For years, black has been the go-to shade in our wardrobes – chic, slimming, and endlessly versatile. But this fall, there’s a new neutral in town: brown. From rich chocolate to soft caramel, brown is stepping forward as the shade that feels modern, warm, and surprisingly elegant. That’s why we’re bringing you this article on how to wear brown.
Brown works beautifully because it softens where black can sometimes harden. A camel coat, for example, flatters a wider range of complexions than a stark black one. Chocolate trousers or a mocha knit dress give you the same grounding effect as black, but with added depth and warmth. Paired with creams, rusts, or even unexpected brights like cobalt or fuchsia, brown looks instantly chic and fresh.
The key to making brown your new black is to treat it with the same confidence. Think of it as your neutral foundation: invest in a great brown bag or boots, add a wool blazer in espresso, or layer a silky taupe blouse under your jackets. Build from there, and you’ll discover that brown can be just as versatile — and perhaps even more flattering – than black.
Kim @kimair wears a textured brown jumpsuit with matching shoes.
Recreate her outfit with this similar jumpsuit, sandals, earrings and sunglasses.
Why brown can be more flattering than black
While black has long been celebrated as universally chic, it can sometimes feel harsh against mature skin, emphasizing shadows and lines. Deep brown, on the other hand, offers the same sophistication but with warmth. Rich chocolate and espresso tones soften the face, bringing out the natural glow in your complexion and pairing seamlessly with a broader range of colors where black can drain, brown flatters – making it a more forgiving and elegant choice for many women over 40.
In this article, you’ll find our favorite brown clothes, shoes, and accessories in stores now, and a capsule wardrobe featuring brown and color suggestions of what to pair with your brown.
brown capsule
Brown tops
Let’s get started on a capsule wardrobe featuring the color of the season, starting with tops. A brown top is an instant way to update your closet, adding warmth and sophistication. Plus, wearing brown next to your complexion can be super flattering. Wear a chunky sweater with your jeans, or a silky blouse for the evening.
Rails Cotton & Cashmere Top – J.Crew Ruched Jersey Shell Top – BP. Fuzzy Oversize Sweater – rag & bone Contrast Trim Rib Button-Up Shirt
Karen @styledbykaren above looks super stylish in her brown sweater vest – a great way to update the white or cream shirt you already have in your closet, and her on-trend ballet flats. Looking for a pair of ballet flats with a strap across the foot will ensure you stay on-trend with your flats.
Get her look with this similar shirt, sweater vest (another option here), jeans, flats, belt and sunglasses.
Brown jackets and coats
Brown jackets and coats are an easy way to refresh your wardrobe and still feel timeless. A brown moto jacket adds a touch of cool without trying too hard – pair it with jeans or a floaty dress for a balanced look. A brown blazer is endlessly versatile, pairing well with trousers for the office or with denim for a polished off-duty look. A brown barn jacket is your casual go-to, perfect for layering over sweaters and boots on the weekend. Or choose a classic, belted wool coat. It’s that forever piece you’ll wear year after year, instantly pulling an outfit together while keeping you warm and chic.
J.Crew Madelyn Four-season Stretch Blazer – J.Crew Cropped Corduroy Barn Jacket™ – Sam Edelman Lambskin Moto Jacket – Bernardo Tie Waist Coat
Sam Edelman Lambskin Moto Jacket – BP. Fuzzy Oversize Sweater – Veronica Beard Beverly Off-Duty High Waist Flare Jeans – PUMA Easy Rider Shoes Sneaker – Tory Burch Small Romy Leather Shoulder Bag – Petit Moments Vaila Stud Earrings
Brown pants and jeans
You’re sure to have blue and black jeans in your closet as well as black pants. So, how about switching those out for brown this season? They’re just as versatile as your other neutrals and work beautifully with creams, tans, and even bright or bold shades. Pair your brown jeans with a crisp white shirt or a cream sweater for an easy update, or style tailored brown pants with loafers for an everyday, chic look.
FRAME Le Slim Palazzo Coated High Waist Wide Leg Jeans – J.Crew Vintage Corduroy Flare Pant – J.Crew New Delaney Kickout Sweater Pant – MANGO Pleat Detail Pants
Kim @kimbalikes above mixes soft shade of brown and pink in her outfit.
Check out this similar top, coatigan, pants (another option here), sneakers, bag, necklace and sunglasses.
Brown dresses and skirts
Rather than your little black dress, how about switching to a brown dress this season? Dress up with gold accessories, or you can wear them with loafers or sneakers. Alternatively, pair a brown skirt with knee-length boots and a sweater for a fall look.
Julia Jordan Belted Midi Shirtdress – Nordstrom Wool & Cashmere Blend Sweater Dress – MANGO Fine Knit Midi Skirt – Nordstrom Gathered Midi Skirt
Open Edit The Curator Tie Waist Blazer – Rails Cotton & Cashmere Top – Nordstrom Gathered Midi Skirt – Tory Burch Reva Travel Ballet Flats – COACH Tabby 26 Leather Shoulder Bag – Ann Taylor Metal Gem Lariat Necklace
Brown shoes and boots
Brown is a beautiful color to choose for your footwear for fall. Rather than black leather, choose deep brown leather or suede. A pair of knee-high boots, ankle booties, sneakers, and flats should take you through all occasions. If you want to add a dressier option, you can always opt for some low-heeled shoes.
Tory Burch Reva Travel Ballet Flats – PUMA Easy Rider Shoes Sneaker – ANINE BING Freya Flat Boots – Sam Edelman Porter Knee High Boots
Sandra @lapecosapreciosa above looks fall ready in her print dress teamed with brown boots and a matching hat.
Recreate her outfit with this similar dress (another option here), boots and fedora.
Brown accessories
If you want to update what you already have in your closet, then adding brown accessories is the perfect option. Look for beautiful brown suede or leather handbags, gold and brown jewelry, and brown scarves – either choose a textured scarf or one with a print that features brown.
J.Crew Berkeley Suede Chainlink Shoulder Bag – COACH Tabby 26 Leather Shoulder Bag – Ann Taylor Metal Gem Lariat Necklace – Petit Moments Vaila Stud Earrings – Lizzie Fortunato Mini Espresso Resin Hoop Earrings – Eileen Fisher Whisper Transitional Silk Scarf
Reiss Indira Double Breasted Wool Blend Coat with Scarf – Nordstrom Wool & Cashmere Blend Sweater Dress – Sam Edelman Porter Knee High Boots – COACH Tabby 26 Leather Shoulder Bag – Petit Moments Vaila Stud Earrings
Colors to wear with brown
You can go top-to-toe brown by choosing a mix of different shades. Or add additional neutrals or colors. Let’s take a look now at the colors you could wear with brown.
Carmen @carmen_gimeno above looks super stylish in a palette that mixes browns and beige. We love the pop of purple she has added with her hat.
Steal her look with this similar coord set (another option here), coat, loafers, handbag, and beret.
cream
Pairing cream with brown is one of the most timeless and sophisticated combinations you can wear. The contrast is softer than black-and-white, yet it carries the same elegance – just with more warmth and depth. A cream blouse tucked into tailored brown trousers, a camel coat over an ivory knit, or chocolate jeans with a cream blazer all strike the perfect balance of polished and effortless. Plus, it can work for the day or the evening.
Open Edit The Curator Tie Waist Blazer – Reiss Indira Double Breasted Wool Blend Coat with Scarf – UGG Classic Wide Leg Pajama Pants – Tory Burch Small Romy Leather Shoulder Bag – Kate Spade New York Spade Flower Faux Pearl Drop Earrings
Leopard print
Leopard print is a natural partner for brown, since the print itself is usually built on warm shades of tan, caramel, and chocolate. Worn alongside solid brown pieces, leopard adds just the right amount of interest without clashing – think a leopard scarf with a brown blazer, or a pair of leopard flats grounding chocolate trousers. The brown tones tie everything together, keeping the overall effect polished rather than overpowering.
ANINE BING Avi Tee – J.Crew Viscose Chiffon Shell Top – Lilly Pulitzer Brit Leopard Bow Slingbacks – J.Crew New Stevie Ankle Boots
J.Crew Cropped Corduroy Barn Jacket™ – ANINE BING Avi Tee – UGG Classic Wide Leg Pajama Pants – ANINE BING Freya Flat Boots – GiGi New York Reversible Luna Tote – Lizzie Fortunato Mini Espresso Resin Hoop Earrings
gold
Brown and gold are a match made in style heaven, creating a look that feels both rich and refined. The earthy depth of brown provides the perfect backdrop for gold accents to shine – whether that’s a silky chocolate blouse paired with gold jewelry, a caramel-toned dress lifted with a metallic belt, or a brown blazer offset by a gold clutch.
Favorite Daughter Effortless Wide Leg Pants – GiGi New York Reversible Luna Tote – Cole Haan Grand Ambition 2.0 Galena Loafers – Satya Jewelry Spiritual Strength Garnet Lotus Necklace
Turquoise
Brown and turquoise make a striking combination, blending earthy warmth with a pop of cool, vibrant color. The richness of chocolate or camel tones sets off turquoise beautifully, giving the outfit an effortless boho-luxe feel. Think of a simple brown dress elevated with turquoise jewelry, or a pair of chocolate trousers paired with a silky turquoise blouse.
Brahmin Margo Croc Embossed Leather Crossbody Bag – Frances Valentine Vintage Stripe Silk & Cotton Oblong Scarf – Ettika Reconstituted Turquoise Drop Earrings – Kurt Geiger London Chelsea Slingback Sandals
Julia Jordan Belted Midi Shirtdress – Kurt Geiger London Chelsea Slingback Sandals – Brahmin Margo Croc Embossed Leather Crossbody Bag – Ettika Reconstituted Turquoise Drop Earrings – Eileen Fisher Whisper Transitional Silk Scarf
And, your favorite jeans
As with pretty much anything, your favorite pair of jeans will go with them. So, don’t forget to add your denim into the mix too.
Veronica Beard Beverly Off-Duty High Waist Flare Jeans
Your brown is the new black capsule
Below, you can see many of the clothes, shoes, and accessories we featured above, together in a new capsule – so you can plan how you will wear your brown.
Continue reading:
- Fall and winter 2025 color trends to embrace this season
- Capsule dressing for Fall 2025: 26 items, countless outfits
- Best jackets and coats for fall 2025 – and how to wear them
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Feature image by Kim @kimair
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