Mixing browns and blacks in an outfit can seem like a tricky color combination to pull off. However, with some basic guidelines, you can successfully integrate these dark neutral tones in stylish ways. Here’s what you need to know about wearing brown and black together.
The historical view
In the past, many fashion experts cautioned against wearing black and brown together. The traditional view claimed that these colors clash, so you should avoid the combination altogether. However, today most style authorities agree that black and brown can work well together in many outfits. The old “rules” that dictated you should never mix these dark neutrals are now considered outdated advice.
Guidelines for combining brown and black
While black and brown can be combined, there are some guidelines to follow so the outfit looks pulled-together, not mismatched. Here are some tips for wearing these colors successfully:
- Choose brown and black tones that complement each other. Pairing a cool-toned black with a warm, reddish-brown can make the combination seem off. Instead, opt for warm blacks with amber browns.
- Use black and brown in accessories. Wearing a brown belt with black pants or black shoes with brown pants keeps the color combination subtle.
- Incorporate different textures. A sleek black leather jacket over an earthy brown knit sweater helps the colors work together.
- Anchor with neutrals. Adding pieces in neutral colors like white, gray or tan helps tie brown and black pieces together.
- Go for monochromatic brown. Choosing an all-brown outfit in light and dark shades gives a polished, pulled-together look.
Outfit ideas
Here are some ideas to inspire you to incorporate brown and black in chic ways:
Casual outfits
- Dark brown sweater, black jeans, black boots
- Black turtleneck, fitted brown corduroy pants, black loafers
- Brown leather moto jacket, black v-neck tee, black skinny jeans, brown Chelsea boots
- Black t-shirt dress, tan trench coat, brown crossbody bag
Business casual outfits
- Brown trousers, black polo shirt, black belt
- Black blazer, silk tan blouse, fitted black pants, brown heels
- Brown midi skirt, black sleeveless top, black hose, brown pumps
- Black dress shirt, brown trousers, black Oxfords
Formal outfits
- Black evening gown, brown fur wrap, brown clutch
- Brown evening suit, black shirt, black bow tie, black Oxfords
- Black off-the-shoulder cocktail dress, brown strappy heels
- Brown suit, black dress shirt, black tie, black brogues
Tips for men
For men’s outfits, classic combinations include:
- Black suit, brown dress shoes
- Black trousers, brown leather belt
- Brown blazer, black dress shirt
- Black jeans, brown leather boots
Stick to matte finishes rather than shiny leather when combining black and brown. For business looks, pair black suits with brown Oxfords or brogues. Avoid wearing black suits with walnut or lighter brown shoes, which can look mismatched. For more casual looks, brown boots add rugged flair to black denim.
Tips for women
For women’s style, attractive black and brown pairings include:
- Black jeans, tan knee-high boots
- Brown midi skirt, black turtleneck sweater
- Black leggings, oversized brown cable knit sweater
- Brown leather pencil skirt, black blouse
Brown knee boots or booties look chic with black skinny jeans or leggings. For the office, pair fitted black trousers with a silky brown blouse. Brown and black is a stylish color scheme for bags – carry a brown leather satchel with an all-black outfit. d long as the tones complement each other, combining shades of brown and black can look very elegant.
Seasonal considerations
Black and brown combinations work well year-round. However, lighter browns tend to suit spring and summer outfits, while deeper, richer browns complement fall and winter looks. Here are some seasonal guidelines:
| Season | Ideal brown/black pairings |
|---|---|
| Spring | Camel coat, black dress |
| Summer | Tan sandals, black maxi dress |
| Fall | Oxblood sweater, black skirt |
| Winter | Chocolate brown pants, black turtleneck |
Tips for creating cohesive looks
To pull off black and brown combinations seamlessly, keep these tips in mind:
- Use browns and black in the same color family. Pair warm shades with other warm shades.
- Repeat colors throughout the outfit. Add brown and black accents to tie the look together.
- Incorporate analogous colors. Earth tones like tan, beige and taupe will blend nicely.
- Add pops of color. A vibrant accent color can make the browns and blacks feel more cohesive.
- Play with textures. Contrast matte and shiny fabrics in brown and black.
Pairing brown and black prints
Prints and patterns can also marry brown and black successfully. Some pairings to try:
- Brown floral dress, black background
- Black and white stripe shirt, solid brown pants
- Leopard print in brown and black
- Plaid in shades of brown and black
- Black lace overlay on brown dress
Choose prints in the color scheme, like florals in earth tones or black and brown animal prints. Houndstooth is another classic black and white pattern that complements brown. For business looks, pair a black and white glen plaid blazer with solid brown trousers.
Conclusion
Black and brown can work beautifully together once you understand how to balance and connect the tones. The key is choosing shades of brown and black that are similar in tone, adding in neutrals, repeating colors throughout the outfit and playing with textures and prints. With the right styling, you can look pulled-together, not mismatched, in this deep, dark color combination that was once considered a fashion faux pas but is now regarded as elegantly chic.