The combination of brown and blue in an outfit is a timeless classic that can work for both men and women. However, it’s important to pay attention to the shades and tones to pull off this color pairing successfully. In this article, we’ll discuss the key considerations around wearing brown and blue together, when it works, common mistakes to avoid, and how to style the combination in different outfits.
Quick Answers
– Brown and blue is a versatile color combination that works year-round.
– Stick to lighter shades like tan, beige or light brown with lighter blues. Dark browns and dark blues can look muddy.
– Make sure there is enough contrast between the shades. Matching similar hues of brown and blue creates a flat, boring look.
– Use neutrals like white, black, gray or olive green to transition between the shades.
– Brown shoes and belt with a blue suit is a timeless, polished look.
– Blue jeans with brown boots or jacket is casual yet stylish.
When Does Brown and Blue Work?
Brown and blue is considered a neutral color combination that works in both casual and formal settings. Here are some guidelines on when to wear brown and blue:
Casual Outfits
– Jeans in a medium blue wash paired with brown leather boots or a suede jacket.
– A relaxed chambray shirt in light blue with khaki chinos.
– Tan suede Chelsea boots with dark blue denim.
The casual nature of the fabrics like denim, suede and chambray make brown and blue easy to mix and match. Stick to lighter shades for a relaxed look.
Business Casual Outfits
– A navy blue blazer with tan trousers and brown leather shoes.
– A light blue button-down shirt with a brown knit tie and brown dress pants.
– Khaki chinos with a navy pullover sweater and brown belt.
The combination can work for business casual with smart pairings like blazers, trousers, sweaters and ties. Muted, mid-range shades are best for the office.
Formal Wear
– A blue suit with a white shirt, brown shoes and matching leather belt.
– A tan or beige suit with a light blue dress shirt and blue tie.
– A blue tie and pocket square to complement a brown suit.
For formal settings, rich shades like navy and medium brown work well together. Stick to suits in one color and accent with shades of the other color.
All Seasons
Brown and blue are versatile enough to transition from season to season:
– Spring – Light khaki chinos with a sky blue shirt
– Summer – Navy shorts with tan boat shoes
– Fall – Charcoal wool slacks with camel overcoat
– Winter – Jeans with plaid flannel in shades of blue and brown
The color combination works year-round by adjusting the shades and fabrics. Lighter shades for spring and summer with heavier wools and denim for fall and winter.
How to Style Brown and Blue
Here are some top tips for stylishly combining shades of brown and blue in your outfits:
1. Choose Contrasting Tones
Avoid pairing similar shades like midnight blue with chocolate brown – this creates a dull, muddy look. Instead, go for contrasting tones like tan and light blue or navy and camel.
2. Use Neutrals as Transitions
Browns and blues sit alongside each other on the color wheel. Use neutral shades like white, black, gray or olive as transitions to avoid a jarring effect.
3. Mix Textures and Patterns
Combine smooth textures like leather with nubby tweed or patterns like checks and stripes. This adds visual interest.
4. Anchor With One Color
Pick one color as the anchor (usually a top like a shirt or sweater) and use the other to accent. For example, a navy sweater with tan pants.
5. Vary the Proportions
Don’t wear equal amounts of both colors. Use one shade on top and the other on the bottom or accessoriy with one color.
Outfit Ideas
Here are some specific ways to wear brown and blue together in various outfits:
Business Casual for Men
– Navy blue blazer with khaki chinos and tan leather loafers
– Light brown wool trousers with a blue gingham shirt
– Navy V-neck sweater with a white collared shirt, camel overcoat and blue tie
Business Casual for Women
– Tan skirt with a blue blouse and brown leather heels
– Navy shift dress with a brown belt and matching purse
– Light blue button-down with belted khaki pants and brown wedges
Casual for Men
– Dark wash jeans with tan suede bomber jacket and blue henley
– Chambray shirt with a brown knit beanie and blue jeans
– Camel peacoat with a plaid scarf, jeans and navy sweater
Casual for Women
– Brown riding boots with navy leggings and tan oversized sweater
– Distressed blue denim with a white tee, brown belt and matching crossbody bag
– Khaki trench coat with a striped tee in shades of brown and blue, and skinny jeans
Mistakes to Avoid
While brown and blue can make for stylish outfits, there are some common mistakes that can make the pairing go wrong:
– Matching two shades that are too similar. Stick to clearly contrasting tones.
– Wearing both colors in equal proportions. Use one color to anchor the outfit.
– Pairing muted shades for a formal look. Bright blue suit with dark brown shoes can look dated.
– Combining shiny leather with flat fabrics. Match the texture and sheen.
– Forgetting neutrals and transition shades. Add grays, blacks, whites or olive greens.
– Using faded, dull or dirty-looking browns. Richer browns complement blues better.
Conclusion
Brown and blue is an extremely versatile color combination that works year-round for both men and women. The key is choosing shades with enough contrast and using neutrals to transition between the tones. Anchoring the outfit with one color and adding varied textures and patterns also brings the pairing together. Avoid common mistakes like matching shades that are too similar. With the right guidelines, brown and blue can be the perfect stylish neutral pairing for any occasion.