If you’re still following the old rule that navy and burgundy don’t mix, it’s time to let that one go. (And if you haven’t read my post on 5 Outdated Style Rules to Drop After 50, consider this your sign.) These two rich, sophisticated colors share similar depth and warmth, which means they complement each other beautifully rather than compete. Navy and burgundy together reads as intentional, elevated, and surprisingly easy to wear. It’s the kind of combination that gets compliments from strangers—people can tell you put thought into it, even when you threw it together in five minutes.
4 Ways to Wear Navy and Burgundy This Winter
1. The Statement Coat Approach
The Outfit:
Sometimes the easiest way to introduce a new color combination is with outerwear. A burgundy coat over navy basics creates instant impact without requiring you to rethink your entire outfit. The coat does all the heavy lifting while navy provides that sophisticated foundation.
What Makes It Work:
- Navy base – Turtleneck and wide-leg trousers create a clean, elongating foundation
- One statement piece – The coat is the star; everything else stays simple
- Tonal scarf – A navy and burgundy striped scarf ties the two colors together seamlessly
- Matching accessories – Burgundy boots echo the coat without being too matchy
How to Style It: Start with your navy basics—a turtleneck and wide-leg trousers create that sleek foundation. Add the burgundy coat and let it shine. The striped scarf is the secret weapon here: it bridges both colors and makes the whole outfit feel cohesive rather than color-blocked. Finish with burgundy boots to echo the coat.
Why it works: The coat transforms what could be a simple navy outfit into something special. You get the sophistication of navy with the warmth and interest of burgundy, and the scarf ties everything together so it looks intentional rather than thrown together.
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2. The Monochromatic Navy with Burgundy Accents
The Outfit:
This is the subtle approach—and proof that you don’t need a lot of burgundy to make this combination work. A head-to-toe navy look with burgundy shoes and accessories creates understated elegance that’s perfect for the office or a polished weekend.
What Makes It Work:
- Navy-on-navy base – V-neck sweater with windowpane plaid trousers in the same color family
- Pattern interest – The subtle plaid adds texture without competing with the color story
- Strategic burgundy – Trendy ballet flats add a pop of color at the ankle
- Clean proportions – Fitted sweater with slightly cropped wide-leg pants creates balance
How to Style It: The trick here is keeping the navy pieces in the same tonal family so they read as intentional rather than mismatched. The solid V-neck sweater establishes a foundation, while the windowpane plaid adds subtle pattern below. The burgundy flats are the perfect finishing touch—they draw the eye down and add warmth without overwhelming the navy palette.
Petite styling note from Kelly: The slightly cropped trouser length is key for petites. It shows just a sliver of ankle, which elongates the leg, especially when paired with a pointed or almond-toe flat.
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3. The Plaid Suit with Burgundy Sweater
The Outfit:
Here’s where we flip the formula: instead of navy base with burgundy accents, this look uses burgundy as the anchor and lets navy plaid do the heavy lifting. A burgundy crewneck sweater with a navy plaid suit creates a pulled-together look that’s polished enough for work but interesting enough for dinner.
What Makes It Work:
- Jacket as optional layer – Worn over the shoulders here for a relaxed-chic effect
- Burgundy as the base layer – The sweater grounds the outfit and flatters the complexion
- Coordinating plaid – Navy plaid with burgundy windowpane lines echoes the sweater color
- Matching accessories – Burgundy loafers and bag complete the color story
How to Style It: Start with the burgundy sweater—it’s doing double duty as both a color anchor and a complexion-flattering layer near your face. The plaid suit (worn together or separately) incorporates both colors, so everything feels connected. Match your shoes and bag to the sweater for a coordinated finish that isn’t too matchy.
Petite styling note from Kelly: A matching plaid suit creates a long, unbroken line that’s incredibly elongating. The key is making sure the blazer hits at the right length—at or just below the hip bone, never at the widest part of the hip.
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4. The Plaid Skirt with Navy Knit
The Outfit:
A pleated plaid midi skirt is one of the most versatile pieces in a winter wardrobe—and when that plaid incorporates both navy and burgundy, you’ve got a built-in color palette to work with. Pair it with a solid navy sweater and let the skirt be the star.
What Makes It Work:
- Statement skirt – The pleated plaid midi has movement and visual interest
- Solid navy top – A ribbed turtleneck with button details keeps the focus on the skirt
- Grounding accessories – Black boots and bag let the outfit breathe without adding more color
- Polished details – Sunglasses and structured bag elevate the overall look
How to Style It: The sweater’s button detail at the shoulder adds just enough interest without competing with the plaid below. Tuck it in to define the waist and let those pleats flow. Black boots and bag are the right choice here—they ground the outfit and let the navy and burgundy shine without adding a third competing color.
Why it works: Plaid does the work of incorporating both colors into one piece, so you don’t have to think about whether your navy and burgundy “match.” They’re already coordinated by the pattern. The solid navy sweater keeps things sophisticated rather than busy.
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Why Navy and Burgundy Work So Well Together
These two colors share the same depth and intensity, which is why they feel harmonious rather than jarring together. Neither one overpowers the other—they have a natural balance that makes outfits look expensive and intentional.
The undertone connection: Both navy and burgundy lean warm. They share similar richness without competing for attention, creating a palette that feels cohesive even when you’re mixing different pieces and textures.
The sophistication factor: This isn’t a bright, attention-grabbing combination—it’s quietly elegant. Navy and burgundy together reads as thoughtful, polished, and put-together without trying too hard.
The versatility: You can go heavy on burgundy (the statement coat), subtle with just accessories (the ballet flats), or split the difference with plaid that incorporates both. There’s no single “right” ratio—whatever balance works for your wardrobe works.
Mini Formula: Building Navy and Burgundy Outfits
Approach 1: Navy Base + Burgundy Accent
Start with navy head-to-toe, then add burgundy through shoes, bag, or scarf. Lowest commitment, easiest entry point.
Approach 2: Burgundy Base + Navy Accent
Lead with a burgundy sweater or top, then add navy through trousers, skirt, or jacket. Puts the warmer, more flattering color near your face.
Approach 3: Plaid Bridge
Choose a plaid that incorporates both colors—instant coordination without overthinking. Works in trousers, skirts, blazers, or scarves.
Approach 4: Statement Piece
Let one bold piece (a coat, a skirt, a suit) do the heavy lifting while the other color plays a supporting role.
Mini FAQ
What other colors work with navy and burgundy?
Keep it simple. Black, cream, and camel all work as neutral additions. Metallics (gold or silver) add polish for evening. Avoid introducing too many additional colors—the combination is sophisticated because it’s focused.
Can I wear navy and burgundy to the office?
Absolutely. This is one of the most professional color combinations you can wear. The plaid suit Kelly’s wearing would be perfect for meetings, presentations, or client-facing days.
What if my burgundy and navy don’t quite match?
They don’t have to match exactly. As long as both colors have similar depth (neither is significantly lighter or more washed out), they’ll work together. When in doubt, add a plaid or striped piece that incorporates both—it bridges any slight differences.
Is this combination too dark for me?
If you’re concerned about wearing two deep colors, put the burgundy near your face (as a sweater or scarf) and keep navy below the waist. Burgundy’s warmth is more flattering near the complexion than navy, which can sometimes feel too cool.
What shoes work best with navy and burgundy outfits?
Burgundy shoes tie everything together beautifully. Black works as a neutral alternative. Navy shoes can work but make sure they’re close enough in shade to your navy clothing. Avoid brown unless it’s a very deep chocolate.
✨ Beth’s Take: Why I Keep Reaching for This Combination
I resisted navy and burgundy for years. It felt too dark, too heavy, too much like I was wearing my entire winter wardrobe at once. Then I tried it—and immediately understood what I’d been missing.
There’s something about these two colors together that just works. The burgundy warms up navy’s coolness. The navy grounds burgundy’s richness. Together, they create this sophisticated depth that neither color achieves alone.
The plaid midi skirt outfit is one of my favorites this season. It’s comfortable (that pleated skirt has real movement), it’s polished enough for lunch with friends or a nice dinner, and it always gets compliments. People notice when colors work well together, even if they can’t articulate why.
If you’re nervous about trying this combination, start small. Burgundy ballet flats with a navy outfit. A striped scarf. Once you see how good it looks, you’ll find yourself reaching for more.
More Style Inspiration
For more on the shoes featured in these outfits, check out Trending Shoe Shapes for 2026 That Actually Work After 50! Those Mary Jane ballet flats and pointed-toe boots are two of the most wearable trends right now. And if you want more navy outfit ideas, browse How to Wear Navy in Winter: 5 Outfit Ideas—we covered navy and cream there, which is another beautiful combination worth trying.
Closing Thoughts
Your New Winter Color Pairing
Navy and burgundy is the sophisticated winter combination that makes getting dressed easier, not harder. Once you see how well these colors work together, you’ll start spotting opportunities everywhere in your closet. A burgundy sweater you forgot about. Navy trousers that need a new partner. A plaid scarf that ties it all together.
Try one of these four outfits this week. Start with whatever you already own, and build from there. This is the kind of color pairing that becomes a winter staple once you discover it—and now you have.
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