Brown and light blue can make for a sophisticated color combination when paired together in an outfit. However, it’s important to carefully consider which shades to choose and how to style them properly. Here are some tips on how to effectively match different tones of brown and light blue.
Matching Brown and Light Blue
Rich chocolate browns pair beautifully with light and bright shades of blue like sky blue, powder blue, robin’s egg blue, and baby blue. The contrast between the deeper brown and lighter blue creates visual interest. For example, a chocolate brown skirt or pants would look lovely with a powder blue blouse.
For a more muted effect, go for softer shades like taupe, beige, or tan paired with a steel blue, periwinkle, or faded denim blue. This creates a more subtle and relaxed color story. Consider a tan sweater with periwinkle blue jeans or a taupe dress with faded denim blue booties.
If you want to ground the look with neutrals, incorporate creams or khakis. A khaki trench coat styled with a sky blue scarf or a cream knit sweater layered over a blue button-down shirt keeps things sophisticated.
Tops That Pair Well with Brown Bottoms
Here are some top options that pair nicely with brown bottoms like pants, skirts, shorts, and jeans:
- Light blue button-down shirt
- Steel blue sweater
- Baby blue blouse
- Robin’s egg blue tank
- Periwinkle t-shirt
- Powder blue cardigan
- Pale blue camisole
- Light blue polo shirt
- Sky blue sleeveless blouse
- Cream peasant top
Aim for cropped, tucked-in, or fitted tops in lighter materials like cotton, silk, or knits. This balances out the visual weight of darker brown hues on the bottom half.
Bottoms That Pair Well with Light Blue Tops
Here are some bottoms that look great with light blue tops:
- Khaki trousers
- Tan skirt
- Cognac leather pants
- Chocolate brown jeans
- Caramel shorts
- Taupe dress pants
- Mocha skinny jeans
- Beige chino shorts
- Chestnut cropped pants
- Cream linen pants
Opt for well-fitted brown bottoms that hit at the waist or hips to balance the looser silhouette typical of many blue tops. Structured wool trousers, tailored shorts, and sleek skinny jeans all work well.
Shoes That Complement the Color Scheme
Footwear pulls brown and blue looks together. Consider these shoe options:
- Brown oxfords or ankle boots
- Tan sandals or espadrilles
- Nude pointy flats
- Light blue sneakers
- Brown loafers
- Camel Chelsea boots
Stick to light blue shoes as an accent color that pops against neutral brown tones. Nude and tan shoes blend seamlessly with brown bottoms. For dresses or skirts, pale blue or metallic shoes add some bright contrast.
Bags That Work Well
Handbags and other accessories should complement the overall color palette. Consider these bag options with brown and light blue outfits:
- Tan leather tote
- Chestnut brown satchel
- Cognac crossbody bag
- Beige backpack
- Light blue bucket bag
- Robin’s egg blue clutch
- Periwinkle shoulder bag
Neutral brown leather or suede bags are foolproof choices. For a pop of accent color, go for light blue bags in fun silhouettes like circular bags, mini backpacks, or clutches.
How to Style Brown and Light Blue By Season
Spring
In spring, incorporate lightweight fabrics like linen, cotton, and chambray in lighter tones.
- Baby blue linen button-down with khaki shorts
- Chambray shirt dress with tan wedges
- Powder blue T-shirt with cappuccino silk skirt
Summer
During the warmer months, try bold brights and nautical inspired looks.
- Sky blue maxi dress with chocolate brown belt
- Navy and white striped tee with tan shorts
- Robin’s egg blue jumpsuit with cognac handbag
Fall
Deepen both shades for a more sultry fall palette. Incorporate cozy knits and suede accents.
- Oversized taupe sweater with true blue skinny jeans
- Chocolate brown knit scarf with faded denim shirt jacket
- Walnut brown boots with periwinkle sweater dress
Winter
Play with texture and rich accents for a warm winter feel.
- Cream cable knit sweater with steel blue wool trousers
- Tan suede skirt with royal blue turtleneck
- Chestnut poncho with navy peacoat
Conclusion
Brown and light blue offer lots of versatility year-round. Follow these tips on shades and silhouettes to nail this sophisticated color combination. Neutrals like tan, khaki and cream act as solid base colors, while different tones of chocolate brown and pastel to sky blue provide contrast and vibrancy. The ultimate key is balancing rich and muted hues. With the right styling, this palette oozes elegance perfect for work, weekends and everything in between.
