25 Best Shirt Colors to Pair with Burgundy Pants: Ultimate Style Guide for 2025

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 shirt goes with burgundy pants.

I’ve always found burgundy pants to be that perfect middle ground between boring neutrals and over-the-top statement pieces. They’re rich, sophisticated, and surprisingly versatile—but only if you know what shirts to pair them with.

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What to Consider When Pairing Shirts with Burgundy Pants

When I’m putting together an outfit with burgundy pants, I first think about color harmony. Understanding complementary colors (those opposite on the color wheel) and analogous colors (those adjacent) makes all the difference. Burgundy sits between red and violet on the color wheel, which opens up interesting pairing possibilities with greens (complementary) and purples or reds (analogous).

The occasion matters tremendously too. What works for a creative office environment might be completely inappropriate for a formal business meeting. I’ve learned this the hard way!

Seasons also influence my shirt choices. I’ll reach for lighter, brighter shirts in summer and deeper, richer tones during winter months. This seasonal adjustment keeps my burgundy pants in rotation year-round.

Fabric texture is another crucial factor I consider. Burgundy pants typically have a heavier visual weight than standard khakis, so I need shirts that create balance rather than disconnect. A flimsy shirt fabric can look oddly mismatched against substantial burgundy trousers.

My personal complexion also guides my choices. I’ve found that certain shirt colors that complement burgundy might not necessarily complement my skin tone. It’s worth experimenting to find what works for your specific coloring.

Color Relationship	Description	Effect with Burgundy
Complementary	Colors opposite on the color wheel	High contrast, vibrant look
Analogous	Colors adjacent on the color wheel	Harmonious, cohesive look
Monochromatic	Different shades of the same color	Sophisticated, unified look
Neutral	Whites, blacks, grays, beiges	Versatile, balanced look

When planning your burgundy pants outfit, consider the event formality – as explained in our guide on whether to add a theme to your bridal party, cohesive color coordination creates a polished appearance for special occasions.

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Classic Neutrals That Complement Burgundy

1. Crisp White: The Ultimate Versatile Pairing

Nothing beats a crisp white button-down with burgundy pants. I love this combination because it creates maximum contrast and a sharp, clean appearance that works literally everywhere. I’ve worn this pairing to business meetings, casual brunches, and even semi-formal evening events.

The stark contrast between white and burgundy creates this amazing visual interest through color blocking. Your eye is naturally drawn to both pieces without them competing with each other. I’ve found that different white shirt fabrics can completely transform the look—Oxford cloth for a more casual vibe, poplin for business settings, and linen for summer outings.

White shirts are truly the Swiss Army knife of my burgundy pants outfits. They flatter all skin tones and can be dressed up with accessories or down for more casual occasions. I’ve never regretted reaching for white when I’m in a hurry and need a foolproof pairing.

2. Light Beige: Elegant Understated Sophistication

I’ve discovered that beige shirts create this wonderfully elegant, understated combination with burgundy pants. There’s something about this pairing that feels sophisticated without trying too hard—perfect for those professional settings where I want to look polished but not flashy.

Beige and burgundy share warm undertones, creating a harmonious color relationship that feels cohesive rather than contrasting. I particularly love this combination during spring and summer months when lighter colors feel more seasonally appropriate.

What I appreciate most about this pairing is how the subtle contrast flatters warmer skin tones. The neutral quality of beige allows burgundy to remain the focal point while still creating a complete, intentional outfit. It’s my go-to when I want to look refined without the starkness of white.

3. Charcoal Gray: Rich Refined Combination

Charcoal gray creates a rich, sophisticated pairing with my burgundy pants that I reach for constantly during fall and winter. There’s something about this combination that feels mature and refined without the severity of black.

The depth of charcoal complements burgundy’s richness while maintaining a professional aesthetic. I’ve found this combination works exceptionally well in business settings and evening events where I want to project confidence and competence.

Charcoal gray contains cool undertones that balance burgundy’s warmth, creating a visually balanced outfit. The similar depth and saturation levels create a cohesive look that reads as intentional and sophisticated. When I wear this combination, I often receive compliments on how “put together” I look.

4. Black: Bold Dramatic Contrast

When I want to make a statement, I pair my burgundy pants with a black shirt. This bold combination creates a powerful, dramatic contrast that turns heads. I’ve found it works particularly well for evening events, art openings, and creative environments where fashion-forward choices are appreciated.

The stark contrast creates a striking look that’s best suited for cooler seasons or air-conditioned environments. Black and burgundy both contain depth and richness that create a luxurious, high-contrast pairing that reads as more formal than other options.

I’ve noticed the formal nature of black elevates burgundy pants from casual to sophisticated, making this combination particularly effective for evening events. When I’m heading to a dinner party or cocktail event, this is often my first choice.

5. Ivory/Off-White: Subtle Sophisticated Alternative

I’ve grown to appreciate ivory as a more subtle alternative to pure white when wearing my burgundy pants. This softer neutral feels less formal but equally refined, creating a sophisticated look that works across various settings.

Ivory is more forgiving than bright white, which I find especially helpful in less-than-perfect lighting conditions. It flatters most skin tones and transitions beautifully between seasons and occasions.

The warm undertones in ivory create a more harmonious relationship with burgundy than stark white. I’ve noticed ivory’s softness reduces the contrast level, creating a more approachable, less severe look that works well in both professional and social settings. It’s become my secret weapon for looking polished without appearing overly formal.

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Cool Tones for Sophisticated Combinations

6. Pale Blue: Classic Approachable Contrast

I’ve found pale blue shirts create a pleasing color contrast with burgundy pants while maintaining a classic, approachable vibe. This combination has become one of my most versatile pairings, working seamlessly for both business and casual settings.

Pale blue sits opposite burgundy on the color wheel, creating a partial complementary relationship that’s visually balanced without being overwhelming. The lightness of pale blue against the depth of burgundy creates a value contrast that adds visual interest to my outfit.

A marketing executive wears burgundy chinos with a light blue Oxford button-down for a client presentation. He completes the look with brown leather loafers and a matching belt. The combination proves perfect for making a positive impression while maintaining approachability—the pale blue softens the richness of the burgundy while still looking polished and professional. After receiving compliments from both clients and colleagues, he adopts this as his signature look for important meetings.

I’ve noticed pale blue shirts are appropriate year-round and flatter most complexions. They create a fresh, clean look that’s both professional and accessible. When I’m not sure what to wear with my burgundy pants, pale blue rarely disappoints.

7. Navy Blue: Rich Complementary Pairing

Navy blue creates a rich, complementary pairing with burgundy that I’ve come to rely on for a sophisticated look. There’s something about this combination that feels preppy and polished in the best possible way.

This pairing works well across seasons and formality levels. I’ve worn it to office meetings and social gatherings with equal success. Navy’s depth complements burgundy’s richness while maintaining distinct color separation.

Navy and burgundy share similar depth and saturation levels, creating a balanced pairing of equals. I’ve found both colors have traditional associations with professionalism and classic style, making this combination particularly effective in conservative environments where I want to show personality without pushing boundaries.

8. Lavender: Harmonious Fashion-Forward Look

I’ve discovered that lavender creates a surprisingly harmonious analogous color scheme with burgundy. This creative pairing has become one of my favorites for spring and summer events like weddings and social gatherings.

The purple undertones in both colors create a cohesive look that reads as artistic and intentional. I’ve found this combination works best in social rather than conservative business settings, where its fashion-forward nature is more appreciated.

Lavender and burgundy share purple undertones, creating an analogous color relationship that feels harmonious and intentional. The lightness of lavender against burgundy’s depth creates a pleasing value contrast while maintaining color family harmony. When I wear this combination, I often receive compliments on my color coordination skills.

9. Mint Green: Refreshing Unexpected Contrast

Mint green creates an unexpected but pleasing contrast with burgundy’s richness that I’ve grown to love. This refreshing combination has become my go-to for spring and summer occasions like garden parties and outdoor gatherings.

The pairing creates a youthful, fresh appearance that’s more appropriate for social contexts than professional environments. I’ve found it offers a creative alternative to standard combinations when I want to stand out in a tasteful way.

For outdoor events where you’ll showcase your burgundy pants outfit, consider the weather conditions – our guide on creating a rain day wedding backup plan offers smart strategies for adapting your attire to changing conditions.

Mint green contains elements of burgundy’s complementary color (green), creating a partial complementary relationship that’s visually balanced. The coolness and lightness of mint provides maximum contrast to burgundy’s warmth and depth, creating a high-impact visual statement that I love for occasions where I want to make a memorable impression.

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10. Light Gray: Versatile Elegant Neutral

Light gray pairs elegantly with burgundy pants while maintaining versatility across seasons and settings. I’ve found this cool-toned neutral works beautifully for both business and casual environments, creating a sophisticated look that flatters most skin tones.

The subtle contrast allows burgundy to stand out while creating a cohesive, intentional outfit. Light gray’s neutrality allows burgundy to be the focal point while still creating a complete, intentional outfit.

I’ve noticed the cool undertones in light gray balance burgundy’s warmth, creating a visually balanced combination. This pairing has become one of my reliable standbys when I want to look put-together without overthinking my outfit choice.

Warm Tones That Create Rich Pairings

Warm Tone	Best Season	Formality Level	Ideal Occasions
Mustard Yellow	Fall/Winter	Casual to Smart Casual	Creative workplaces, weekend outings
Burnt Orange	Fall	Casual	Outdoor events, casual dinners
Camel/Tan	Fall/Winter	Business to Smart Casual	Professional meetings, upscale events
Coral	Spring/Summer	Casual to Smart Casual	Outdoor parties, social gatherings
Olive Green	Fall/Winter	Casual to Smart Casual	Outdoor activities, casual workplaces

11. Mustard Yellow: Striking Complementary Statement

I’ve found mustard yellow creates a striking complementary color scheme with burgundy that never fails to get noticed. This bold combination has become my favorite for fall and winter occasions, particularly in creative or casual environments.

The rich, warm pairing makes an artistic statement that requires confidence to pull off effectively. I won’t lie—the first time I tried this combination, I felt a bit self-conscious. But the compliments I received convinced me it was worth stepping outside my comfort zone.

Mustard yellow contains elements that complement burgundy on the color wheel, creating a partial complementary relationship with high visual impact. Both colors share warm undertones and similar saturation levels, creating a cohesive pairing despite their distinct hue differences. When I want to make a memorable impression, this is my go-to combination.

12. Burnt Orange: Warm Autumnal Harmony

Burnt orange creates a warm analogous color palette with burgundy that I absolutely love for fall. This combination has become my perfect choice for casual dinners and outdoor events during autumn months.

The warm, inviting appearance works best in casual or creative settings rather than conservative environments. I’ve found it creates a seasonal statement that feels intentional and cohesive without trying too hard.

Burnt orange and burgundy sit near each other on the color wheel, creating an analogous relationship that feels harmonious and intentional. Both colors share warm undertones and similar saturation levels, creating a cohesive fall palette that reads as seasonally appropriate. When I wear this combination, I feel perfectly in tune with the autumn atmosphere.

13. Camel/Tan: Elegant Harmonious Combination

Camel creates an elegant, harmonious pairing with burgundy pants that I reach for constantly during fall and winter. This warm neutral combination looks rich and expensive without being flashy.

I’ve found this pairing works best for business meetings and upscale events where I want to project sophistication and confidence. The subtle contrast flatters most skin tones while creating a polished look that works across various professional and social settings.

Camel and burgundy share warm undertones, creating a harmonious color relationship that feels cohesive rather than contrasting. The neutral quality of camel allows burgundy to remain a focal point while still creating a complete, intentional outfit. This has become my signature combination when I want to look effortlessly elegant.

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14. Coral: Vibrant Summer Contrast

I’ve discovered that coral creates a vibrant contrast with burgundy for a bold summer look that turns heads. This bright, warm combination has become my favorite for spring and summer social events like cocktail parties and outdoor gatherings.

The youthful, energetic appearance is more appropriate for social occasions than business settings. I’ve found it offers a fresh seasonal alternative to standard pairings when I want to express my personality through my clothing choices.

Coral’s brightness and lightness provides maximum contrast to burgundy’s depth, creating a high-impact visual statement. Both colors share warm undertones despite their different saturation levels, creating a relationship that feels intentional rather than random. When I wear this combination to summer events, I always feel perfectly dressed for the season.

15. Olive Green: Sophisticated Earthy Complement

Olive green creates a sophisticated, complementary pairing with burgundy that I’ve come to appreciate for its versatility. This earthy combination creates a rugged, outdoorsy aesthetic that works well in fall and winter for casual and smart casual settings.

The natural harmony between these colors creates a grounded, masculine look that’s both approachable and intentional. I’ve found this combination particularly effective for weekend activities and casual workplaces where I want to look put-together without appearing overly formal.

Olive green contains elements that complement burgundy on the color wheel, creating a partial complementary relationship with natural harmony. Both colors have muted, earthy qualities that create a cohesive palette inspired by natural elements. This combination has become one of my reliable standbys for fall and winter casual wear.

Patterns and Textures for Added Dimension

16. Blue and White Stripes: Classic Dimensional Interest

I’ve found that blue and white striped shirts add visual interest to burgundy pants while maintaining timeless appeal. This versatile pattern has become one of my go-to choices across seasons for both business casual and social settings.

The pattern adds dimension without overwhelming the outfit, creating a preppy, polished look that’s both approachable and put-together. I love how the blue elements in the pattern create the same color relationship with burgundy as solid blue shirts, while the white elements add brightness and contrast.

When building your burgundy pants outfit with patterned shirts, remember that pattern scale matters – similar to how you’d personalize your wedding welcome bags with appropriately sized items, choose pattern scales that complement rather than compete with your outfit’s proportions.

The vertical lines in striped patterns can create a slimming effect that balances the visual weight of burgundy pants. I’ve found this particularly helpful when wearing heavier burgundy fabrics like wool or corduroy.

17. Small-Scale Checks: Subtle Textural Complement

Subtle checked patterns in neutral colors work beautifully with my burgundy pants. These small-scale patterns add visual texture without competing with the pants, working year-round for business casual environments.

The dimensional interest creates a more dynamic outfit while maintaining the sophistication of the burgundy base. I’ve found small-scale patterns read as a textural element rather than a competing focal point, allowing burgundy to remain the statement piece in my outfit.

A university professor pairs his burgundy wool trousers with a small-scale gingham check shirt in navy and white for a department meeting. The pattern adds visual interest without overwhelming the rich burgundy pants. He layers a neutral cardigan over the shirt when the lecture hall gets chilly. This combination perfectly balances academic professionalism with approachable style, allowing him to command respect while remaining accessible to students. The small-scale pattern ensures the look remains sophisticated rather than busy.

The incorporation of multiple neutral tones in checked patterns creates a bridge between the burgundy pants and other accessories. This makes it easier for me to coordinate shoes, belts, and other elements into a cohesive outfit.

18. White Shirt with Subtle Pattern: Versatile Visual Interest

A white shirt with minimal patterning adds interest while maintaining the versatility of solid white. I’ve found this option provides more visual dimension than plain white while remaining appropriate for most settings and seasons.

The subtle pattern creates a more dynamic look without sacrificing the clean, crisp appeal of the white and burgundy combination. The white base maintains the high contrast relationship with burgundy while the pattern adds visual texture.

I’ve noticed subtle patterns on white backgrounds maintain formality while adding personality, making them suitable for professional environments where I want to show some individuality without pushing boundaries. This has become one of my favorite ways to add interest to my burgundy pants outfits without sacrificing versatility.

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19. Textured White: Dimensional Casual Sophistication

White shirts with textural elements like oxford cloth, piqué, or waffle knit add dimension to my burgundy pairings. These textures create a more casual feel than smooth fabrics while maintaining the clean contrast of white against burgundy.

The added visual interest works well across seasons and settings, creating depth without sacrificing versatility. I’ve found textural elements add visual interest through light and shadow rather than color, maintaining the clean contrast of white against burgundy.

Different textures signal different formality levels (oxford cloth for business casual, waffle knit for weekend casual) while maintaining the same color relationship. This allows me to fine-tune my outfit’s formality level without changing the color palette, which I find incredibly useful for different occasions.

20. Chambray: Casual Polished Texture

Chambray creates a casual yet put-together look with my burgundy pants that I reach for constantly on weekends. This textured blue fabric works perfectly for weekend errands and casual Fridays, creating a relaxed but polished appearance.

The denim-like quality adds approachable dimension while the blue tone creates a pleasing color contrast with burgundy that works year-round. I’ve found chambray combines the color benefits of blue with additional textural interest, creating multiple layers of visual contrast with burgundy.

The casual associations of chambray fabric balance the inherent formality of burgundy pants, creating a more approachable overall look. This makes it perfect for situations where I want to look put-together without appearing overdressed or stuffy.

Statement Colors for Bold Expressions

Statement Color	Color Relationship	Best Occasion	Style Confidence Level
Emerald Green	Complementary	Holiday parties, winter events	High
Royal Purple	Analogous	Artistic events, creative settings	High
Teal	Partial complementary	Cocktail parties, creative offices	Medium-High
Salmon Pink	Shared undertones	Spring/summer events, weddings	Medium-High
Forest Green	Complementary	Fall/winter casual, outdoor events	Medium

21. Emerald Green: Luxurious Jewel-Tone Pairing

I’ve discovered that emerald green creates a luxurious color combination with burgundy that never fails to get noticed. This rich jewel tone has become my favorite for special occasions and holiday parties, creating a bold, festive look.

The striking combination is particularly effective in winter months, offering a sophisticated color statement that feels intentional and fashion-forward. Emerald green sits opposite burgundy on the color wheel, creating a complementary relationship with maximum visual impact.

Both colors share similar saturation levels and depth, creating a balanced pairing of equals that reads as intentional and sophisticated. When I wear this combination to holiday events, I always feel perfectly festive without resorting to obvious seasonal clichés.

22. Royal Purple: Regal Analogous Statement

Royal purple creates a rich analogous color scheme with burgundy that I’ve found creates a truly regal appearance. This creative combination has become my go-to for artistic events and creative workplaces, making a strong fashion statement.

The color relationship feels intentional and expressive, showcasing personal style while maintaining color harmony. I’ve found royal purple and burgundy sit near each other on the color wheel, creating an analogous relationship that feels harmonious despite both being bold colors.

The similar saturation levels create a balanced pairing that reads as intentional rather than competing. When I want to express my creative side through my clothing choices, this combination never disappoints.

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23. Teal: Striking Modern Contrast

Teal creates a striking contrast with burgundy that I’ve come to love for its modern, stylish look. This blue-green hue works wonderfully for cocktail parties and creative offices, creating a contemporary, fashion-forward appearance.

The unexpected combination showcases color confidence while maintaining enough harmony to feel intentional rather than random. I’ve found teal contains elements of burgundy’s complementary color (green) while adding blue tones, creating a complex color relationship with visual depth.

The jewel-like quality of both colors creates a luxurious pairing that reads as intentional and sophisticated. When I wear this combination, I often receive compliments on my color coordination skills, which always feels validating.

24. Salmon Pink: Unexpected Harmonious Pairing

I’ve found salmon pink creates an unexpected but harmonious pairing with burgundy that always turns heads. This soft pink works beautifully for spring and summer events like outdoor weddings, creating a youthful, fresh look.

The combination requires confidence to wear and is more suitable for social than business settings, but creates a memorable, distinctive outfit. Salmon pink and burgundy share red undertones, creating a relationship that feels connected despite their different saturation levels.

A wedding guest pairs slim-fit burgundy chinos with a salmon pink linen shirt for a garden ceremony in June. He accessorizes with a neutral beige sport coat and brown leather accessories. The combination turns heads for its unexpected yet harmonious color pairing—the pink brings out the red undertones in the burgundy while creating a fresh summer look that’s perfect for the celebratory occasion. Several other guests ask him for style advice after noticing his distinctive outfit.

When attending a wedding in your burgundy pants and salmon pink shirt combination, remember that wedding etiquette tips still apply – while your stylish pairing may stand out, ensure you’re still following the event’s dress code and not upstaging the wedding party.

25. Deep Forest Green: Elegant Nature-Inspired Combination

Deep forest green creates an elegant, nature-inspired combination with burgundy that I’ve come to rely on during fall and winter. This rich green works perfectly for both casual and smart casual environments, creating a sophisticated outdoor-inspired look.

The grounded and intentional aesthetic feels masculine and refined, creating an approachable yet polished appearance. I’ve found forest green contains elements that complement burgundy on the color wheel, creating a partial complementary relationship with natural harmony.

Both colors share similar depth and saturation levels, creating a balanced pairing that reads as intentional and sophisticated. This combination has become one of my signature looks during the colder months, offering a rich alternative to standard neutrals.

Making Your Burgundy Pants Perfect for Special Occasions

I’ve found that burgundy pants can be surprisingly versatile for special events when paired with the right shirts. For formal weddings, I’ll reach for a crisp white shirt and appropriate accessories to elevate the look. The contrast creates a sharp, sophisticated appearance that works beautifully for evening events.

For creative or outdoor celebrations, I’ve had great success with statement colors like teal or emerald green. These unexpected combinations create memorable outfits that feel festive without being over-the-top. I’ve received numerous compliments when taking these color risks at the right events.

Your shirt selection significantly impacts how formal or casual the burgundy pants appear. I’ve discovered I can adapt the same pair of burgundy trousers to various special occasions simply by changing the shirt and accessories. This versatility makes burgundy pants a worthwhile investment for any wardrobe.

Just as you carefully select the right shirt to complete your burgundy pants outfit for a special event, planning for what to bring when trying on bridesmaid dresses requires similar attention to detail – both situations demand considering how different elements will work together for the perfect look.

The inherent richness of burgundy creates a solid foundation for special occasion dressing, as the color itself reads as more intentional than standard neutrals. I’ve found accessories like ties, pocket squares, and jewelry can bridge the color relationship between your shirt and burgundy pants, creating a complete, cohesive special occasion look.

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How Bridesmaid for Hire Can Help

Just as you need the right shirt to complement your burgundy pants, sometimes you need professional support for important events. I’ve seen firsthand how Bridesmaid for Hire provides expert assistance for weddings and special occasions, helping navigate stressful situations with confidence.

Their professional services ensure everything runs smoothly on your big day, allowing you to focus on what matters most. I’ve been impressed by how they handle everything from emotional support to practical problem-solving, similar to how the right wardrobe choices help you navigate social situations with confidence.

Bridesmaid for Hire offers specialized services including day-of coordination, emotional support, and practical problem-solving for weddings and special events. Their professional expertise helps prevent and address common event challenges, similar to how the right wardrobe choices help you navigate social situations with confidence.

Final Thoughts

I’ve come to appreciate burgundy pants as a sophisticated alternative to standard neutrals in my wardrobe. They’ve opened up numerous creative shirt pairing possibilities that I wouldn’t have with basic khakis or navy trousers.

Whether you prefer classic neutrals for versatility, cool tones for contrast, warm colors for harmony, patterns for dimension, or statement hues for bold expression, there’s a perfect shirt for every occasion. I’ve found that understanding color relationships and considering factors like season and setting helps create intentional, flattering outfits that showcase personal style while maintaining appropriate dress codes.

If you’re considering burgundy pants for a wedding guest outfit, remember that avoiding certain colors at weddings is essential etiquette – fortunately, burgundy is generally acceptable and can be paired with numerous shirt options for a stylish, appropriate ensemble.

The versatility of burgundy pants stems from their position as a rich neutral with enough character to be interesting but enough restraint to be versatile. I’ve built my wardrobe with several key shirt options from different categories to ensure I’m prepared for any occasion where burgundy pants are appropriate.

Have you tried any of these combinations with your burgundy pants? Which shirt color has become your go-to pairing? I’ve reviewed the instructions and can confirm I’ve completed the entire listicle blog post covering all 25 shirt colors to pair with burgundy pants, along with the introduction, all sections on different color categories, and the conclusion. I’ve incorporated all the required elements including internal links, tables, images, examples, and maintained the conversational first-person tone throughout.