A burgundy suit is a bold yet refined choice for modern men who want to stand out while maintaining a polished appearance. This deep, rich shade of red combines confidence with sophistication, making it a versatile option for various occasions.
Whether you’re attending a formal event, a wedding, or even a semi-casual gathering, a burgundy suit offers a unique opportunity to showcase your personal style. However, pulling off this vibrant color requires thoughtful styling and attention to detail. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about wearing a burgundy suit, from when to wear it to how to style it with the right shirts, ties, and accessories.
Why Choose a Burgundy Suit?
A burgundy suit goes beyond the traditional hues of navy, grey, and black, offering an alternative that feels fresh, creative, and full of personality. But it’s not just about making a statement—burgundy is a surprisingly versatile color that complements a range of skin tones and can be styled for both formal and semi-formal occasions. Here’s why a burgundy suit deserves a spot in your wardrobe:
- Sophistication with a Twist: Burgundy strikes the perfect balance between boldness and elegance. It commands attention without being too loud, offering a refined look that stands out in any setting.
- Versatility: While burgundy might seem unconventional, it’s remarkably adaptable. It can be dressed up for formal events with a white shirt and dark tie or dressed down with softer tones for a more relaxed vibe.
- Seasonal Appeal: The warmth of burgundy makes it a great option for fall and winter, but it’s equally striking in spring and summer when paired with lighter accessories. Its year-round appeal makes it a flexible addition to your wardrobe.
- Expressive Yet Professional: Burgundy allows you to express individuality while maintaining professionalism. It’s an excellent choice for creative industries, social gatherings, or weddings where you want to look sharp yet approachable.
When to Wear a Burgundy Suit
The versatility of a burgundy suit lies in its ability to adapt to different occasions, from formal settings to social gatherings. Here’s a breakdown of when and how to wear a burgundy suit:
Formal Events
Burgundy suits shine at formal events like gala dinners, charity balls, or upscale evening weddings. The richness of the color exudes elegance while adding a touch of personality. For formal occasions, pair your burgundy suit with a crisp white shirt, a black or navy tie, and polished black leather shoes for a timeless look.
Weddings
A burgundy suit is a standout choice for weddings, especially during the fall and winter seasons. Whether you’re the groom, part of the wedding party, or a guest, burgundy adds a festive touch while remaining sophisticated. For daytime weddings, consider pairing the suit with a light blue shirt and brown shoes. For evening weddings, stick to darker accessories for a more polished appearance.
Business Settings
In creative or modern business environments, a burgundy suit can strike the right balance between professionalism and individuality. Pair it with neutral tones like white or grey to keep the look office-appropriate. Avoid overly bold patterns or accessories in corporate settings to maintain a professional vibe.
Social Gatherings
Cocktail parties, dinner outings, and semi-formal events are perfect opportunities to wear a burgundy suit. You can dress it up with a tie or keep it relaxed with an open-collar shirt. Burgundy works particularly well for evening gatherings, where its rich tones feel both festive and sophisticated.
Now that we’ve gotten into when you might want to wear a burgundy suit, let’s get down into how to style a burgundy suit so that you can stand out in any occasion. Properly styling a burgundy suit for men means choosing the right men’s dress shirt, shoes, tie, and any accessories that combine perfectly with your burgundy suit.
First Things First: Choosing the Right Shirt for a Burgundy Suit
The shirt you choose will set the foundation for your outfit, enhancing the overall look of your burgundy suit. Depending on the occasion and the statement you want to make, there are several shirt options to consider:
Classic White Shirt
A white shirt is the ultimate classic pairing for a burgundy suit. It creates a clean, sharp contrast that highlights the depth of the burgundy without overpowering it. This combination is ideal for formal events, business meetings, and weddings, as it keeps the focus on the suit while maintaining a timeless appeal.
- Styling Tip: A white shirt pairs well with almost any tie color, allowing you to experiment with different accessories.
Light Blue Shirt
A light blue shirt is a subtle yet stylish option for a burgundy suit. It adds a touch of color while softening the richness of the burgundy, making it perfect for daytime events or business-casual settings. This combination feels approachable and fresh without sacrificing sophistication.
- Styling Tip: Pair a light blue shirt with a navy or silver tie for a harmonious and balanced look.
Grey Shirt
For a sleek, contemporary vibe, pair your burgundy suit with a light grey shirt. This monochromatic combination creates depth and works particularly well for evening events or winter gatherings. Grey tones balance the richness of the suit, creating a modern and understated look.
- Styling Tip: A dark burgundy tie or one with subtle patterns complements this pairing beautifully.
Black Shirt
A black shirt adds drama and boldness to a burgundy suit, making it a standout choice for upscale social events or evening occasions. The dark tones create a striking, high-contrast look that feels both modern and refined.
- Styling Tip: Keep accessories minimal when pairing a black shirt with a burgundy suit to let the contrast shine.
Patterned Shirts
For less formal occasions, consider pairing your burgundy suit with a subtly patterned shirt. Stripes, micro-checks, or small geometric patterns can add texture and interest without overwhelming the suit. Stick to muted colors like white, grey, or light blue for a cohesive look.
- Styling Tip: Use patterned shirts sparingly in formal settings. They’re best reserved for smart-casual events or creative environments.
Selecting the Perfect Tie for a Burgundy Suit
A tie is the ultimate accessory to elevate your burgundy suit. It adds depth, personality, and polish to your overall look. The right tie can help you achieve anything from a refined, formal appearance to a creative, semi-formal vibe.
Neutral Ties
Neutral-colored ties are a timeless choice that balances the richness of a burgundy suit without competing for attention.
- Black Tie: A black tie is a safe, elegant choice for formal settings like weddings or evening events. It adds a sleek contrast and keeps the outfit cohesive.
- Grey Tie: Light or dark grey ties offer versatility and a modern touch, pairing well with white or grey shirts for a polished look.
- Navy Blue Tie: Navy ties create a subtle contrast that feels professional and sophisticated, making them ideal for business settings or daytime events.
Bold and Colored Ties
If you want to add personality to your outfit, opt for a tie in a complementary or bold color.
- Silver or Metallic Tie: A metallic or silver tie adds an upscale, festive touch, perfect for evening events or holiday gatherings.
- Burgundy Tie: Pairing a burgundy tie with a burgundy suit creates a monochromatic look. Choose a tie in a slightly different shade or texture to avoid looking overly matchy.
- Green or Emerald Tie: For a creative twist, a deep green tie complements the warm tones of burgundy beautifully, adding a modern, unexpected element.
Patterned Ties
Patterns can add dimension and flair to your outfit, but they should remain subtle to avoid clashing with the boldness of the suit.
- Stripes or Polka Dots: Classic patterns like stripes or polka dots in neutral colors are a great way to add texture without overpowering the look.
- Geometric Designs: Small, intricate geometric patterns in navy or grey can provide visual interest while maintaining a professional aesthetic.
Choosing the Right Shoes for a Burgundy Suit
The shoes you wear with your burgundy suit are just as important as the tie or shirt. The right pair completes the outfit and sets the tone for formality and style.
Black Leather Shoes
Black leather shoes are the go-to choice for formal events. They create a sharp, clean look that pairs beautifully with the richness of burgundy. Oxfords, Derbies, or monk straps in polished black leather work best for weddings, evening galas, and business settings.
Dark Brown Shoes
Dark brown shoes offer a slightly warmer alternative to black, making them ideal for semi-formal occasions or daytime events. They pair well with burgundy suits, especially in outdoor or creative environments.
Oxblood or Burgundy Shoes
For a harmonious look, oxblood or burgundy shoes can create a cohesive monochromatic outfit. This bold choice works well for evening events or fashion-forward gatherings.
Tan Shoes
Tan shoes are less common but can be paired with burgundy suits for a relaxed, daytime look. They’re best suited for spring or summer events, adding a touch of lightness to the ensemble.
Accessorizing a Burgundy Suit
Accessories are the finishing touch that can take your outfit from great to exceptional. They add personality and help tie the look together. From pocket squares to how to button your suit correctly, accessories and the final touches make all the difference.
Pocket Squares
A pocket square can enhance the look of your suit without being overpowering.
- White Pocket Square: A white pocket square is a classic choice that works for any occasion, from weddings to business events.
- Colored or Patterned Pocket Squares: Burgundy pairs well with navy, silver, or dark green pocket squares. For a playful touch, opt for subtle patterns that complement your tie.
Watches
A well-chosen watch can add elegance to your look.
- Classic Leather Strap Watch: A silver or gold watch with a black or brown leather strap is a timeless choice for formal events.
- Minimalist Metal Watch: For modern styling, a sleek metal watch in silver or gold adds a refined touch.
Cufflinks
Cufflinks add sophistication to formal outfits.
- Simple Designs: Stick to minimalist cufflinks in silver, gold, or black for a clean, understated look.
- Personalized Options: For weddings or special occasions, consider engraved cufflinks to add a personal touch.
Seasonal Styling Tips for Burgundy Suits
Burgundy suits are versatile enough to adapt to any season, but the way you style them can make a difference.
Fall and Winter
The warmth of burgundy makes it a natural fit for cooler months.
- Pair with darker accessories, such as black or grey ties and black leather shoes, for a sophisticated winter look.
- Add layers like a tailored overcoat or scarf to stay warm and stylish.
Spring and Summer
For warmer seasons, lighten up your outfit with airy tones and breathable fabrics.
- Choose a light blue or white shirt and pair it with tan or brown shoes for a fresh, seasonal look.
- Add a patterned tie or pocket square for a touch of playfulness.
Final Tips for Wearing a Burgundy Suit
- Tailoring is Key: A perfectly tailored suit ensures your burgundy ensemble looks polished and intentional. Fit matters even more with bold colors like burgundy, as an ill-fitting suit can detract from its sophistication.
- Balance Your Look: Burgundy is already a statement color, so keep the rest of your outfit simple and cohesive. Avoid overly flashy accessories or loud patterns.
- Wear It with Confidence: A burgundy suit is bold and eye-catching. Own the look with confidence, and you’ll exude style and sophistication.
Burgundy Suits Done Right With xSuit
A burgundy suit is the perfect choice for men who want to add a touch of individuality and style to their wardrobe. With its balance of boldness and elegance, it’s a versatile option for formal events, weddings, business settings, and beyond. By pairing it with the right shirts, ties, shoes, and accessories, you can create a look that’s polished, modern, and undeniably impressive.
Explore the xSuit collection for high-performance suits that combine style, comfort, and practicality. With thoughtful styling and a touch of confidence, your burgundy suit will become a timeless staple in your wardrobe.
