Combining brown and black in an outfit can seem tricky at first glance. However, with the right pairings and proportions, these dark neutrals can actually create a very sophisticated look. Here’s a quick breakdown of how to wear brown and black together successfully.
Can You Wear Brown and Black Together?
Yes, you absolutely can wear brown and black together! While some old school fashion rules dictate that these two dark shades should be avoided, modern style has embraced mixing them. When combined strategically, brown and black can create outfits that are sleek, polished and visually interesting.
The key is ensuring the shades you choose provide enough contrast from each other. Pairing a chocolate brown with a true black provides definition. Alternatively, combining a lighter camel or tan with black can offer a more subtle blended effect.
Tips for Wearing Brown and Black
Here are some top tips for wearing brown and black successfully:
- Stick to solids – pairing solid brown and black pieces helps the colors look intentional.
- Add neutrals – incorporating neutral shades like white, gray and navy can make the brown and black feel more cohesive.
- Mind proportions – balance is important, so avoid head to toe brown or black.
- Match depths – pair deep hues with other deep hues, and lighter shades with other lights for harmony.
- Repeat colors – using brown and black more than once in an outfit can help it flow.
Outfit Ideas Mixing Brown and Black
Here are some stylish outfit formulas for wearing brown and black:
| Outfit #1 | Black trousers + brown leather belt + white shirt + black blazer |
|---|---|
| Outfit #2 | Brown sweater + black jeans + black boots |
| Outfit #3 | Black dress + brown hat + brown knee high boots |
| Outfit #4 | Brown midi skirt + black turtleneck + black tights + brown ankle boots |
As you can see, the pairings feel cohesive because both brown and black are used strategically. Neutral pieces like white shirts, gray coats and tan accessories can also help bridge the combination.
Dos and Don’ts
To recap, here are some key dos and don’ts for wearing brown and black:
DO:
- Do choose solid blacks and browns.
- Do add other neutrals like white, navy or gray.
- Do pair dark browns with true black.
- Do balance the proportions of each color.
DON’T:
- Don’t wear head to toe brown or black.
- Don’t pair very light tans with true black.
- Don’t let one color overwhelm the other.
- Don’t wear more than 3 shades of brown/black in one outfit.
Conclusion
Brown and black together can look impeccable when worn strategically. The key is choosing complementary shades and balancing the proportions. With the right combos, this dark duo can create a sophisticated, stylish look.
So don’t be afraid to mix your browns and blacks! From a black turtleneck with camel coat to a chocolate pencil skirt with black blazer, this color pairing has lots of chic potential.