25 Shoe Colors That Actually Look Good With a Burgundy Dress

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 shoes go with a burgundy dress.

Burgundy is the MVP of the wedding circuit. It manages to look expensive and regal without trying too hard, and honestly, it flatters just about everyone. But I had a moment last month standing in my closet, staring at a deep wine-colored gown I bought for a rehearsal dinner, feeling completely frozen. I had the dress, but looking at my shoe rack, everything felt like a “maybe” rather than a “yes.”

It’s a specific kind of panic. You want to look polished, but you know the wrong shoe can take the look from “chic” to “confused” pretty quickly. So, I did the research so you don’t have to. This guide breaks down exactly what works, why it works, and gives you a massive list of options so you never have to second-guess your footwear again. Finding the perfect shoe color for a burgundy dress is about to become the easiest part of your day.

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The Cheat Sheet (TL;DR)

Running out the door? Here is the quick answer. It mostly comes down to the undertone of your dress and where you’re going. Knowing what color shoes to wear with a burgundy dress saves you time and prevents fashion mishaps.

• Check the Undertone: If your dress is a warm burgundy (leans brown/orange), go with gold or earth tones. If it’s a cool burgundy (leans purple/blue), stick to silver, black, or white.

• Read the Room: Shiny metallics and patent leather are for evening/formal events. Matte leather, suede, and cork are for daytime or semi-formal stuff.

• Pick Your Contrast: Nude shoes make your legs look longer and keep the focus on the dress. Complimentary colors like mustard or forest green create a high-fashion, color-blocked look.

• Top Picks: Rose Gold is huge right now, Nude is the safest bet, and Clear/Lucite is the modern “goes with everything” choice.

Burgundy Shade	Best Metallic Match	Best Neutral Match	Bold Choice
Warm (Maroon/Brick)	Yellow Gold	Nude/Beige	Mustard Yellow
Cool (Wine/Oxblood)	Sterling Silver	Charcoal Grey	Emerald Green
Neutral (True Burgundy)	Rose Gold	Black	Navy Blue

The Three Ground Rules

You can’t just pick a color blindly. First, you have to look at the specific shade of burgundy you’re working with. We look at the undertone match to ensure the colors harmonize rather than clash. If you are still in the planning phase and deciding on the best colors for bridesmaid dresses, understanding these undertones is crucial before you even get to the accessories.

Second, think about the “vibe.” A stiletto says something very different than a block heel. And third, decide how loud you want to be. Do you want the dress to be the star, or do you want your shoes to start conversations? These pillars dictate what shoes to wear with a burgundy dress for any occasion.

When decisions start piling up, talk it through with the Free 24/7 Wedding Hotline.

The Jewelry Test: Not sure if your dress is warm or cool? Grab a piece of silver jewelry and a piece of gold jewelry. Hold them against the fabric in natural light. If the silver makes the fabric look crisp and bright, you’re cool-toned. If the gold makes the deep red look rich and glowing, you’re warm-toned. Use that same logic when picking your shoe hardware.

Category A: The Metallics (Glamour & Evening)

Metallics are basically a neutral in the evening wear world. They work for weddings, galas, and holiday parties, adding a bit of luxury that elevates the deep red tones. When searching for shoes for a burgundy dress that scream elegance, start here.

Big event nerves creeping in? Get instant reassurance from the Free 24/7 Wedding Hotline.

1. Classic Gold

Gold brings out the warmth in burgundy like nothing else. A strappy metallic gold sandal creates a rich, regal look that fits perfectly at a black-tie event.

2. Rose Gold

This is honestly my favorite trend for 2026. The pinkish hue bridges the gap between the red dress and your skin, offering a softer transition than yellow gold. A block heel pump in this shade looks romantic and modern.

3. Sterling Silver

Silver provides a sharp, icy contrast. It looks a bit futuristic and very clean. Pointed-toe silver pumps are the best choice for cool-toned burgundy shades like wine or oxblood, especially for winter weddings.

4. Champagne

Think of Champagne as gold’s quieter, more sophisticated cousin. Satin d’Orsay flats or kitten heels in this shade are elegant and a very safe choice for bridesmaids who don’t want to steal the show.

5. Pewter/Gunmetal

If you want an edgy alternative to silver, go with pewter. Dark metallic ankle strap sandals work well for evening events where you want a moody aesthetic without the harshness of solid black.

Category B: The Essential Neutrals (Versatility)

These are the workhorses of your wardrobe. They work for the office, church, or semi-formal dinners where you need to look put-together but not flashy. While style is king, comfort is queen; review the types of shoes every bridesmaid should pack to ensure you have backups for the dance floor.

If you’re torn between safe and stylish, the Free 24/7 Wedding Hotline can help you decide.

Shoe Color	Vibe	Best Venue
Nude	Invisible, leg-lengthening	Summer weddings, daytime parties
Black	Grounded, serious	Winter galas, business formal
White	Crisp, high-contrast	Spring brunch, garden parties
Grey	Soft, understated	Office, church, semi-formal dinner

6. Nude (Skin Tone Match)

Nude is the ultimate leg-lengthener. A patent leather platform pump close to your skin tone allows the burgundy dress to be the sole focal point. It’s the “I’m not trying, I just look this good” option.

7. Classic Black

Black offers high contrast and grounds the outfit. Black suede ankle booties or pumps make the burgundy look darker and more serious, which is ideal for fall and winter.

8. Crisp White

White is a high-fashion choice for spring or summer. White leather strappy sandals brighten up the deep red dress, making the overall outfit feel lighter and more playful.

9. Beige/Taupe

Matte leather slingbacks in beige are practical for workwear. They are less shiny than nude and less harsh than white, creating a soft, approachable palette.

10. Charcoal Grey

Grey is a softer alternative to black. Suede grey pumps pair beautifully with cool-toned burgundy dresses and fit perfectly in business formal settings.

Category C: Monochromatic & Tonal (Sophisticated)

Monochromatic looks are for fashion-forward events and dates. This category focuses on creating a seamless vertical line. If you are styling a brighter shade rather than deep burgundy, check out our guide on shoe colors for your red dress for more vibrant monochromatic options.

Unsure if bold or subtle is the move? Talk it out with the Free 24/7 Wedding Hotline.

11. Matching Burgundy

Wearing velvet pumps in the exact shade of the dress creates a seamless look. The key to making this work in 2026 is mixing textures, like pairing a silk dress with velvet shoes for a burgundy dress.

12. Deep Plum/Aubergine

Dark purple strappy sandals add mystery to the outfit. This analogous color pairing works best with cool-toned burgundy dresses.

The Texture Rule: If you’re going monochrome, avoid matching the fabric exactly. If you wear a burgundy satin dress with burgundy satin shoes, you risk looking like a bridesmaid from the 1980s. Instead, pair that satin dress with a suede or velvet shoe to create some depth.

13. Blush Pink

Pink is just light red, so this technically counts as monochromatic. Satin blush bows on a mule soften the look immediately, making it a perfect choice for spring weddings.

14. Dusty Rose

Matte leather block heels in dusty rose offer a muted, vintage feel. This color pairs exceptionally well with chiffon fabrics and bohemian styles.

15. Berry Red

A vibrant raspberry heel creates a cool gradient effect. Just make sure the berry tone is different enough from the dress so it looks intentional, not like a failed attempt to match perfectly.

Category D: Earth Tones & Naturals (Boho & Daywear)

These shades are best for outdoor weddings, fall festivals, and casual outings. They bring a natural, grounded element to the outfit. This earthy palette also works incredibly well for casual outfits; see how we style these tones in our guide on shoe colors to pair with burgundy pants.

If planning details are starting to feel heavy, the Free 24/7 Wedding Hotline is always open.

16. Cognac/Camel Brown

Leather tall boots or gladiator sandals in cognac are the quintessential autumn pairing. The warmth of the leather complements the red for a cozy aesthetic. When considering shoes for a maroon dress, cognac is usually my top pick.

17. Chocolate Brown

Croc-embossed brown loafers or boots serve as a softer alternative to black. They ground the outfit without stark contrast, maintaining a warm palette.

18. Mushroom/Greige

Suede ankle boots in mushroom are earthy neutrals. They work well if you are trying to tone down the dress for a daytime event.

19. Cork

Wedge sandals in cork are strictly for casual or outdoor summer events. The texture adds interest without competing with the color of the dress.

The Venue Check: Before choosing a natural tone like a cork wedge or a leather boot, check the ground. If you are attending a garden wedding on soft grass, a cork wedge is genius—it won’t sink into the dirt like a stiletto.

20. Wood/Stacked Heel

A mule with a wooden heel adds an organic element to the look. This is a great option for rustic chic dress codes.

Category E: Bold Contrasts & Textures (Statement)

These options are for parties, creative environments, and street style. They are for when you want your shoes to be a conversation starter. If you want unique shoes for a burgundy dress, look no further.

Shoe Color	Contrast Effect	Style Persona
Emerald Green	Jewel Tone Clash	The “Rich & Luxurious”
Mustard Yellow	Retro Pop	The “Vintage Cool Girl”
Leopard Print	Pattern Neutral	The “Bold & Sassy”
Clear/Lucite	Modern Minimalist	The “Trendsetter”

21. Navy Blue

Satin navy pumps offer a classic Americana or nautical pairing. Navy acts as a neutral in many circles and pairs surprisingly well with maroon.

22. Emerald Green

Jewel-toned velvet heels create a high-impact clash. This look appears expensive and luxurious, making it perfect for holiday parties. Just be careful not to veer too far into “Christmas Elf” territory.

23. Mustard Yellow

Suede retro-style pumps in mustard create a trendy aesthetic. Mustard and burgundy are classic 70s fashion partners.

24. Animal Print (Leopard)

Leopard print pumps or booties act as a neutral pattern. They add a layer of sass and personality to a simple burgundy dress.

25. Clear/Lucite

Cinderella-style clear pumps are the modern choice for 2026. They remove the color question entirely, elongate the leg, and add a futuristic shine.

When the Shoes Fit, But the Stress Doesn’t

You have the list and you know exactly which shoes will make you look incredible. But to be honest, nailing the outfit is often the easiest part of a wedding or major event. The hard part is everything else. Whether you are a bride managing a bridal party, a maid of honor writing a speech, or a guest navigating family drama, the stress goes deeper than footwear. And if you’re wondering do I have to wear heels to fulfill your duties, we have advice for that stressful dilemma too.

Bridesmaid for Hire is your professional support system. Jen Glantz, the world’s first professional bridesmaid, provides the expertise you need to survive the planning process. We offer 24/7 support and vent sessions so you don’t burn out your friends. We handle the “dirty work” like vendor coordination and day-of disasters. You picked the shoes, but let us handle the heavy lifting so the only thing you worry about is not tripping on the dance floor.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right shoes for a burgundy dress really just comes down to understanding the undertones and the occasion. Whether you choose a safe nude pump or a bold emerald velvet heel, confidence is your best accessory. Use this list to make a decision, strap on your shoes, and go enjoy the party.