25 Shoe Colors For Burgundy Pants That Will Transform Your Wardrobe

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 shoe colors with burgundy pants ideas.

Burgundy pretty much owns the fall color palette, and honestly, seeing burgundy pants come back into style brings me so much joy. But let’s be real: I distinctly remember buying my first pair of deep maroon trousers, feeling like a fashion icon in the dressing room, and then getting home only to realize I had zero clue what shoes to wear with them. That excitement turned into “what have I done?” real quick.

The good news is that this shade is actually super versatile. I was reading a piece on Putting Me Together that highlighted just how many colors actually work with it. So, we’re going to fix that wardrobe paralysis right now. Whether you’re heading to the office or just grabbing coffee, nailing the right burgundy pants outfit starts from the ground up.

Quick Resources:

• Identify your best undertones with the Color Analysis Quiz

• Explore the full styling and planning suite in All Wedding Tools

The Cheat Sheet (TL;DR)

If you’re rushing to get out the door and don’t have time for the deep dive, here are the quick rules to keep you from looking mismatched.

• Check the Undertone: Figure out if your pants are “Maroon” (more brownish/warm) or “Wine” (more purple/cool). That changes which leather looks best.
• Contrast vs. Harmony: Go with white or silver if you want a sharp, modern break. Go with dark brown or oxblood if you want your legs to look miles long.
• Read the Room: Darker shoes = professional. Lighter shoes = casual and approachable.
• Mix Your Textures: If you’re wearing corduroy or wool, try a glossy patent leather shoe. It adds a nice little shine.
• My Top Picks: Jet Black is the “safe” formal choice, but Leopard Print is the fun neutral you didn’t know you needed.

Confirm your undertones with the free Color Analysis Quiz

Pant Undertone	Best Shoe Match	Maybe Skip These	The Vibe
Maroon (Warm/Brown)	Cognac, Gold, Cream	Bright Silver	Rustic & Cozy
Wine (Cool/Purple)	Black, Charcoal, Taupe	Orange-based Tan	Sharp & Modern
True Burgundy (Neutral)	Navy, Leopard, Nude	Neon Colors	Versatile

A Quick Note on Color Theory

Before we start tearing through your shoe rack, it helps to understand why some things work and others look… off. Burgundy is basically a “new neutral,” but it can be picky. If you’re really into the science of this, you might want to look into what is a color analysis and why it matters—it’s a game-changer for building a wardrobe.

The main thing is the shade. Warmer “Maroon” tones love brown leathers. Cooler “Oxblood” or “Wine” shades pop against crisp whites and greys. If you match the undertones, you look polished on purpose, not by accident.

Figure out your exact undertone using the free Color Analysis Quiz

The “White Paper Test”: Not sure what pants you have? Throw them on a table next to a piece of plain white printer paper in natural light. If the fabric looks brownish or rusty, you’re warm (stick to gold/brown shoes). If they look purple or berry-colored, you’re cool (stick to black/silver/grey shoes).

Get a clearer answer with the free Color Analysis Quiz

Season & Occasion

Shoes dictate the vibe. Darker shoes anchor the look—perfect for boardrooms. Lighter options like blush or beige make you look ready for brunch.

Even though fashion is getting more “seasonless,” suede and dark leather still read as Fall/Winter, while canvas and open toes scream Spring/Summer. Just make sure your feet match the weather.

Match shoes to your natural coloring with the free Color Analysis Quiz

Occasion	Shoe Color	Material
Corporate Office	Jet Black, Walnut, Charcoal	Polished Leather
Casual Weekend	Crisp White, Camel, Navy	Canvas or Suede
Date Night	Bronze, Burgundy, Nude	Patent or Velvet
Formal Event	Champagne Gold, Pewter	Metallic Leather

Contrast and Texture

You usually want one of two things: High Contrast (white sneakers on dark fabric) or Tonal Harmony (dark boots on dark pants). Contrast is modern; harmony makes you look taller. Also, play with texture. If your pants are fuzzy wool, a shiny shoe looks great. If your pants are sleek silk, try a matte suede shoe.

Category A: The Essential Neutrals

These are your reliable, no-brainer options. When you’re rushing and need shoe colors burgundy pants will play nice with, start here.

1. Jet Black

You can’t go wrong here. A black loafer, boot, or heel is the safest formal choice. It grounds the look and lets the pants be the star of the show without screaming for attention.

Choose your safest neutrals with help from the free Color Analysis Quiz

2. Crisp White

I love a white sneaker with burgundy. It offers high contrast and gives off a cool, street-style edge. It instantly brightens up the deep red, making the outfit feel lighter for spring days.

3. Charcoal Grey

Think of charcoal as black’s softer cousin. Suede desert boots or wool flats in grey are professional but not as harsh. It bridges the gap nicely between the intense pants and a neutral shoe.

4. Nude / Beige (Skin Tone)

This is the oldest trick in the book. A pump or sandal that matches your skin tone is the ultimate leg-lengthener because it doesn’t cut off your ankle visually. Let the pants do the talking.

5. Cream / Off-White

If bright white feels too stark, go for cream. Especially if your burgundy pants have brown undertones, cream feels expensive, vintage, and soft. It’s very “quiet luxury.”

Category B: The Earthy Browns

Warm tones and burgundy are best friends. These pairings feel organic and are perfect for that “crunchy leaves and lattes” aesthetic.

The “Dark Academia” Look: Want that professor vibe? Pair maroon corduroys with a chunky knit sweater and Cognac boots. It’s nostalgic, cozy, and perfect for a library date.

6. Cognac (Medium Brown)

This is a classic preppy combo. The orange undertones in cognac leather complement the red in the pants beautifully. It just feels timeless.

7. Dark Chocolate

Suede loafers or boots in dark chocolate are moody and sophisticated. It gives you a rich, monochromatic feel without being too “matchy-matchy.”

8. Taupe

Taupe is that cool-toned, brownish-grey mix. It works really well with “wine” or purple-leaning pants because it keeps the palette cool and modern.

9. Walnut

Walnut is darker than cognac but lighter than chocolate. It’s a great middle ground for the office if you’re tired of wearing black shoes every day.

10. Camel

Camel brings a lighter, yellowish-brown hue to the mix. It looks great with casual chinos or joggers for a relaxed, earth-tone vibe.

Category C: The Metallic & Glam

Got a wedding or a party? Metallics are your best friend. They elevate the deep red tones and make the whole outfit feel festive.

11. Champagne Gold

Gold sandals or pumps look incredible against warm burgundy. It’s my top choice for holiday parties. The warmth of the gold just makes the pants glow.

12. Pewter / Gunmetal

If you want something edgier, go for pewter. It’s a darker, moodier silver that gives off an industrial vibe. Great for a night out in the city.

13. Rose Gold

Rose gold picks up the pinkish/red tones in the pants, creating a cohesive, romantic look. It’s subtle, but people will notice.

14. Bright Silver

Silver provides high contrast and cools down the outfit. It’s bold, futuristic, and definitely for when you want to be seen.

15. Bronze

Bronze is the most understated metallic. It blends the warmth of brown with a little bit of shimmer. Perfect for a nice dinner where you want to dress up, but not too much.

Category D: The Color Contrasts

If you consider yourself fashion-forward, step right up. These are the unique shoe colors burgundy pants can handle if you aren’t afraid of color blocking.

Color Pairing	Why It Works	Visual Effect
Burgundy + Navy	Jewel Tones	Sophisticated & Regal
Burgundy + Mustard	Split-Complementary	Retro & Artistic
Burgundy + Forest Green	Complementary	Bold & Festive
Burgundy + Blush Pink	Monochromatic	Soft & Romantic

16. Navy Blue

Navy and burgundy are both “jewel tones,” so they sit next to each other comfortably without fighting. It’s a sophisticated, colorful look that still feels serious enough for work.

17. Blush Pink

Since pink is just light red, this is technically a tonal match. Velvet flats or satin heels in blush soften the look and make it feel super feminine.

18. Mustard Yellow

This is a vibe. Mustard yellow provides a retro, 70s-inspired contrast. It’s an elevated take on the “ketchup and mustard” look, and it honestly just works.

19. Forest Green

Deep forest green creates a moody, academic winter look. Just be careful with the styling so you don’t look like a walking Christmas tree—stick to the darkest greens you can find.

20. Deep Plum / Aubergine

Deep plum creates a seamless, ultra-rich gradient look. Since purple and red are neighbors on the color wheel, this looks very intentional and chic.

Category E: Prints & Textures

Sometimes a solid color is just boring. If you usually experiment with pants colors to pair with burgundy shirts, you know that prints can turn the shoes into the main event.

21. Leopard Print

I will die on this hill: Leopard print is a neutral. The black and brown spots tie in perfectly with the warmth of burgundy. It adds a bit of wild flair to an otherwise standard outfit.

22. Snakeskin (Grey/White base)

Snakeskin adds texture and edge. The grey/white base brightens the look, while the pattern keeps it interesting. It’s a great way to wear a neutral without being boring.

23. Tortoiseshell

Tortoiseshell patent pumps look expensive. It’s similar to leopard but more subtle and glossy. A very refined choice for the office.

24. Oxblood (Monochromatic)

Wearing shoes that match the pants exactly is a power move. It elongates the leg line dramatically and looks incredibly high-fashion.

The Power Move: Want to look taller? Pair high-waisted burgundy trousers with boots in the exact same shade. It creates a continuous line of color that looks amazing.

25. Tweed / Grey Check

Menswear-inspired loafers in tweed add that academic texture. It feels cozy, smart, and adds visual interest without introducing a bright new color.

Avoiding Decision Fatigue (And Wedding Stress)

Okay, we just analyzed 25 different shoe options for one pair of pants. That is a lot of decisions. Now, imagine multiplying that decision fatigue by a thousand—that is what planning a wedding feels like. Whether you are styling an outfit for a rehearsal dinner, or you are a bride trying to coordinate an entire bridal party, the pressure to get the details “just right” is exhausting.

Simplify outfit decisions with the free Color Analysis Quiz

Your Professional Bestie

This is exactly why I love what Jen Glantz does at Bridesmaid for Hire. She and her team aren’t just there to stand next to you in pictures; they are the support system you didn’t know you needed. While you’re stressing about whether Cognac or Walnut shoes look better with the groomsmen’s suits, they handle the real heavy lifting.

Jen provides the unbiased opinions you need when you aren’t sure if something clashes. Hiring a professional allows you to offload the stress of spreadsheets and family drama so you can focus on the fun stuff—like shopping for shoes. On the wedding day, Jen is the professional problem solver with a bag of solutions for broken heels or forgotten socks. You handle the outfit; let Bridesmaid for Hire handle the rest.

Final Thoughts

Styling burgundy pants doesn’t have to be a headache. Once you know the tone of your trousers and where you’re going, picking the shoes is the easy part. Whether you go with a safe black pump or a wild leopard flat, confidence is the best accessory anyway. Try a few of these out and see what makes you feel like your best self.