What To Wear With Burgundy Blazer

Okay, so you've got a burgundy blazer. Congratulations! You've taken a bold step. You're practically a walking Merlot, a dapper, fermented grape ready to take on the world. But now comes the hard part: figuring out what to wear with the darn thing. Don’t worry, friend, I’m here to help you avoid looking like you got dressed in the dark... or at a wine-tasting gone terribly, terribly wrong.

The Casual Catastrophe Averted: Jeans and a Tee

Let’s start simple, shall we? Think of your burgundy blazer as the sophisticated older brother of your favorite denim jacket. It plays well with jeans. Dark wash, light wash, even (gasp!) distressed – it all works. But here's the secret sauce: keep the tee shirt simple. We're talking plain white, grey, or black. No band tees unless you’re actually going to see the band. Trust me, a "Guns N' Roses" t-shirt with a burgundy blazer screams "I'm trying too hard" even if you did see Axl Rose back in '88. (And if you did, kudos to you, rockstar!)

Sneakers are your friend here. White canvas sneakers are always a safe bet. Think Converse, Vans, or even a pair of clean Adidas Stan Smiths. Brown leather boots can also work, especially in the fall. Just, please, no neon running shoes. Unless you're literally running. Away from bad fashion choices, perhaps.

Pro Tip: Roll up your sleeves a bit. It’s a casual look that says, "I own a blazer, but I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty... or, you know, type on a keyboard."

Stepping it Up (But Not Too Much!): Chinos and a Button-Down

Want to look a little more put-together? Chinos are your answer. Beige, navy, olive green – they all complement the burgundy beautifully. Avoid colors too close to the blazer, though. You don’t want to look like you’re auditioning for a community theatre production of “Burgundy: The Musical.”

For the shirt, a crisp white button-down is always a classic. Light blue works too. You can even get away with a subtle pattern, like a thin stripe or a small check. Just keep it understated. Remember, the blazer is the star of the show; the shirt is just a supporting actor.

Shoes? Loafers or dress shoes are the way to go here. Brown leather is a safe bet. Black works too, but it can feel a bit more formal. If you're feeling adventurous, try a pair of oxblood shoes (basically, burgundy shoes that match your blazer... but don't actually match your blazer). Ironic, right?

Fun Fact: Did you know that the word "chinos" comes from the Spanish word for "Chinese?" They were originally made in China for the U.S. military. So, wearing chinos with a burgundy blazer is basically a sartorial melting pot of global proportions. You're practically promoting world peace with your outfit!

The Daring (But Potentially Disastrous) Options

Okay, now we're entering dangerous territory. Proceed with caution!

Turtlenecks: A black turtleneck with a burgundy blazer can look incredibly sophisticated... or incredibly pretentious. It's a fine line. Make sure the turtleneck fits well and isn't too bulky. You don't want to look like a burgundy-clad chimney sweep. Also, avoid white turtlenecks. You'll look like a villain in a James Bond movie... and not in a good way.

Patterned Shirts: A floral shirt or a bold geometric print can work, but it's risky. Make sure the colors in the pattern complement the burgundy and that the overall look isn't too busy. If you're unsure, err on the side of caution. You're better off looking slightly boring than looking like a walking optical illusion.

Corduroy Pants: Burgundy blazer with corduroy pants... interesting. I would suggest a darker color for the corduroy, such as charcoal or navy. This is a power move. Only attempt if you are confident in your fashion sense and immune to judgement.

Accessories: The Devil is in the Details (But Don't Sell Your Soul!)

The right accessories can take your burgundy blazer outfit from "meh" to "magnifique!"

Pocket Squares: A pocket square is a great way to add a pop of color or pattern. Just make sure it complements the rest of your outfit. A paisley pocket square in shades of blue and green can look fantastic with a burgundy blazer. Avoid matching the pocket square exactly to the blazer. That’s just… predictable.

Watches: A classic leather watch is always a good choice. Silver or gold works, depending on your personal preference. Avoid oversized watches with too many bells and whistles. You're not trying to look like a time-traveling astronaut (unless, of course, you are a time-traveling astronaut. In that case, carry on!).

Scarves: In the colder months, a scarf can add warmth and style. A grey or navy scarf is a safe bet. You can also experiment with patterns, but keep them subtle.

Belts: Match your belt to your shoes. It's a simple rule that will keep you looking polished.

Important Note: Don't overdo it with the accessories. A few well-chosen pieces are always better than a cluttered mess. Remember, less is often more.

Ultimately, the best way to figure out what to wear with your burgundy blazer is to experiment and see what works for you. Don't be afraid to try new things and, most importantly, have fun with it! And if all else fails, just blame me. I'm happy to take the fall for your sartorial missteps. After all, I’m just a humble guide in this treacherous world of burgundy blazer fashion.