with a burgundy suit? Would that not work well or would it be okay?
Hello,
That shoe/suit pair sounds like it’d be too much burgundy in one outfit. Black shoes is likely to be your best bet for a burgundy suit.
Rafael
My question is related to the belt. Should I try for a precisely matching belt? Let’s say, for example, with navy or dark grey slacks. Or could I go with a dark brown?
Hey Derek,
In this scenario, the dark brown will work just as well.
Rafael
How does Burgundy compare to Black Cherry? Do you think Black Cherry shoes could be worn with all the same things Burgundy shoes could be worn with?
Hey Ken,
I suppose in the case of Black Cherry shoes it will depend on the tone. From what I’m seeing online, it can vary from very dark (almost black) to more reddish varieties. Depending on your pair of shoes, I’d consider them either Burgundy per this guide or black per our Black Shoes Coordination guide (https://bespokeunit.com/shoes/trouser-coordination/black-shoes/)
Best,
Rafael
Hiya, I could really use some help. I have a beautiful pair of Doc Martens “Adrian Arcadia – Cherry Red” loafers. What color belt is most appropriate to match with this color of shoes?
Hey Ali,
I’ve just looked those loafers up – I quite like the deep red tone of the leather! I think a very dark brown or even burgundy belt would match best with them, though be mindful that the belt’s color is not brighter than the shoes themselves.
Hope this helps,
Rafael
I like burgundy dress shoes; however, my lifestyle is 99% casual and a pair in this color would be a waste of money, at least for me, and I’ve never seen a pair of men’s casual burgundy shoes that looked good. It’s a color for men who live in suits and blazers. I own a few burgundy shirts and even a pair of burgundy pants but no burgundy shoes. I also don’t see owning a burgundy suit or jacket unless one attends a lot of cocktail parties since it gives off a mostly evening vibe, my lifestyle centered mainly around day time pursuits.
Hey Anthony,
You make a good point; burgundy isn’t the color you want in your first pair of dress shoes, or even your fifth. It can be tough to pair correctly and tends to fit more formal ensembles best. On your part, I think it’s excellent that you realize that you must abstain from buying a pair as you won’t give them much wear. I’ll admit I’ve made this mistake before, where I buy a pair of shoes before analyzing how often I am likely to wear them or how many other parts of my wardrobe I’ll be able to wear them with.
Rafael