Combining brown and pink can seem tricky at first glance, but they can actually work beautifully together if done right. Both are neutral colors that compliment a wide range of skin tones. With the right shade and texture combinations, brown and pink can create a stylish, sophisticated, and unexpectedly feminine look. While tricky, there are some easy strategies to follow that make coordinating these two colors effortless.
Complementary Color Theory
According to color theory, brown and pink are considered complementary colors. This means they are directly opposite each other on the color wheel. Complementary colors create high contrast and high impact when paired. They also balance each other out, with one color emphasizing the undertones of the other.
Pink has undertones of red and leans warm. Brown has undertones of green and purple and can go warm or cool. Pairing the two allows you to play up the subtle nuances in each one. The effect is eye catching and elegant.
Choosing the Right Shades
Not just any brown and pink will do. Choosing the right shades is key to making this color combo work.
For brown, rich camel, chocolate, taupe, and mahogany shades work best with pink. Avoid orange leaning browns, as they will clash. For pink, rose, dusty, ballet, and blush pinks pair nicely. Neon brights and barbie pinks are too jarring.
Neutrally toned, muted, earthy shades of brown and pink will effortlessly complement each other. Think natural, subdued, and sophisticated for the overall vibe.
| Brown Shades | Pink Shades |
|---|---|
| Camel | Rose |
| Chocolate | Dusty |
| Taupe | Ballet |
| Mahogany | Blush |
Texture Combinations
Texture is another key factor in successfully combining brown and pink. Pairing smooth with textured and matte with shiny creates interest and contrast.
For example, a sleek brown leather jacket looks fantastic over a fuzzy pink sweater. A satiny pink skirt or dress pops against a textured brown jacket. Distressed brown jeans compliment a feminine pink silk blouse.
In accessories, a brown leather tote pairs well with pink suede boots. Metallic brown shoes or jewelry shine against a soft pink dress. Play around with combining and contrasting textures in brown and pink pieces.
Warm and Cool Skin Tones
Brown and pink can work beautifully on both warm and cool skin tones.
For warm complexions, look for brown with golden, orange, or red undertones. Pair with warm pinks like peach, coral, or salmon. Warm browns like caramel, chestnut, ochre, or hazelnut flatter and complement golden skin.
For cool complexions, brown with purple, blue, or ash undertones are most harmonious. Match with cool pinks like magenta, rose, or petal pink. Cool browns like taupe, ash, or soot pair perfectly with fair, pinkish skin.
Pay attention to the jewelry you pair with the colors as well. Gold jewelry pops against warm pinks and browns. Silver stands out against cool shades.
Makeup and Hair Color
Brown and pink work well in makeup and hair colors too. Pink cheeks, lips, and eyeshadow flatter both brunettes and brownish redheads. On blonde or grey hair, pastel pinks create a beautiful and unexpected pop of color.
For makeup, brown eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara make blue and green eyes stand out. Brown brows frame the face. Nude brown lipstick flatters all skin tones.
Don’t forget nails! A French manicure with a pink base and brown tips looks elegant. Metallic brown polish pops against pink lacquered tips. Get creative with brown and pink makeup and nail looks.
Pattern Pairings
Patterns add energy and dimension when mixing brown and pink. To avoid looking busy, choose patterns in the same color family with similar scales.
Pair small scale pink and white gingham with tiny brown polka dots. A brown graphic print matches with a muted pink paisley. Petal pink floral patterns on a taupe background are gorgeous.
Striped brown sweaters work with solid pink pieces. Vice versa, a striped pink skirt compliments a solid brown top. Houndstooth, herringbone, and tweed in brown and pink are timeless.
If combining several prints, make brown and pink the connecting colors. Anchoring busy prints together with solid brown and pink accessories pulls the look together.
Outfit Ideas
Here are some chic outfit ideas that incorporate brown and pink in flattering ways:
– A pink trench coat over a simple brown dress
– Skinny brown suede pants with a silky champagne pink blouse
– An oversized fuzzy brown sweater with ballet pink leggings
– A brown midi skirt paired with a rose pink sleeveless top
– Camel colored straight leg trousers with a light pink button up shirt
– Distressed brown jeans with a pink and brown graphic t-shirt
– A pink cocktail dress with brown leather belt, shoes, and clutch
– Brown leather shorts with a pink tank top and brown sandals
Home Decor
Don’t leave brown and pink only for fashion. Use these colors in home decor too for a sophisticated look.
In the living room, a pink velvet or linen sofa pops against brown walls. Layer pink and brown pillows for extra dimension. Add in pink curtains.
The bedroom is another perfect place for brown and pink. A pink headboard grounds the space against brown walls. Pink and brown bedding ties it all together.
In the kitchen, add pink bar stools around a brown island. Use a pink tablecloth over a brown dining table. Display pink flowers in brown vases for a beautiful pop of color.
Paint a home office or library brown for coziness. Add energy with pink chairs, art, and accessories. Use brown shelves to display pink books and objects.
Outdoors, pink patio furniture over brown decking is inviting. Plant pink flowers in brown pots. Hang pink lanterns from brown pergolas. Use brown and pink to create your ideal backyard oasis.
History of Brown and Pink
Historically, brown and pink have gone in and out of fashion together over the centuries.
In the 1700s, both men and women wore brown coats, waistcoats, and breeches paired with pink silk shirts, stockings, and accessories. Aristocratic men wore regal brown suits with pink accents.
In the 1800s, women often wore day dresses in solid browns layered with pink shawls, gloves, and hats. Victorian era ball gowns featured lavish pink skirts with brown corsets and shawls.
In the early 1900s, Coco Chanel made the combination famous. She designed elegant tweed jackets, blazers, and skirt suits in muted shades of brown and pink.
In the 40s and 50s, pink and brown were considered too bold together. But in the 60s, mod style brought back clashing colors like brown and pink in new, creative ways.
The 80s saw an explosion of bright fuchsia and neon pink combined with chocolate brown. In the 90s and 2000s, brown lipstick and blush were trendy paired with pink eyeshadow.
Recently, millenials have embraced brown and pink again in feminine, earthy, retro inspired looks. From runways to the streets, brown and pink continue to stand the test of time.
Conclusion
Brown and pink together exude elegance, femininity, and sophistication. By choosing the right complementary shades and textures, they can be mixed and matched into beautiful outfits for any occasion. From clothing to accessories to home decor, brown and pink bring out the best in each other for a stunning aesthetic. Approach this color combination with confidence by following basic color theory principles. Brown and pink can quickly become your new favorite pair.
