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How to wear Brown this Season

Brown is everywhere in the shops at the moment, perhaps linked to the fact that Mocha Mousse is Pantone's 2025 colour of the year.  But let's face it, brown is a colour which gets a bit of a bad rep. Although one of my favourite things (chocolate!) is brown it has an association with being a boring colour. When I do a colour analysis I've noticed it's not often a colour my clients have a deep love for. It's just not terribly exciting for most.


However, there is so much brown about this season and I really believe it's a great dark neutral for lots of palettes. It can look chic and elegant once you get the right brown for you. Technically, black only features in the winter palette, so brown is a fab alternative for all other palettes.


Put simply, I'd suggest a taupe brown for those in the summer palette, a rich chocolate brown for the autumn palette, a very dark brown for the winter palette and an orange-brown for the spring palettes.

Why Brown is a great Dark Neutral this Season:


It's Softer Than Black and Just as Chic

Brown offers the grounding effect of black but with a warmer, less severe finish. Black can look quite stark on some people and so black is a great alternative. It still offers the "safety" of black while being slightly gentler.


It's a Shade for Most Skin Tones

Chocolate brown, caramel, espresso, mocha.... There’s a spectrum of browns that flatter a wide range of complexions. If you usually suit warmer tones, choose a brown with an orange-ness to it so that it works alongside your warmth. If you're a bit cooler a brown that's more grey-brown might be a better option for you.

4 discs showing various shades of brown

Brown is Rooted in Nature

Brown’s earthy undertones can feel calming, strong and timeless. It can be a colour which provides comfort due feelings of cosiness and these positive characteristics can be portrayed in how we feel. Items like wood, leather and suede can be quite tactile which also provides feelings of calm and strength.


It Evokes Quiet Luxury

Wearing the right brown for you signals elegance without shouting. Brown can look extremely chic and I promise it doesn't have to be boring! If you prefer a more minimal look, pairing "your" brown with various neutrals will look elegant and understated. However, if you need more colour than that, brown will work with just about any colour. My top tip is to ensure you're wearing a colour which is the right depth to work alongside the brown. In other words, if you're wearing a taupe (i.e. grey-brown) it will work best with a colour of a similar "strength", e.g. a pastel pink. Here are some visuals to help further:

Various coloured discs
Jewel colours pop beautifully against rich browns.
Various coloured discs
Pastel tones create a fresh, contemporary look.
Various coloured discs
Rich, warm shades look really harmonious against a warm brown.


Here are some gorgeous things which have caught my eye in the shops recently. As always, all images are clickable if you want further details:


  1. Brown jacket
    Image courtesy of & Other Stories
    Brown cape jacket
    Image courtesy of & Other Stories
    Brown suede jacket
    Image courtesy of Zara
    Brown suede jacket with stud details
    Image courtesy of Marks and Spencer
    Brown trousers with crease
    Image courtesy of & Other Stories
    Brown wide leg trousers
    Image courtesy of Mango

    brown satin skirt
    Image courtesy of Next
    brown and pink midi skirt
    Image courtesy of Oliver Bonas
    brown pleated shorts
    Image courtesy of Mango
    Brown check blouse with collar details
    Image courtesy of Zara
    Brown satin wrap top
    Image courtesy of Mango
    brown and pink striped t shirt
    Image courtesy of Oliver Bonas
    Brown quarter zip sweater
    Image courtesy of Mint Velvet
    brown striped breton top
    Image courtesy of Marks and Spencer
    brown knit jumper
    Image courtesy of Marks and Spencer
    brown sweater with embroidery on sleeves
    Image courtesy of Oliver Bonas
    Brown cashmere jumper
    Image courtesy of Jigsaw
    long length brown dress
    Image courtesy of Mango
    Croc suede tote bag
    Image courtesy of & Other Stories
    Animal print bag
    Image courtesy of & Other Stories
    brown suede bowler bag
    Image courtesy of Marks and Spencer
    Brown suede boots with kitten heel
    Image courtesy of & Other Stories
    Dark brown loafers
    Image courtesy of Marks and Spencer

    white and tan mary jane shoes
    Image courtesy of & Other Stories



Brown really is having a moment, and the best part is there’s a shade out there for everyone. From deep chocolate to soft caramel, the right brown can warm up your look and work beautifully as a go-to neutral. It looks effortlessly chic, whether you pair it with soft pastels or bold statements colours. Don't forget to check out Pinterest for ideas if you're needing some inspiration (try typing "everyday brown outfit ideas" to start with).


If you’re not quite sure which browns (or other colours) make you shine, that’s exactly what I’m here for. A personal colour analysis will help you discover your most flattering shades so getting dressed feels easy and fun.


If you’d like to find your perfect brown (and so much more), let’s chat. To work with me and discover more about how a colour analysis can help you, get in touch and let's start building a wardrobe that really feels like you.

 
 
 

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