Brown clothing is a true classic that suits every occasion. We’ll show you which colors go well with brown clothes and how to combine this earthy tone just right.
Think brown is boring, outdated, and far from modern? Not at all! Brown clothing is currently on-trend and is a favorite among fashion experts. What’s more, this understated earthy hue and all its shades are incredibly versatile. You can effortlessly mix and match it with a variety of colors, from black and white to red, green, or yellow, all year round.
So, let’s dive into how to stylishly combine brown clothes and the colors that complement it. Plus, we’ve got some fabulous brown pieces in our collection, too!
Who Looks Great in Brown Clothes?
Brown is a warm earthy tone appreciated for its natural look. The fantastic thing about brown is that it suits everyone! Brown comes in a wide range of shades, from rich chocolate brown to lighter cognac tones or camel, so there’s a suitable color for every skin and hair type.
In general, warm color types (Spring and Autumn) look fantastic in brown shades with an orange-red undertone, like caramel, mahogany, or cognac. On the other hand, cool, bluish brown tones complement cool color types (Summer and Winter) very well.
Autumn types with olive-toned skin, golden brown hair, and usually brown or green eyes look exceptionally good in darker and yellowish brown shades. This includes dark brown, chocolate brown, camel, and cream, for example.
Spring types with fair skin, golden or reddish hair, and typically green or blue-green eyes should opt for golden brown tones like honey gold and golden brown or a medium, reddish chocolate brown.
Summer types with light hair featuring a silver-gray undertone, a cool, bluish complexion, and blue or gray eyes are best served with cool, bluish brown tones, such as a rosy brown. A darker, cool chocolate brown also looks great.
Winter types (ashen or black hair with a silver-gray undertone, cool complexion, and blue or gray eyes) look fantastic in muddy grayish brown tones, like taupe. It’s essential that the brown tone lacks red and yellow undertones and has some blue elements. If the shade is too warm, it can make pale skin appear gray and dull.
Not sure if you’re a warm or cool color type? Try this simple test: Hold up gold jewelry to your face, then do the same with silver jewelry. If the gold makes your complexion shine and the silver makes it look dull, you’re a warm color type, like Spring or Autumn. If silver jewelry complements your skin and hair better, then you belong to the cool color types, like Summer or Winter.
Also interesting: What hair color will suit you according your type?
What Colors Go Well with Brown?
Not sure how to style your brown shirt, or what colors go with brown pants? Good news for all the brown enthusiasts: brown is a true all-rounder. This neutral earthy tone pairs well with a variety of other colors.
Colors that pair exceptionally well with brown include white and black, various shades of blue and green, red, and even soft pastels. Let us show you how versatile styling with brown can be.
Classic Brown with Black and White
Do you love clean looks with neutral colors? Then combinations like brown-black or brown-white are perfect for you. These color combinations may be simple, but they’re far from boring. Brown-black and brown-white looks exude elegance and are suitable for any occasion.
Styling tip: Black pairs exceptionally well with a lighter brown tone, such as cognac. The brown shade shouldn’t be too dark to stand out against the black. White, on the other hand, goes well with nearly all shades of brown. Just make sure the brown isn’t too dark, creating a stark contrast with the bright white. For example, black looks great with a reddish brown, and a lighter brown complements white, especially in the summer.
The brown-white-black combo is also perfect for an elegant business look. You can, for instance, pair a white blouse with brown pleated trousers or opt for a brown blazer with a black suit. Clean accessories like a delicate gold necklace will complete the look.
Brown with Blue
Brown and blue go together perfectly, creating a timeless and elegant duo. The combination works anytime and is unlikely to go out of style. A brown top or jacket with blue jeans is a classic choice.
You can choose the specific shade of blue to match your brown attire according to your taste. Just remember that both colors shouldn’t be too dark, and they should contrast well.
By the way, not only does brown pair wonderfully with blue, but brown tones also look super stylish with bluish shades of purple.
Also interesting: Do Blue and Purple go together?
Retro Trend: Styling Brown with Green or Yellow Tones
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Brown and green are both natural colors and pair wonderfully. For instance, a rich forest green or moss green complements brown clothes beautifully. You can’t go wrong with this combination; just ensure the green isn’t too vivid.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can pair brown with yellow. This combo immediately evokes stylish retro looks from the 70s and feels fresh and youthful thanks to the vibrant yellow.
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Tip: If you find this color pairing a bit bold, you can opt for yellow accessories, like a stylish bag. These can add a cool statement and make a simple brown outfit much more exciting.
Brown with Red
Brown and red is an unbeatable combination, especially during the autumn season. These two colors complement each other perfectly. The choice of red depends on the undertone of the brown. Brown with a golden or orange-red undertone pairs wonderfully with a vibrant red, while a cooler, bluish brown complements a cooler, pinkish red. Additionally, the rule of thumb is: the darker the brown, the brighter and more vibrant the red can be, and vice versa.
Styling Brown with Pastels
Brown with pastel colors? Absolutely! Brown clothing isn’t just for cool autumn and winter days; it’s equally suitable for spring and even summer when paired with soft pastels.
We particularly love combining light brown or camel with pale buttery yellow, mint, powdery pink, or lavender.
On-Trend: Going All Brown
Brown clothes don’t necessarily have to be paired with garments in other colors. Street style enthusiasts and fashion bloggers are currently embracing monochromatic brown outfits and showing how stylish an all-brown look can be.
“Power suits” in brown are especially popular, but a brown sweater with brown pants or a skirt also looks harmonious. For a monochromatic look, consider playing with different shades and textures.
Tip: To prevent the look from becoming monotonous, you can make a statement with your makeup. Brown outfits pair wonderfully with red lips and vibrant nail colors. A touch of bold blush adds structure to your face and creates a lovely contrast with the understated natural brown tone.
A quick note to wrap it up: Fashion is a matter of personal taste, and not everyone will find the shown trends and pieces appealing. Our styling tips, outfit ideas, and hacks are meant to inspire you, but what you make of them is entirely up to you. Always remember, your choice of clothing is yours alone, so don’t let anyone dictate what you can or cannot wear. After all, fashion should be, above all, fun!