Burgundy vs. Maroon: Understanding the Difference

Before diving into styling, it's important to distinguish between burgundy and maroon suits, as these terms are often used interchangeably but represent different shades:

Burgundy takes its name from the wine region in France and features deeper purple-red tones with a rich, sophisticated character. It tends to have more purple undertones, creating a jewel-toned appearance that catches the light beautifully.

Maroon leans more toward brownish-red territory, with earthy undertones that create a slightly more muted, subtle look. This shade often appears deeper and less vibrant than burgundy.

The distinction matters because each shade pairs differently with accessories and works best in specific settings. Burgundy suits typically read as more formal and statement-making, while maroon suits can sometimes blend more easily into business environments.

When to Wear a Burgundy Suit

A burgundy suit shines during specific seasons and occasions:

Seasonal Appropriateness

Burgundy suits reach their full potential during fall and winter months when their rich, warm tones complement the seasonal palette. The deep red hues echo autumn leaves and holiday celebrations, making them particularly fitting from September through February.

Occasion Recommendations

• Weddings: Particularly for fall and winter ceremonies, a burgundy suit offers a festive yet sophisticated option for guests (and even grooms looking for a distinctive look)
• Evening Events: Cocktail parties, galas, and formal dinners where you want to stand out tastefully
• Business Settings: Appropriate for creative industries or workplaces with flexible dress codes
• Holiday Parties: The perfect balance of festive and formal

While burgundy suits for men work year-round, they tend to feel more seasonally appropriate during cooler months. For summer events, consider lighter fabric weights to maintain comfort.

Complete Styling Guide

Creating a cohesive look with a burgundy suit requires thoughtful pairing of shirts, ties, shoes, and accessories:

Shirt Pairings

The right shirt creates the foundation for your burgundy suit look:

• White: The classic choice that creates a sharp contrast and lets the burgundy take center stage
• Light Blue: Offers a softer, contemporary look that complements the warm tones of burgundy
• Black: Creates a bold, modern aesthetic for evening events
• Cream: Provides a softer alternative to white that enhances the warmth of burgundy

Avoid pairing burgundy with shirts that are too similar in color temperature (like pink or red) as they can clash rather than complement.

Tie Combinations

Your tie selection can elevate or undermine your burgundy suit:

• Navy or Dark Blue: Creates a sophisticated color combination with just the right contrast
• Silver or Gray: Offers elegant restraint that balances the boldness of burgundy
• Gold or Champagne: Adds a touch of luxury that complements the richness of burgundy
• Dark Green: Creates an unexpected but harmonious color pairing (particularly for fall/winter)
• Patterned Options: Subtle patterns incorporating burgundy, navy, or neutral tones work well

For a no-tie look, unbutton the top button of a crisp white shirt and add a pocket square for balanced casualness.

Shoe Selections

Shoes complete your burgundy suit ensemble:

• Dark Brown: The most versatile and natural pairing, creating a harmonious flow
• Oxblood/Burgundy: Matching shoes create a monochromatic look that elongates the silhouette
• Black: Works for more formal occasions, creating a sharper contrast
• Tan: Lightens the overall look for daytime or summer events

Oxford shoes offer the most formal option, while loafers can dress down the look slightly for less formal occasions.

Accessory Recommendations

The right accessories enhance your burgundy suit without overwhelming it:

• Pocket Squares: White for classic elegance, patterned (with complementary colors) for visual interest
• Watches: Silver-toned for modern looks, gold-toned to enhance warmth
• Lapel Pins: Small, subtle options in silver, gold, or enamel with complementary colors
• Cufflinks: Silver or mother-of-pearl for understated sophistication

Remember that burgundy is already making a statement, so accessories should complement rather than compete with your suit.

Body Types and Fit Considerations

Burgundy suits, like any colored suit beyond the traditional neutrals, draw more attention to your silhouette, making proper fit essential:

Fit Recommendations

• Slim Fit: Works well for leaner builds, creating a modern, tailored appearance
• Regular Fit: Offers comfort for athletic or average builds while maintaining a clean silhouette
• Modern Fit: Provides a balance between slim and regular, suitable for most body types

Regardless of fit style, ensure your burgundy suit properly fits in these key areas:

• Shoulder seams should align with your natural shoulders
• Jacket should close comfortably without pulling
• Sleeve length should show about ¼ inch of shirt cuff
• Pants should break slightly at the shoe

Fabric Considerations

The fabric of your burgundy suit affects both its appearance and appropriate use:

• Wool: Most versatile option, works year-round depending on weight
• Wool-Blend: Adds durability and sometimes stretch for comfort
• Velvet: Creates a luxurious texture perfect for formal evening events
• Cotton or Linen Blends: Lighten the look for warmer seasons

For special occasions, consider textured fabrics like a subtle herringbone or twill that adds depth to the burgundy color without being overly flashy.

Celebrity Inspiration

Many well-dressed men have embraced burgundy suits for red carpet events and formal occasions:

• Ryan Gosling pairs his burgundy suits with simple white shirts and minimal accessories for a clean, modern look
• Donald Glover often chooses burgundy suits with interesting textures and creative shirt pairings
• Eddie Redmayne demonstrates how to wear burgundy in traditional settings with classic styling
• Michael B. Jordan showcases how burgundy suits can be both athletic and elegant with precise tailoring
• Timothée Chalamet styles burgundy suits with unexpected elements for contemporary, youthful interpretations

These celebrities showcase how burgundy suits can work across different personal styles and body types while maintaining sophistication.

FAQs About Burgundy Suits

What shirt colors work best with a burgundy suit?
White, light blue, black, and cream shirts offer the most versatile and complementary options for burgundy suits. White creates the cleanest look, while light blue adds a contemporary touch.

Can I wear a burgundy suit to a wedding?
Yes, burgundy suits are appropriate for wedding guests, particularly for fall and winter ceremonies. They're festive yet sophisticated, though you may want to check if there's a dress code or if burgundy is part of the wedding party colors.

What's the difference between burgundy and maroon suits?
Burgundy has more purple-red undertones, appearing richer and more vibrant, while maroon contains more brown undertones, creating a slightly more muted appearance. Burgundy tends to be more attention-grabbing than maroon.

Which seasons are best for burgundy suits?
Fall and winter are ideal for burgundy suits, as the rich color complements seasonal palettes. However, in lighter fabrics, burgundy can work year-round, especially for evening events in spring and summer.

How formal are burgundy suits?
Burgundy suits occupy a middle ground in formality. They're appropriate for most semi-formal events, creative business environments, and special occasions, but may not be suitable for the most conservative formal settings like traditional business meetings or very formal black-tie events.

Conclusion

The burgundy suit represents a perfect balance of tradition and individuality in menswear. When properly styled and fitted, it offers a sophisticated alternative to common neutral suits while remaining versatile enough for numerous occasions. From selecting the right shade to pairing it with complementary shirts, ties, and accessories, a burgundy suit allows you to express personal style while maintaining classic elegance.

Whether you're attending a fall wedding, holiday celebration, or looking to refresh your formal wardrobe with something distinctive, a burgundy suit delivers impact while remaining tasteful. With the styling guidance provided here, you can confidently wear this rich, sophisticated hue for your next special occasion.