How to Wear a Burgundy Suit: Styling and Occasion Guide

A burgundy suit is the confident step past navy and gray, deep enough to read refined and warm enough to stand out. The color does most of the work, so styling it is mostly about balance. Here is a clear guide to how to wear a burgundy suit, from the shirts, ties, and shoes that pair best to the occasions where it shines.
Here's what this guide walks through, step by step:
- Burgundy vs maroon, and when to wear each
- How to style a burgundy suit
- Burgundy by occasion
- How to finish the look with Generation Tux
Burgundy vs Maroon and When to Wear It
The two shades get mixed up, so it helps to know the difference before you style either.
Burgundy vs Maroon
One leans cool, the other warm.
- Burgundy is a deep red with purple undertones, cooler and more formal
- A maroon suit for men leans warmer, with brown undertones and an earthier feel
- Both flatter most skin tones, so the pick comes down to the occasion
When Burgundy Works
The color is more flexible than it first looks.
- Fall and winter events, where the rich tone feels right at home
- Weddings, cocktail parties, and holiday gatherings
- Business-casual settings, dressed down with a lighter shirt
How to Style a Burgundy Suit
Burgundy is already the statement, so the pieces around it should support, not compete.
Shirts
Start with a shirt that lets the color breathe.
- White for the sharpest, most formal contrast
- Light blue for an easy, everyday look
- Gray to soften the warmth and keep things understated
Ties
Keep the tie balanced against the suit.
- Navy or charcoal for a polished, versatile finish
- A burgundy tone-on-tone tie, slightly darker or lighter, for depth
- Champagne or gold for a celebratory, wedding-ready touch
Shoes and Leather
Anchor the outfit from the ground up.
- Black leather for formal events and evening looks
- Dark brown for semi-formal and daytime
- Match your belt and your watch strap to your shoes
Shirt
Stick with timeless colors like white, light blue, or light gray. These shades pair effortlessly with most suits and work for nearly any formal occasion.
Tie
Choose a navy, charcoal, or tone-on-tone burgundy tie for a polished, sophisticated look that complements your suit without overwhelming it.
Shoes
Finish your outfit with black, dark brown, or oxblood leather dress shoes. Match your belt to your shoes for a cohesive appearance.
Accessories
Keep accessories understated with a simple pocket square and minimal cufflinks. These subtle details elevate your look without distracting from the overall outfit.
The same suit shifts easily from a wedding to the office with a few small swaps.
Weddings
A wedding burgundy suit reads warm and memorable, especially in fall.
- Grooms can pair it with a white shirt and a champagne tie
- Groomsmen and guests can lean into softer, complementary accents
- Wool or velvet suits the cooler months; lighter blends suit summer
Dressing as a guest? Our wedding guest suit guide helps.
Formal and Business
The suit carries a room without shouting.
- White shirt, navy or gray tie, and black shoes for formal evenings
- A light blue shirt and no tie for a business-casual take
- Keep accessories restrained so the color leads
Finish the Look With Generation Tux
Whatever the shade, the fit is what makes a suit look sharp. Generation Tux delivers premium suits and tuxedos to your door in a range of colors and fits, and has served more than 100,000 customers since 2014.
Get the Fit and Details Right
A few pieces complete any colored suit.
- Pair the right dress shirt and accessories to balance the color
- Add shoes and socks that match your leather
- Answer a few questions to Find Your Fit, backed by a fit guarantee
For the finer points, see how your suit should fit, and for a wedding party, our guide on what a groomsman does helps.
Build Your Look
Ready to put your look together? Explore our suit and tuxedo collection and find your perfect fit in minutes. Renting for a wedding party? The groom rents free with 5 paid rentals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a burgundy and a maroon suit?
Burgundy is a deep red with cool, purple undertones, which gives it a formal, refined feel. A maroon suit leans warmer, with brown undertones and a more earthy, casual look. Burgundy suits evening and formal events, while maroon fits rustic or daytime settings.
What shirt goes with a burgundy suit?
A white shirt is the classic pairing, creating a sharp, clean contrast for formal events and weddings. Light blue works for an easy, everyday look, and gray softens the warmth for something more understated. Keep the shirt simple so the color leads.
What color shoes go with a burgundy suit?
Black leather is the go-to for formal and evening looks, while dark brown suits semi-formal and daytime occasions. Oxblood or burgundy shoes create a sharp monochrome finish. Whatever you choose, match your belt and watch strap to the shoes.
Can you wear a burgundy suit to a wedding?
Yes, a burgundy suit is a strong wedding choice, especially in fall and for outdoor settings. Grooms can pair it with a white shirt and a champagne or gold tie, while groomsmen and guests can add softer accents that complement the warm tone.
What tie goes with a burgundy suit?
Navy and charcoal ties give a polished, versatile finish, while a tone-on-tone burgundy tie adds depth when it's slightly darker or lighter than the suit. For weddings, a champagne or gold tie brings a celebratory touch that plays off the warm color.
Is a burgundy suit too bold for the office?
Not at all, when styled with restraint. A burgundy suit with a white or light blue shirt and a navy or gray tie reads confident and professional. Keep the accessories minimal, and the suit comes across as intentional rather than flashy.

Generation Tux Team
At Generation Tux, our team of researchers, content strategists, editors, and reviewers collaboratively ensure that our formalwear insights and advice are top-notch, helping customers look their best for life’s key moments. We are committed to delivering an exceptional, informed, and seamless experience from start to finish.
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