Burgundy heels are the shoe we keep reaching for this fall. They do everything a black heel does, but they look warmer, richer and a little more considered. The question we get most is what to actually wear them with, because a color this deep can feel like it needs a plan.
It doesn't. Burgundy behaves like a neutral with personality: it sits happily next to camel, cream, gray, black and denim. Below are the outfits that work, the colors to pair it with, and what to look for when you buy. For more shoe ideas, browse Shoes & Bags.
What colors go with burgundy heels?
Burgundy heels work best with camel, cream, white, gray, black, navy and blue denim. For a polished look, repeat burgundy once more in the outfit, in a top, bag or lip color. For evening, go tonal with a burgundy dress and matching heels.
The outfits
1. Burgundy and camel, the fall formula
This is the palette to copy. A burgundy blouse, camel trousers and a burgundy bag already make the outfit; swap the cream pumps shown here for burgundy heels and the color runs from top to bag to shoe. It looks expensive with very little effort.
Wear it with: camel wide-leg trousers, a burgundy or cream blouse and a small burgundy or tan bag.
2. Burgundy heels with a burgundy top and white skirt
White is the freshest partner for burgundy. Repeating the color in your top and your shoes frames the outfit, and a white or cream skirt keeps it light enough for a daytime event.
Wear it with: a burgundy cami or knit, a white maxi or midi skirt and a small cream bag.
3. All burgundy for evening
For weddings, galas and formal dinners, a tonal look is hard to beat. Burgundy heels with a burgundy dress make the whole silhouette look longer and more elegant. Satin or suede shoes suit an evening fabric better than patent here.
Wear it with: a burgundy dress in lace, satin or crepe, gold jewelry and a neutral clutch.
4. Satin burgundy bow heels
The dressiest version of the trend. Bows at the heel photograph beautifully, so wear them with a skirt or cropped trousers that let the back of the shoe show. We've got more ideas in our guide to bow heels outfits.
Wear it with: a black slip dress or a cream midi skirt and a fine knit.
5. Match your manicure, not your bag
If you don't want to repeat burgundy in your clothes, repeat it in your nails. Burgundy tips or a full wine manicure pull the outfit together in a way that's subtle in person and lovely in photos. See more nail ideas.
Wear it with: black, gray or denim outfits where the shoes and nails are the only color.
Four more ways to wear burgundy heels
- Blue jeans and a white shirt. The simplest upgrade there is. Burgundy looks sharper than black with mid-blue denim, especially with a cropped straight leg.
- All black. Black trousers, a black knit and burgundy heels give you one quiet pop of color. It's an easy way to make a work outfit feel less severe.
- Gray tailoring. Gray and burgundy is a classic combination for suiting. Try a gray blazer and trousers with a burgundy pump.
- Navy or forest green. Both are deep, cool colors that make burgundy look even richer. Keep the rest of the outfit simple.
Colors that work, and ones to handle carefully
Bright red can work next to burgundy, but only as a deliberate tonal look. If you're unsure, pick one red and let it lead.
What to look for when you buy
- The shade. Burgundy covers a range, from purple-leaning wine to brown-leaning oxblood. Wine shades look brighter with black and gray; oxblood looks softer with camel and denim. Choose the one that suits the colors you already wear most.
- Material. Suede looks richest in fall and winter. Leather is the most practical for everyday wear. Patent adds shine for evening, and satin is best kept for special occasions because it marks easily.
- Heel height. A block or mid heel makes burgundy an everyday shoe. A stiletto makes it an evening one. If you're buying one pair, a mid-height pump covers the most ground.
- Toe shape. A pointed toe looks more polished with tailoring and lengthens the leg. A rounded or square toe feels more relaxed with denim.
- Fit. Try heels on later in the day, when your feet are at their largest, and walk on a hard floor before you decide.
Burgundy heels through the seasons
- Fall. Suede burgundy heels with camel, cream and denim. Add sheer black or burgundy tights once the weather cools.
- Winter. Patent or satin burgundy with black, gray and velvet for parties. A burgundy heel with an all-black outfit is the easiest holiday look.
- Spring. Burgundy with white and cream feels fresh as the light changes. Try a white shirt, cream trousers and a burgundy pump.
- Summer. A burgundy strappy sandal with white linen or a navy dress. Keep the rest of the outfit light so the color doesn't feel heavy.
Burgundy is often treated as a fall-only color, but a pair in the right material works all year.
FAQ
Do burgundy heels go with black?
Yes. Burgundy heels with an all-black outfit is one of the easiest ways to add color without it feeling loud. Burgundy also works well with black tights.
Can you wear burgundy heels with jeans?
Absolutely. Mid-blue or dark denim with burgundy heels is a classic fall pairing. Show a little ankle with a cropped or straight hem so the shoe doesn't get lost.
What color bag goes with burgundy heels?
A burgundy bag makes a polished matching set, but you don't need one. Tan, camel, cream and black bags all work well, and they're easier to wear with more outfits.
Are burgundy heels formal or casual?
It depends on the material and height. Satin or suede stilettos read formal, while a leather block heel is easy to wear with jeans and office clothes.
The bottom line
Treat burgundy heels like a warmer black heel. Pair them with camel, cream, gray, black or denim, repeat the color once if you want the outfit to look planned, and go fully tonal for evening. If you want the most versatile pair, choose a leather mid heel in a shade that suits your wardrobe. For more ideas, browse all our outfit ideas.
