In need of creative ways to add the color brown to your wardrobe? Look no further!
After I got my color analysis done last year, I found out that brown complements me more than black and ever since I’ve been having such a blast styling brown outfits and wearing more of this earthy hue.
Brown has also been everywhere lately, from cozy knits to chic monochromatic looks, so it feels like the perfect time to talk about styling this versatile color.
According to color psychology brown is a color that inspires warmth and comfort, which I totally agree with.
You all loved my post about what colors to wear with red, so we’re back for part two.
In today’s post, I’m sharing some recent examples of brown outfits that I’ve worn and loved as well as getting into some of my best styling tips for how to wear brown.
From mixing in patterns to colors you should avoid when wearing brown, we’ve got it all covered.
Brown Outfit Ideas – What colors to wear with brown
Brown and blue
In my eyes, denim can pair with pretty much any color and this opens up a whole world of possibilities for mixing together blue and brown. I love a light wash denim with a deep chocolate brown or even a lighter brown paired with deeper blue hues.
Brown and cream
Since brown is already a neutral itself, pairing it with other neutral colors is a no-brainer. I love pairing colors across the spectrum here from soft cream shades to warm medium brown and I think it’s an ideal color palette for fall.
Brown and green
When in doubt, pair brown with another earthy tone like green. I especially love brown paired with an olive green shade and this feels like a dreamy combination to wear pretty much all year around.
Brown and black
For some reason, I always remember people saying wearing black and brown together was a fashion faux pas. But at the end of the day, I think they go together beautifully and it’s just about balancing out the shades.
Brown and red
I absolutely love the combination of brown and red together, especially during the colder seasons and holidays. Both are such rich colors and when worn together it feels really elevated and chic.
Brown and pink
I think that mixing a super cheery and girly color like pink with a sophisticated and grounded color like brown is a cute way to add some interest to your outfit. This combination may be a bit more daring than the others, but rest assured it is totally possible to pair pink and brown.
More tips for styling brown outfits
If you need more advice when it comes to adding brown to your wardrobe, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Start with one brown piece
If you’re just getting comfortable wearing brown, start small. Pick one brown item—like a cozy sweater, chic handbag, or tailored trousers and build your outfit around that. This makes it easier to experiment without feeling overwhelmed. Once you find shades you love, you can start mixing in more brown pieces for a monochromatic look.
Warm-toned browns vs. cool-toned browns
Not all browns are created equal! Warm-toned browns, like caramel, chestnut, and cognac, pair beautifully with earthy colors such as cream and olive green. Cool-toned browns, like taupe or espresso, work best with shades of jewel tones like sapphire, jade or burgundy. Paying attention to undertones can make your outfit feel more cohesive and polished.
Patterns that pair well with brown
Since brown is a neutral, it’s one of the best colors to experiment with when it comes to fun patterns. Here are a few to try:
Plaid
- Brown pairs beautifully with plaid, especially when the print includes hints of cream or black. A plaid blazer, skirt, or scarf can add instant sophistication and a bit of a preppy vibe to your outfit.
Animal prints
- Leopard, cheetah, and snakeskin patterns naturally complement brown tones. They add texture and personality without clashing, making animal print pieces an easy way to elevate an otherwise simple outfit.
Polka dots
- For a softer, playful vibe, polka dots work perfectly. Opt for white-on-brown for a classic look or experiment with other color combinations if you’re feeling bold.
Easy ways to start wearing brown
If you’re not quite ready to commit to an all-brown outfit, start small with accessories that still pack a punch:
Bags
- A brown purse instantly makes your outfit feel grounded and chic at the same time, especially if the fabric is a leather or suede material.
Shoes
- One of the easiest ways to test out a new color is in your footwear. Brown boots or sneakers are a great way to dip your toes (literally) and the best part is, they’ll hide dirt or dust easily.
Sunglasses
- Brown frames are classic and timeless—perfect for adding an elevated touch to your outfit. From matte styles to tortoise shell patterns, there are tons of shapes and sizes to play with.
What colors not to wear with brown
- In my eyes, mixing yellow and brown together is tricky because I would want to find the perfect shades that compliment each other. If you’re craving a lighter shade to pair with brown, consider white or cream.
- Orange and brown are such similar colors that pairing them together could result in more clash than complement. If you want a color with more contrast, consider adding in some red elements to your brown outfit instead.
When in doubt, start by pairing brown with colors like blue and cream to ease your way into the styling options.
I hope you loved this post and found lots of inspiration for how to start wearing brown in your wardrobe.
Any questions or favorite looks? Share them in the comments!
yours,
Austen
