Move over, black and beige – chocolate brown is officially this fall’s chicest neutral. From runway to street style, brown is trending hard this year, and it’s not just a fleeting fad. From Pantone’s Color of the Year Mocha Mousse to shades of brown dominating the runway, chocolate and espresso hues are taking over clothing and accessories to hair, nails, makeup, and even lips. Think of brown as an investment color. Having gained momentum last year, it’s expected to stick around for a while, making it a smart choice for long-term wardrobe staples.
Looking to master the chocolate brown trend this season? LA Personal stylist Meg Gallagher can help you craft effortlessly chic fall and winter outfits, from textured layers to luxe color combinations. Whether you need guidance on what to wear with brown or how to mix seasonal neutrals, Meg’s styling expertise ensures your wardrobe feels polished, modern, and uniquely you. Check out her wardrobe styling services here:
Why Brown is This Season’s New Neutral
Brown is PERFECT for the holidays. It’s luxurious, versatile, and surprisingly festive. For holiday parties, thematic winter textures like velvets, sequins, corduroy and satins are enhanced with rich chocolate tones. Chocolate brown is a great way to elevate your look for Thanksgiving, holiday dinner parties and evening events.
How to Wear Brown Successfully in Four Ways
1. Identify your most flattering shade based on your seasonal color palette. For Spring and Fall palettes, wear a warm chocolate brown. For Summer and Winter, cool-toned espresso brown works best!
2. Not sure if brown flatters your skin tone? Keep it simple and wear it away from your face. Incorporate brown through accessories, shoes, or pants, and choose a top in a color that brightens your complexion for balance.
3. Another key styling trick: Layer different textures. Similar to how you’d style black, mixing materials like suede, leather, satin, fur, and velvet prevents your outfit from looking flat or heavy. Los Angeles personal stylist Meg swears by a chocolate monochromatic look, mixing layers of the same hue in varied textures for a polished, rich finish. Pairing brown with the right accessories – shoes, boots, belts, and bags in matching shades—helps ground the look and elevate any outfit effortlessly.
4. Consider your Jewelry: When accessorizing, gold jewelry pairs beautifully with warm chocolate tones, while silver works best with cool-leaning espresso shades.
Color Combinations That Work with Brown
If you’re wondering what colors go with brown clothes, here are the top pairings to try this season:
- Brown and blue (or navy) – a timeless, sophisticated pairing
- Brown and olive (or chartreuse) – for a trendy, earthy vibe
- Brown and gray – a chic, muted combination
- Brown and camel – perfect for tonal layering
- Brown and ivory – crisp and elegant
- Brown and black – works if you break it up with textures to avoid heaviness
Classic colors that go with brown clothes include blue, olive, camel, and ivory, making it easy to mix and match without overthinking. For a chic brown color combination outfit, mix textures like suede, leather, and satin to add depth and dimension.
Still unsure what to wear with brown? Layer textures, add matching accessories, and consider your seasonal palette for a flawless look.
Brown Beyond Clothes: Makeup, Nails and Hair
The chocolate trend isn’t confined to just fashion. Hair color, nails, makeup, and lips are embracing rich browns this season! From a glossy espresso bob to 90’s inspired moody brown lipstick and chocolate nails, the hue adds warmth and sophistication without overwhelming your natural palette.
The Luxe Appeal of Brown
Brown is fun, versatile, and undeniably luxurious. Whether dressing for a holiday dinner, updating your wardrobe staples, or experimenting with accessories, chocolate brown is a timeless investment! Layer textures, choose the right complementary colors, and don’t forget your brown shoes or bag – they’re the subtle power moves that make the look totally effortless.
Shop the Chocolate Edit
Ready to bring this rich neutral into your wardrobe? Explore our curated brown shopping edit featuring the best chocolate-toned coats, boots, and accessories for fall.
Transform your seasonal wardrobe with expert help from personal shopper Meg Gallagher, Los Angeles-based personal stylist. Learn what colors go with brown clothes, discover your most flattering tones, and build a wardrobe that looks polished year-round. Contact Meg below:
FAQ How to Wear Brown
- Q: Why is chocolate brown trending this fall?
A: Chocolate brown is trending again this fall because it offers a rich, sophisticated alternative to traditional neutrals like black and beige. Thanks to its runway resurgence, the revival of ’90s style, and the Mocha Mousse color of the year, this luxe neutral continues to prove its staying power. - Q: How do you style chocolate brown for fall outfits?
A: Style chocolate brown with cream, camel, or gray for an elegant everyday fall look. The color works beautifully in leather jackets, knitwear, and tailored trousers offering a timeless, luxe vibe that transitions easily from day to night. - Q: What colors go best with chocolate brown?
A: Chocolate brown pairs best with soft neutrals like ivory, taupe, and gray, as well as bold accents like chartreuse or red. These combinations create a balanced and modern aesthetic that highlights the richness of brown tones. - Q: Is chocolate brown suitable for all skin tones?
While chocolate brown primarily flatters Autumn palettes, there is a shade of brown for EVERYONE. Autumn and Spring work best with warm chocolate browns, while cool-toned espresso brown flatter Summer and Winter palettes. - Q: Is chocolate brown replacing black as the new fashion neutral?
A: Yes, chocolate brown is emerging as a new go-to neutral in fashion! Designers are favoring its softer, warmer tone over stark black, offering a modern yet timeless alternative that feels fresh, versatile, and effortlessly chic for fall wardrobes.