25 Best Pants Colors to Pair with Burgundy Shirts in 2026: The Ultimate Style Guide

Hi, Friend! Jen Glantz here. I’m a bestselling author, the first ever bridesmaid for hire and have been hired by hundreds of brides all over the world. Let’s talk about what color pants go with burgundy shirt.

Let’s be real: bold colors are stressful. I once spent a solid twenty minutes staring at a deep red button-down in my closet, paralyzed by the fear that the wrong pants would make me look like a valet driver instead of a dinner date. It turns out, I’m not the only one overthinking this. Plenty of guys find it tough to choose the right matching pants for a maroon shirt, even though it’s actually one of the easiest colors to pull off once you know the rules.

Quick Resources:

• Match colors confidently with the Color Analysis Quiz (Free)

• Explore the full suite of All Wedding Tools

Since the shades are pretty much cousins, a lot of the best pants colors to wear with a maroon shirt work here, too.

We’re going to fix that confusion. This isn’t just a list of colors; it’s a breakdown of how to style this powerhouse shirt so you can walk out the door feeling like a million bucks. We’re looking at the specific pants colors pair burgundy shirts best so you never have to second-guess the mirror again.

Figure out which shades work best on you with the Color Analysis Quiz

TL;DR (The Cheat Sheet)

In a rush? Here’s the highlight reel. Burgundy is super adaptable, but the fabric and the event dictate the pairing. Also, heads up: we are seeing a massive shift toward “earthy luxury” and texture for the upcoming seasons.

Occasion	Go-To Pairing	The Vibe	Pro Tip
Office/Business	Charcoal Grey or Midnight Navy	Professional & Sharp	Stick to wool or gabardine fabrics.
Date Night	Dark Wash Denim or Black Jeans	Sleek & Moody	No holes in the jeans. Keep it clean.
Summer Event	Cream, Stone, or White	Airy & Bright	Linen is your best friend here.
Casual Weekend	Camel or Olive Green	Earthy & Relaxed	Texture is key—think corduroy.

• Best for Office: Charcoal Grey, Midnight Navy, and Slate Blue. It says “I know what I’m doing.”

• Best for Dates: Dark Wash Denim or Black Jeans. It’s sleek and flattering.

• Trend Alert: Brown, Olive, and Camel are huge for the “earthy luxury” trend coming in 2026.

• Summer Events: High contrast is the move. Cream, Stone, or Crisp White trousers.

• The Golden Rule: Match the “weight” of the pants to the shirt (e.g., wool trousers with dress shirts, denim with flannels).

The Basics: How to Not Mess This Up

You can’t just throw on any pair of pants and hope for the best. To make the outfit look intentional rather than accidental, you have to think about a few things: formality, contrast, and undertones. These are the factors that decide which colours that go with burgundy will actually work.

Read the Room (Formality)

Fabric choice says a lot before you even open your mouth. A burgundy dress shirt needs wool trousers to keep that sharp, boardroom silhouette. On the flip side, a burgundy flannel or polo looks weird with suit pants—it belongs with denim or chinos. Always match the “weight” of the shirt to the pants.

Think about the “Gym Shoe” mistake. Imagine wearing a crisp, silk-blend burgundy dress shirt tucked into grey joggers. Even if the colors match perfectly, you look crazy. The shirt says “CEO,” the pants say “Netflix.” Fix it by swapping the joggers for grey chinos—same color, correct formality.

Contrast is Key

It’s all about balance. Pairing burgundy with dark colors (low contrast) looks moody, formal, and slimming. Pairing it with light colors (high contrast) feels casual, approachable, and summery. Choose your pants based on whether you want to blend in or stand out.

Check the Undertones

Burgundy isn’t just one color. Some shirts lean purple (cool), while others lean brown or maroon (warm). Cool burgundy looks sharpest with greys, silvers, and pure whites. Warm burgundy shines when paired with creams, tans, olives, and gold accents. Take the shirt into natural sunlight to figure out what you’re working with.

Identify warm vs. cool burgundy using the Color Analysis Quiz

The Earthy Luxury Trend

Fashion is moving away from flat, shiny colors and toward texture. The forecast for 2026 is all about “earthy luxury.” We’re talking tweeds, corduroys, and rich weaves. When you’re buying pants, think about how the material feels, not just the color code.

See which earthy tones flatter you most with the Color Analysis Quiz

Category A: The Corporate & Formal Classics

These are your timeless options for weddings, big meetings, or fancy dinners. These pairings are about looking professional and put-together.

1. Charcoal Grey

Charcoal wool trousers are the modern alternative to black. It’s high formality, but softer. It’s easily the safest bet for daily office wear.

You can level this up by nailing the shoes. Check out the best shoe colors to pair with charcoal pants—usually black oxfords or dark brown brogues.

2. Midnight Navy

We’re talking about a blue so dark it looks black in dim light. Navy and burgundy are a classic heritage combo. It reads trustworthy and collegiate. It works because it’s formal, but has just enough color difference to not look boring.

3. Black

Slim-fit black dress slacks create a vampy, evening vibe. It’s sleek, but be careful—in bright daylight, it can look a little harsh. Save this one for evening dates, winter weddings, or when you want to look a little intimidating (in a good way).

If you wear black pants a lot, knowing the perfect shirt colors to wear with black pants beyond just burgundy will help you get more mileage out of your closet.

4. Slate Blue

Slate blue has a greyish undertone that bridges the gap between the red shirt and the blue pants. It’s easier on the eyes than a bright royal blue and works great for business casual.

5. Cool Silver-Grey

Lighter grey trousers, maybe with a sharkskin finish, create a high-contrast look that pops in photos. This is a killer choice for groomsmen because the silver brightens up the deep burgundy.

Category B: The Earthy & Natural Vibe

Grounded tones are huge right now. These colors feel cozy, academic, and sophisticated. If you’re looking for colours go with burgundy in a natural setting, start here.

Earthy Tone	Best Fabric Match	When to Wear It
Olive Green	Cotton Chino or Heavy Twill	Autumn & Early Spring
Chocolate Brown	Corduroy or Flannel Wool	Deep Winter
Camel	Moleskin or Wool Blend	Autumn Outdoor Events
Taupe	Lightweight Cotton or Linen Blend	Spring Transition

6. Olive Green

Red and green are opposites on the color wheel, which makes them complementary. But you have to be careful not to look like a Christmas tree. Use a matte olive chino to tone it down. It’s sophisticated and rugged.

7. Chocolate Brown

Rich espresso-colored trousers are a massive trend for next year. Pairing warm burgundy with warm brown feels vintage and academic. It’s a cozy look that fits perfectly in a fall wardrobe.

8. Camel

Golden-brown wool or heavy cotton pants look expensive. The brightness of the camel elevates the deep burgundy, creating a high-contrast look that screams “autumn luxury.” Great for outdoor events.

9. Taupe

If you want a neutral that isn’t as harsh as grey, go with taupe. This brownish-grey mix offers soft contrast and works for everything from casual hangouts to casual Fridays. It brings out the warmth in the shirt without overpowering it.

10. Forest Green

Deep, dark green corduroy or wool suggests a moody aesthetic. It’s a bold choice that works specifically in winter. It keeps the contrast low but adds a rich layer of complexity.

Category C: Light Neutrals & Summer Weddings

High contrast options are perfect for daytime events and warmer seasons. These pairings make the burgundy shirt feel lighter and more approachable.

11. Classic Khaki

Standard beige chinos are the ultimate “Friday at the office” staple. Is it groundbreaking? No. Is it safe, preppy, and reliable? Absolutely.

12. Stone or Putty

Stone is a greyish-beige that reads cooler than khaki. It feels more modern and works exceptionally well with “cool” toned burgundy shirts that lean toward purple. It’s a refined step up from standard beige.

13. Cream or Off-White

Linen or light cotton trousers in cream look incredible for a beach wedding or summer cocktail party. It screams luxury. You have to be careful not to spill your drink, but the look is worth the risk.

Here’s a summer wedding hack: You’re invited to a coastal wedding in July. Black suits are too hot. Khaki feels too casual. Go for a lightweight, burgundy linen shirt (sleeves rolled up) tucked into crisp cream trousers with loafers. You’ll look appropriate, comfortable, and way better than the guys sweating in dark wool.

Make high-contrast summer outfits foolproof with the Color Analysis Quiz

14. Crisp White

Pure white denim or cotton trousers create maximum contrast. This is a bold, nautical vibe that requires some confidence to pull off. It’s a very European summer look.

15. Light Tan

Warmer than stone but lighter than camel, light tan is a relaxed option for family gatherings. It brings out the warmth in maroon-leaning shirts and keeps the vibe friendly.

Category D: Denim & Textural Casual

Everyday looks rely on fabric texture to keep things interesting. These pairings are about comfort and style for social settings.

16. Dark Wash Indigo Denim

Raw or dark blue jeans with no distressing are the ultimate “going out to dinner” pants. They dress down the shirt without making you look sloppy. It’s universally flattering.

If you live in denim, checking out the best shirt colors to pair with dark wash jeans can help you rotate other tops into this reliable outfit formula.

17. Medium Wash Vintage Denim

Lighter blue jeans with fading create a relaxed Americana vibe. This is best for daytime stuff. It says you put thought into your outfit but didn’t try too hard.

18. Black Denim

Black jeans give you an edgy, musician-inspired look. Great for concerts or bars. It feels younger and cooler than black dress slacks.

19. Grey Corduroy

Texture is huge for 2026, and the ribs of grey corduroy add some necessary visual interest against a smooth cotton shirt. This “casual academic” look is perfect for cooler months.

20. Brown Tweed or Herringbone

Patterned wool trousers channel a “professor” or “English countryside” vibe. This smart casual option uses pattern contrast to elevate the outfit. Sophisticated and warm.

Category E: Bold & Fashion-Forward

These options are for the guys willing to experiment with color theory and make a statement. These are creative colours that go with burgundy for the adventurous dresser.

Pant Color	Why It Works	Risk Level	Best For…
Mustard Yellow	Complementary (High Contrast)	High	Creative industries, Art gallery openings
Deep Teal	Triadic/Jewel Tone	Medium-High	Holiday parties, Evening cocktails
Rust Orange	Analogous (Low Contrast)	Medium	Autumn festivals, Casual dates
Burgundy Suit	Monochromatic	Medium	Fashion-forward formal events

21. Mustard Yellow

Muted, spicy yellow trousers give off a retro 70s vibe. It’s bold. It’s artistic. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it looks incredible when done right.

22. Deep Teal

Teal is a dark blue-green that pairs uniquely with burgundy because both are jewel tones. It stands out in a room full of grey and navy suits without looking like a costume.

23. Rust or Burnt Orange

Since rust and burgundy sit near each other on the color wheel, they create a sunset-inspired palette. It feels warm and creative.

24. Glen Plaid

Grey pants with a subtle burgundy check pattern overlay are a total pro move. Matching the check in the pants to the solid color of the shirt ties the whole look together seamlessly.

25. Burgundy Monochromatic Suit

Wearing a full burgundy suit is a massive power move for 2026. This no-contrast look elongates the body and makes a serious statement. It’s very formal and undeniably stylish.

If you want to flip this look, exploring the best shirt colors to pair with maroon pants can give you some similar monochromatic inspiration.

Stop Stressing Over Wedding Wardrobes

If you’re reading this list, there’s a pretty good chance you’re prepping for a wedding. Maybe you’re a groom trying to decide on a look, or a bridesmaid trying to coordinate the groomsmen. These micro-decisions—like choosing between Grey or Camel pants—can quickly turn into major stress. This is where Bridesmaid for Hire steps in.

Avoid color coordination stress by starting with the Color Analysis Quiz

Think about the classic groomsmen debate. You have four guys. Two want to wear black pants because they already own them; the other two want to buy tan suits to match the rustic venue. The bride wants everyone in burgundy shirts. Instead of mediating this argument yourself and risking friction, a professional support system can objectively analyze the venue, the photography style, and the budget to recommend the perfect compromise (likely Charcoal Grey) that keeps everyone happy.

Jen Glantz and her team do more than just stand at the altar; they act as a professional support system for the entire wedding process. They serve as the unbiased “voice of reason” when you are arguing over color palettes or dress codes. Whether it is curating outfits that fit the 2026 trends or handling a fashion emergency on the big day, having a professional by your side allows you to stop worrying about the logistics and actually enjoy the celebration.

Final Thoughts

Styling a burgundy shirt doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether you choose the safety of charcoal grey or the boldness of mustard yellow, the key is confidence. Use this list as your roadmap, trust your gut, and put together a look that feels like you. Remember, finding the right colours that go with burgundy is just the first step; wearing them with confidence is what actually makes the outfit work. Now, go get dressed.