Mixing and matching colors in fashion can seem daunting. Many people stick to tried and true color combinations that they know will work well together. However, experimenting with bolder color combinations can really make an outfit pop. One color combination that some are hesitant to try is wearing brown with black and grey. At first glance, these dark, neutral tones may not seem like they would pair well together. However, with the right shades and textures, brown can actually coordinate beautifully with black and grey. Here’s what you need to know about successfully wearing these colors together.
The Basics of Wearing Brown, Black, and Grey
Brown, black, and grey are all neutral colors that are considered classic and versatile. Here’s a quick overview of the characteristics of each shade:
Brown
– Earthy, natural color that can range from light tan to dark chocolate brown. Goes well with other neutrals.
Black
– Sophisticated neutral that is formal and elegant. Goes with every color.
Grey
– Versatile neutral that ranges from light silver to dark charcoal. Pairs well with many colors.
Wearing these neutrals together allows you to create a base that you can build upon by adding pops of color with accessories or clothing. The neutrals anchor the outfit while the other colors make it pop.
When combining brown, black, and grey specifically, the key things to pay attention to are:
– Shade Variation – Vary shades of brown and grey to add visual interest.
– Texture – Add interest by mixing textures like suede, leather, wool, etc.
– Accessories – Tie the neutrals together with pops of color in belts, jewelry, scarves, etc.
Guidelines for Wearing Brown with Black and Grey
Here are some top tips to follow when putting together outfits with brown, black, and grey:
– Stick to lighter tans and chocolate browns rather than orange-browns when combining with grey and black.
– Add black and white accents to brown and grey pairings. Black and white polka dots, stripes, etc can add great contrast.
– Layer brown, black, and grey pieces together like a brown jacket over a black and white top with grey pants.
– Use distressed brown leather with solid black denim for a rugged but polished look.
– Combine a chocolate brown wool overcoat with a charcoal grey suit and black dress shoes for a sophisticated cold weather outfit.
– Pair black trousers with brown leather loafers and a grey belt for the office.
– Wear different shades of brown and grey together, like medium grey shirt with dark brown pants.
– Add pops of brighter colors like red, yellow or teal with the neutrals as accents in purses, shoes, jewelry, etc.
Outfit Ideas with Brown, Black, and Grey
Here are some stylish outfit ideas combining brown, black, and grey:
Casual Outfit
– Dark brown suede ankle boots
– Black skinny jeans
– Grey oversized cotton sweater
– Black leather crossbody bag
– Gold necklace
Work Outfit
– Brown dress pants
– White button up shirt
– Grey cardigan
– Black leather belt
– Black pointy toe flats
Evening Outfit
– Silky grey tank top
– Black leather mini skirt
– Open brown suede knee high boots
– Statement teal necklace
– Black clutch
Fall Outfit
– Olive green utility jacket
– Cream cable knit sweater
– Brown corduroy pants
– Distressed black leather booties
– Grey wool fedora
Winter Outfit
– Cream turtleneck sweater
– Brown tweed blazer
– Black trousers
– Grey wool scarf
– Black leather gloves
Tips for Accessorizing Brown, Black, and Grey
Accessories are a great way to add interest to basic brown, black, and grey combinations. Brightly colored or patterned bags, shoes, jewelry and hats can make the neutrals really stand out. Here are some accessorizing tips:
– Add a pop of color with a red handbag or blue statement necklace
– Look for interesting textures like snake skin belts or patterned scarves
– Layer gold and silver jewelry together for luxe contrast
– Wear a grey hat with a black and white pattern or bright hat-band
– Choose shoes in metallic bronzes, burgundies and deep greens
– Add interest with watch bands that incorporate leather and metal
– Carry a brightly patterned bag in shades like yellow, teal or pink
Accessories with complimentary colors like cream, olive green, navy and deep reds can also beautifully coordinate with brown, black and grey. Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold jewelry, shoes, handbags and other accessories to make your neutrals shine.
Different Color Combinations to Try
Once you get the basics down, playing with different shades can create really interesting effects when combining brown, black, and grey. Here are some color combinations to try:
– Light grey with camel brown and black – This gives a light, neutral foundation for adding bright pops of color.
– Charcoal grey with walnut brown and black – Very rich and sophisticated for winter months.
– Chocolate brown with heather grey and off-black – Deep, earthy tones for a boho vibe.
– Olive brown with charcoal and soft black – Greenish brown tones complement the cooler greys and black.
– Tan with dark grey and brownish-black – The brownish black adds depth without being too harsh.
– Greige with coffee brown and dark grey – The greige (grey/beige) adds feminine interest.
– Light brown with greyish-black and dove grey – Lighter cool tones keep the brown from feeling too warm.
Don’t limit yourself to just basic blacks, browns and greys. Experiment with different shades to find unique color combinations that appeal to your personal style.
Choosing the Right Textures
When coordinating browns, blacks, and greys, texture is key to adding visual interest to your outfits. Here are some examples of textures that complement these colors well:
Smooth vs. Distressed Leather – Black and brown leather jackets look sleek and polished. Distressed leather in brown or grey adds an edgier casual vibe.
Wool vs. Cotton – Charcoal wool trousers feel luxe paired with a soft brown cotton sweater.
Silk vs. Satin – Shimmery satin tank tops pop against matte black or brown leather skirts.
Corduroy vs. Denim – Earthy brown corduroy jackets with black or grey denim is a great fall/winter look.
Suede vs. Nubuck – Rich brown suede shoes can be dressed up or down. Soft grey nubuck adds subtle contrast.
Tweed vs. Twill – Warm brown tweed blazers balance out cool grey twill trousers.
Mixing complementary textures adds dimension and visual interest to monochromatic brown, black, and grey outfits. Don’t be afraid to experiment with combining different fabrics like leather, cotton, linen, wool, suede, silk, denim, corduroy, etc. The variety creates depth and balance.
Incorporating Patterns and Prints
Solid brown, black and grey basics provide the perfect neutral backdrop for incorporating patterns and prints. Here are some examples of how to mix them:
– Graphic black and white stripes – Add punch with black and white striped shirts, scarves or bags.
– Polka dots – Playful black, grey, or brown polka dot blouses.
– Plaid – Classic black, grey, and brown buffalo plaid shirts.
– Houndstooth – Black and white houndstooth coats, pants, hats.
– Animal prints – Fierce brown or black faux leather snake or crocodile skirts.
– Ethnic and tribal prints – Colorful African mudcloth, batik or paisley prints.
– Floral prints – Relaxed grey or brown floral sundresses or blouses.
When choosing prints, select ones with colors that complement black, brown and grey. Patterns in red, yellow, cream, teal, pink, blue, olive green all pop nicely. Scale down large prints by pairing them with solids. Let small intricate patterns shine by wearing them with solid neutrals.
Tips for Petite Women
Here are some styling tips for petite women who want to wear brown, black and grey together:
– Monochromatic looks can shorten, so add contrast with lighter and darker shades.
– Pair longer black and grey pieces like maxi skirts with brown cropped jackets.
– Choose vertical stripes and piping to add the illusion of height.
– Add textured tights in fishnets, jacquard or polka dots.
– Try mid-length dresses and skirts just above or below the knee.
– Wear lighter shades like tan brown and heather grey up top.
– Cinch in the waist with belts to accentuate curves.
– Elongate legs by wearing brown, black or grey ankle strap heels.
– Opt for fitted silhouettes that skim your shape rather than overwhelm it.
Petite women can look perfectly polished by selecting pieces in in proportion to their frame and using accessories to add contrast between the brown, black and grey.
Tips for Plus Size Women
Here are some tips for plus size women looking to wear brown, black and grey combinations:
– Dark solid maxi dresses are elongating and slimming in black, grey or chocolate brown.
– Flowy duster cardigans in grey, tan or brown minimize width on top.
– Pair dark straight leg and bootcut jeans with lighter brown or grey for balance.
– Monochrome outfits with layered chocolate brown or charcoal grey work well.
– Add shape by cinching waists with a belts in contrasting black or brown.
– Lighter taupe or greige blouses with black trousers are a flattering mix.
– Three-quarter sleeves in grey, brown, black minimize arm width.
– Trouser pleats, tulip skirts, and A-line dresses flatter curves.
– High-low hemlines and tunics cover hips while elongating legs.
– Metallic bronze, silver and gold shoes add shine to neutral outfits.
The key is choosing pieces with strategic tailoring and details to flatter different body types. Brown, black and grey readily lend themselves to plus size silhouettes.
Conclusion
Brown, black, and grey may seem like an unexpected color combination at first. However, with the right balance of shades and textures, they can make for extremely chic, polished outfits. The neutral tones allow for versatility in both casual everyday wear as well as formal ensembles. Don’t be afraid to use accessories, patterns and smart tailoring to experiment with different ways to incorporate brown with blacks and greys. When thoughtfully styled, this color palette comes across as sophisticated, modern and elegant. With a bit of creativity, you’ll find yourself reaching for this classic trio of hues again and again.