How to Style a Burgundy Sweater: Warm Modest Outfit Ideas

A burgundy sweater is the color I reach for the minute the weather turns. It feels warmer than black, richer than navy, and somehow it makes even a plain denim skirt look put together. It's also one of the few colors that looks right on almost everyone.

Here's how I wear mine, from a busy weekday all the way to a Shabbos table.

Pick the right burgundy

Burgundy covers a whole family of deep reds, and the shade changes what goes with it best.

• Wine or classic burgundy. The easiest one. It works with grey, navy, camel, cream and black.
• Plum burgundy. Has a little purple in it. Lovely with grey, charcoal and soft pink.
• Brick or rusty burgundy. Leans warmer. Beautiful with camel, olive, cream and brown.

If you're buying just one, go for a classic wine shade in a fine or medium knit. It dresses up and down more easily than a very chunky one.

Best skirt colors with a burgundy sweater

Burgundy is strong, so I usually pair it with a calmer skirt and let the sweater be the star.

• Burgundy and grey. My favorite. Soft and grown up, and great for work. I have more ideas in how to style a grey sweater.
• Burgundy and camel. Warm and cozy, the classic fall pairing.
• Burgundy and navy. Deep and polished, perfect for an office day or a simcha.
• Burgundy and cream. Fresh and bright, and it keeps the outfit from feeling heavy.
• Burgundy and black. Simple and elegant for evenings.
• Burgundy and denim. The easiest everyday combination there is.

For more pairings, take a look at my winter color combinations.

Skirt shapes that work

Almost any modest skirt shape works with a burgundy sweater. It's mostly about balance.

• A-line midi or maxi. Tuck in a fine knit or wear a medium knit just over the waistband. This is the shape I wear most.
• Pleated skirt. A pleated midi in grey, navy or champagne with a fitted burgundy knit looks polished right away. See how to style a pleated skirt.
• Long denim skirt. Burgundy and denim is an easy weekday uniform.
• Knit or wool skirt. A tonal knit set, or a burgundy sweater over a long wool skirt, is about as cozy as winter dressing gets.
• Plaid or houndstooth. A plaid skirt that has a little burgundy in it ties the whole outfit together.

If your sweater is chunky, keep the skirt smooth and simple. If the sweater is thin, you can play with texture in the skirt, like corduroy, velvet or tweed.

Layering for coverage and interest

A burgundy sweater layers well, which helps a lot on colder days and when you want more coverage.

• A white collar. A crisp white collar peeking out over a burgundy crew neck is one of the prettiest school-day looks. My guide to how to style a collared sweater shows how to do it.
• A shell or long-sleeve tee. Wear a thin tee in cream or black underneath a V-neck or a looser knit so the neckline stays high.
• Over a dress. A fitted burgundy sweater over a slip or knit dress turns it into a skirt look. See how to style a sweater over a dress.
• Under a coat. A camel or grey coat on top of burgundy looks rich and finished.

Shoes that go with burgundy

• Brown or cognac boots. Warm and easy, especially with camel or denim.
• Black boots. Best with grey, navy or black skirts.
• Burgundy shoes. Matching flats or loafers make a tonal outfit look very intentional.
• Ballet flats or loafers. For milder days or indoors, flats in black, nude or a soft metallic are lovely.

Tights tie it all together. Black or deep brown are the easiest, and burgundy tights with a burgundy sweater can look very chic. My guide on how to choose tights for long skirts has more.

Accessories that suit burgundy

• Gold jewelry. Gold looks warm and glowy next to burgundy. Small hoops or a pendant are enough.
• Pearls. Pearl studs or a short strand make a burgundy sweater feel dressy right away.
• A cream or camel scarf. Softens the color near your face.
• Headscarf or snood. Cream, camel, grey or a soft floral all look beautiful with burgundy. My guide to matching a headscarf to your outfit has ideas.

Burgundy sweater outfit ideas

Here are the formulas I come back to all season.

1. Everyday errands. Burgundy crew neck, long denim skirt, white sneakers or flat brown boots and a camel scarf.

2. Office day. Fine-knit burgundy sweater, grey pleated midi skirt, black tights and black loafers.

3. Cozy weekend. Chunky burgundy cable-knit, camel corduroy skirt, cognac ankle boots and a cream knit headband.

4. Shabbos lunch. Burgundy fine knit with pearl studs, champagne satin midi skirt and nude ballet flats.

5. Tonal and chic. Burgundy sweater, burgundy knit maxi skirt, burgundy tights and dark brown boots, with a camel coat on top.

6. Holiday dinner. Burgundy sweater, black velvet midi skirt, a gold brooch and black heeled boots. More ideas in how to style a velvet skirt.

Keep your burgundy sweater looking rich

Deep colors can fade with hot washes, so wash burgundy knits inside out in cold water and dry them flat. Fold them instead of hanging them, and use a sweater comb on any pills. My guide on how to care for wool and cashmere has the full routine.

FAQ

What color skirt goes with a burgundy sweater?

Grey, camel, navy, cream, black and denim all look great with burgundy. A plaid skirt that has some burgundy in it works well too.

Can I wear a burgundy sweater for Shabbos?

Yes. Choose a fine knit and pair it with a dressier skirt in satin, velvet or a soft pleat. Add pearls or gold jewelry and it feels special.

What shoes go with a burgundy sweater?

Brown, cognac and black boots are the easiest. Burgundy flats or loafers look lovely for a tonal outfit.

Does burgundy go with black?

Yes. Burgundy and black is a simple, elegant pairing, especially for evenings and holidays.

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