Move over black, there’s a new dark hued neutral that’s trending. This season is all about brown outfits – and not just any brown. Chocolate brown is the colour du jour; rich and warm it’s perfect for colder months – and I’ve got a folder full of saved outfits to prove it.
Brown has been quietly going up on people’s radars in recent months – myself included – but what really made me sit up and want to wear head-to-toe-brown *immediately* was when Hailey Bieber stepped out in a chocolate toned, strapless Saint Laurent dress at the Academy Museum Gala. I think I may have audibly gasped… who knew brown could look so chic?
After all, dark brown is often seen as edgy blacks’ drab cousin in the fashion world, but I’m now seeing it in a whole new way. Luxurious with an old-school edge to it, it adds depth and dimension to an outfit that black doesn’t. And it’s a colour, I’m quickly coming to realise, that elevates an outfit to instantly look more expensive than it is due to the rich, lush intensity of it.
More on outfits:
- Corduroy is back – here’s 5 ways to wear it this season
- The most stylish winter working-from-home outfits
- Why a ‘top and nice trousers’ is the stylish party-friendly combo to know now
And so I’ve slowly found myself adding more and more chocolate toned pieces to my wish lists this season; an oversized down coat for practicality, a cut-out dress for party season and some faux leather trousers for when I need a break from my trusty jeans.
My favourite brown pieces
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Still not 100% sold? Here are 5 super stylish brown outfits outfits that will have you quickly coming over to the dark (brown) side this season.
How I’m wearing chocolate brown outfits this season
1. Clever layering
Where do I start with how much I *love* this outfit? The underrated combination of brown and black? The oversized collar of the jumper layered over the jacket to create the illusion that its part of it? The contrasting textures of the knit jumper and silk mini? All of the above and so much more make this outfit a perfect example of just how cool brown can look – and visually interesting. And if you, like me, you’re planning to recreate this look, buy a brown silk mini dress rather than a skirt – not only will it provide an extra layer for colder days, but you’ll be able to style it a host of different ways.
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2. Tonal tailoring
There’s no look as impactful as a monochrome outfit, and head to toe brown is no exception. This tailored look is one I can’t wait to recreate for meetings or a day in town; it looks incredibly chic but effortless, and the good news is, it actually is easy to recreate. What I also love about this minimalist outfit is the use of classic pieces – a boxy collared shirt, and tailored trousers – both items that I know I’ll use for years to come. For days when an extra layer is needed, I would add in an oversized, maxi coat like this – in (yep, you guessed it) chocolate brown.
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3. Statement knitwear
Whilst I wish I would be wearing brown this season, in a cut out gown a lá Mrs Bieber, the reality is most winter days I’m a jeans and jumper outfit kind a gal. And whilst it’s *just a tad* more subdued, this combination is a much more wearable, but equally stylish way to incorporate brown into your wardrobe. A striped jumper is after all a winter staple, and this brown and black style is a fresh update, which proves that brown and black really are a winning style combo. Even better, it shows how easily you can incorporate chocolate tones into your existing wardrobe by pairing it with staple pieces like black denim.
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4. Classic co-ordinating
This look proves that brown outfits are anything but boring; the combination of the abstract print and contrasting textures provides interest and depth to this look that I can’t wait to recreate. And whilst chocolate brown might be trending right now, none of the pieces in this look are trend-led, but rather an updated spin on wardrobe classics. It’s a quick and easy outfit to recreate for a casual date night but could just as easily be worn to the office or a family lunch. If you’re worried about catching a chill, throw over a jumper colour that picks up the pattern of the dress.
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5. A colour pop contrast
If you’re looking for a sign to wear chocolate brown with colour this season, this is it. In fact, the warmth of the hue means it works better than black as a neutral to pair with brights. There aren’t many colours I won’t be pairing my brown purchases with, from bright blue to olive green but as this look proves, chocolate hues work particularly well with a pop of pink. This look has also convinced me I need a pair of brown, square toe boots in my life – just another item on my ever-growing baskets of dark brown buys.
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