Tips on How to Pair Black and Brown Together
There is an old school fashion rule about not pairing black and brown together. The logic was that black and brown are opposing colors and should not be mixed. As with most fashion rules, this one has gone out the window. Black and brown are everywhere this season. How do you feel about the combination? Let’s take a look at my Tips on How to Pair Black and Brown Together.
KEEP IT SIMPLE-BLACK AND BROWN WORKS BEST WHEN YOU ELIMINATE OTHER COLORS
In my humble opinion black and brown look the chicest together when there isn’t competition from other colors.
Camel and black are hard to beat. Here, I am wearing the fabulous faux leather pants from Lysee (you can still get 20% off everything at Lysee if you use my link and use the code Cindy20) I am wearing them in a small. They are supposed to be cropped but as you can see they hit me at the perfect point right above the ankle. I am pairing them with a camel turtleneck, Birdies Starling flats, and an old J Crew calf hair belt with simple tortoise earrings.
Here I combined chocolate brown and black. This is a color combination I probably never would have considered several years ago. Here the chocolate brown is introduced in the pattern of the scarf from IBU movement. (no longer available in this color combination but in black and white.I added just a touch of turquoise in my bracelet and earrings. The Stuart Weitzman combat boots are now on sale.
To this all-black ensemble, I added a leopard scarf. The leopard scarf takes some of the seriousness away from the all-black look, don’t you think?
PAIR IT WITH AN ANCHOR PIECE
If you have been reading my blog long, you know I am a big leopard fan. I featured this H&M dress in my post How to Nail High and Low Fall Fashion here. Nothing pulls an all-black outfit together better than leopard. The H&M dress is back in stock and only $24.99.
This picture is several years old, but the same idea, leopard is the tie that binds the two colors together. The boots are no longer available but Everlane has a very similar pair here. The Ganni skirt I purchased on ebay several years ago, they have similar ones here. The belt is ancient but Bijou has a belt with a similar look here.
You can find all the details on this outfit as well in the same post on How to Nail High and Low Fall Fashion here.
The mock neck sweater is from Anthropologie and the necklace is from French Kande here.
Here I am wearing another of Lysee’s great Fall pieces their engineered plaid sweater,and their faux suede leggings.
WORK IN OTHER TEXTURES
You saw Lysee’s Alice Fringe Coat , and the faux leather leggings in the post How to Make Your Style Your Own with Accessories. I love how the different textures make this combination work
I love this convertible sweatshirt from Lysee (the sleeves unzip). You could remove the sleeves and add a turtleneck or shirt for winter. I paired it with their faux suede leggings, velvet birdies, and, a J Crew crossbody bag. The bag is sold out but you can find a few on ebay here.
This “shacket” from Bijou on the Park in Paso is actually darker than it appears. It definitely tones down the seriousness of the all-black look of the turtleneck and the faux leather Lysee leggings.
Here I am pairing the Lysee Schiffer Shirt (great for travel) with their faux suede leggings, a turtleneck and birdies. The Schiffer shirt comes in multiple colors and extended sizing.
In this look, I have a mix of textures. I am pairing a very old Banana Republic jacket, Eileen Fisher velvet wide leg pants (great for the Holidays), with a simple turtleneck and leopard mules.
USE BROWN TO LEND AN EARTHINESS TO AN ALL-BLACK LOOK
I love a column of camel broken up with the J Crew lightweight cashmere wrap held in place by a vintage pin. The J Crew sweater pants are from last season. I featured them in last year’s post Fall Fashion the Knitwear Trend. Gap has some very similar ones here for a great price in multiple colors.
Here is another look from last year with varied textures. The Peruvian Connection blazer was gifted and several years old (no longer available), the faux leather leggings are not nearly as nice as the Lysee faux leather leggings that you can get 20% off using my link and the code cindy20.
All items or similar are linked at the bottom under shop the post.
Another older look, with the Peruvian Connection blazer, and a leather skirt that is at least 15 years old. I have linked a very similar faux from Joe’s jeans at the bottom of the post.
SHOP THE POST
What do you think of the black and brown combination? Would you wear it? You can check out the links below for more information on how to combine the two colors.
Who What Wear Brown and Black do go Together
Covateur-Black and Brown Styling
Pure Wow’s Fall Fashion Trends
Vogue-How to Wear Black and Brown Together
An Indigo Day How to Wear Black and Brown Together
As always, thank you so much for being here, and taking the time out of your day to read my Tips on How to Pair Black and Brown Together. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Hi Cindy! I have just stumbled across your blog and I love your style – it’s exactly the look I love. I’m very excited to start following you. Warmest regards from way down south in New Zealand 🙂
Hi Claire
Welcome! We are so happy to have you here! I have many other readers from New Zealand. New Zealand is on my travel bucket list as well. We love your Sauvignon Blancs.
Oooh – I live in a small wine village so let me know if you ever do head down this way and I’ll show you around 🙂
Gorgeous outfits Cindy and you look wonderful !
Hi Kath
Thank you so much. How do you feel about the quilted trend?
Wonderful post as always Cindy! Your smile is infectious!
If God pairs colors together in nature and on animals, it has to be good!
Enjoy Fall!
Hi Barbara
So very true!
You look fabulous!!! I’ve always worn black and brown together – didn’t know I was breaking some archaic dressing code!!! As always, you’ve given me some new ways to wear these colors! I TRY TO COPY YOU AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE! Great post. Thank you.
Ha ha who cares about rules, right? Judie you are so sweet!
I just love all of your black and brown combinations. I am inspired to look through my closet this weekend for a Shop my Closet Fest.. I love black and camel and dove grey and camel. My plan for this year is styling my new grey tweed black and charcoal grey trousers. Lovely in interesting blog as always
Hi Beth
I am always so happy to hear that you all can find things in your own closet that you can work with. That’s what makes fashion fun!
Hi Beth
Black and brown is a new one for me too, but I am really loving it for Fall.
“Black and Tan”…”Black and Camel”…..”Black and Carmel” are Classic. They never went out of style. it is just easier to buy combos of those when some fashion edict says that they are “IN”
All of your combos look great!
Hi Lauren
So true. Obviously I do not follow trends much. We all want to look fashionable and our best, but at our age we do not need to be slaves to trends. The beauty of our age!
What great timing! I just ordered a brown and black poncho (a little out of my comfort zone) this morning. You look stunning in each outfit! I don’t think animal print is going anywhere. Thanks for all the inspiration!
Yeah so happy to hear that Barb!
You as usual “rocked” everything. I love your style. It suits you to a tee.
Hi Katherine
You are so appreciated!!
Fabsome, Cindy! In case there is doubt in anyone’s mind, brown and black are OLD school Chanel. Tres chic then, tres chic today. Those old “rules” are just marketing ploys, not Gospel.
Hi Gayle
Absolutely!! Do we listen to rules at our age? No!
Hi, Cindy!
I LOVE pairing black and brown together, and you have done it beautifully in each of your ensembles!
On another note, did you find the vegan leggings from Lysee’ running small? I wear 4 or 6 pants, so I ordered the size Small and was unable to pull them over my thighs. I was so disappointed to have to return them. They seemed to be of excellent quality. Maybe I’ll order the mediums….
Thank you so much for your inspiring posts!
Hi Kathryn
I am so sorry to hear that. I did not and actually I do have big thighs. You might like their faux leather pants they are looser and ohhhh so flattering!
I think it’s a classic combination. Also I wanted to tell you that now when I’m out clothes and jewelry shopping I ask myself “what would Cindy do”? It’s saved me from some costly mistakes 😎
Oh Judy you made my day. I am a reluctant fashionista. I really have no clue what I am doing, I just do my best.
Now that the weather in San Diego has cooled from its’ 90 degrees mid-week, I am happy to go into autumn with some fresh ideas and go hunt in my closet for those things I already have and make that list of things to pick up. Pretty ensemble inspiration!
Holly hasn’t this been the craziest year? My plants are just perking up. All that hot weather made them VERY tired…actually me too! Happy to have some cooler weather, but will miss eating outside. We ate our first meal inside since May here last week.
Hi Cindy—Do you find that you need to size up in those leggings just so you don’t have that “plastered on” look? You look fabulous in all the outfits. Wish I could pull it off. I’m a few inches shorter than you at 5 ‘ but have long legs and a short torso. Any suggestions?
Hi Rose
You might try the Katherine Toothpick Skinny. Here is the link https://www.pjatr.com/t/8-11765-283633-163993?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lysse.com%2Fproducts%2Fkatherine-toothpick-skinny%3Fvariant%3D39682075557923. It has just a little more room. I love them equally.
Black and camel/brown is a classic and has always been popular here in New Zealand. It suits you beautifully.
Another combination, which is not so well received down here, is navy and black. I have noticed it worn in Europe…the French certainly don’t shy away from it as we do!
Would love your comments about wearing that combo.
Hi Patti
I don’t ever wear navy. I have brown eyes and had very dark brown hair (pre silver) so navy was not one of my colors and still isn’t. I know it works for some so why not?
Hi Patti
I personally could not pull off navy and black so it does not appeal to me personally. That being said more of a royal blue and black maybe? I think if you like it and are comfortable with it…go for it!
Have always loved black and brown, and your outfits are gorgeous, as always, Cindy! I love your bangles and leather jacket most! Thanks for the fabulous style ideas, and Happy Weekend!
Hi Barbara
It is funny I would have worn camel and brown pre silver hair, but never really thought about chocolate and brown, but I am loving it.
I really enjoy your style, Cindy. You seem to really like the Lysee “faux leather”. Do you find it hot? Is it stretchy and does it “bag out” after wearing it a while? Have you tried the Lysee faux suede? I am going on a European river cruise in December and I was wondering if it would be a comfortable addition to the clothes I am taking. I am looking for a nice pair of black pants to wear to evening dinners. I don’t need dressy, but I like to look put together. Thanks so much.
Cindy, you look fabulous and I love every single look! Have always been a fan of brown and black but even more so seeing these great outfits you’ve pulled together. Bravo, you are one gorgeous model!
Hi Gail
I am certainly not a natural. If only you could see all the bad photos. I am working on trying to be more natural.
I am enjoying your styling ideas. I read in a Vogue magazine many years ago that animal prints will go out of style when sexy does. I’m going with that.
Hi Diane
I feel like every year they tell us animal prints are on their way out. I feel like it has become such a staple. I keep waiting for it to happen? Will we listen, that is the question.
Oops, one more thing—faux leather pants just make me think “hot and stifling.” Please weigh in!
Hi Sarah
You might want to give these a try the pants actually are very light. As I said Lysee definitely knows how to flatter a woman’s body. I am so impressed with their line. Someone on their design team really knows their stuff!
I love this combination! Black is definitely not one of “my” spring colors; mixing it with camel and leopard allows me some leeway. Everyone has black in their closet, and it’s so helpful to get new ideas about how to use it in an interesting way. You are the Master Class of inspiration!
Hi Sarah
That is so kind of you to say that. You ladies inspire me to rethink things in order to give you fresh ideas. You are my inspiration!
You look fabulous in every one of these outfits — timeless and stylish! Camel used to be my go-to color, not sure how it slipped out of my wardrobe but could easily be persuaded to try a camel coat again (if it looked good with my graying hair), but I’m definitely on the market for leopard accessories to dress up my favorite black and whites. Thanks for all these tips. I’m going to spend some time searching my mothers old jewelry for vintage brooches.
Hi Janet
I quit wearing camel and several other colors I love when I let my hair go natural. I just decided I love it and I am going to wear it anyway! I hope you find some treasures in your mom’s jewelry!
I think this is my new favorite post! I have always loved black and camel, and have just started wearing brown with black in the past year or so. Your talent for putting together stylish outfits is inspiring, and I just love the accessories you put with everything. I always know I’m going to spend some money when you post! Thank you!
Hi Joan
I am so happy to hear that. I have just recently embraced chocolate brown and black. I was gifted that gorgeous scarf from IBU and it made me rethink the combination.
Great looks as usual! You put things, old and new, together is great ways!
I do like black and brown and would, will, wear some ….but would I goo out looking for it?? Not sure!
White hair and pale completion don’t usually let me wear browns, but your beautiful scarfs are tempting additions to my black basics.
Hi Shar
I know what you mean. I have previously shied away from this color combination as well.
As always, your posts inspire me!! Thank you Cindy!!
Hi Sharon
Thank you so much! You guys inspire me to keep going!
I WONDER WHO MAKES UP THESE RULES!
MY MOTHER HAD THE MOST BEAUTIFUL DRESS FROM I.MAGNIN’S THAT WAS BROWN AND BLACK FROM THE 1960’S.I LOVED WALKING INTO HER CLOSET AND LOOKING AT THAT DRESS!THEN I WOULD PLAY WITH HER SHOES!
Hi Elizabeth
Ha!! I can’t imagine you wearing this color combo, but I bet it would be beautiful on you!
Haha – I used to do that very same thing! I’m sure that’s where my love of shoes came from! 🙂
Cindy, you always look fabulous. So glad that animal prints are still in style this season. Unfortunately, I will never be able to wear leather pants (or faux). They would not be attractive on my build. But love that you can wear them!
Hi Mary
You might be surprised at how flattering the faux leather pants are. I was shocked. I do not normally look good in that style. There is something about the way Lysse cuts their clothes. They really know how to flatter a woman (of a certain age!) figure.
again you have shown great suits. I had paid just as little attention to the brown/black rule as to the black/dark blue one. An extraordinarily elegant color combination that certainly does not please and suit everyone.
Hi Mumbai
I don’t pay any attention to rules as I am sure you know by now! I just find them interesting for discussion. I completely agree about the combo. Neither are my best colors but I am kind of loving that combo this year. I find it to be very versatile. Great to hear from you as always. You always bring great interest to our conversations.
Animal print makes the perfect secret sauce for so many of your outfits! I love all your looks.
Hi Jennifer
I love that “secret sauce” term. You are so right. I am going to steal that one from you!
I love black and brown especially black with camel. You always inspire me to seek out old clothing combinations from my closet. Tortoise shell is also a favorite as are animal prints. Thank you for affirming my style sense.
Hi Pati
I agree about the black and camel. There is something elegant about it isn’t there? Thanks so much for weighing in.
Love, love, love your site. I live in a very small town in Wyoming (no stores). It is refreshing and fun to get great ideas on
style, home and personal. Thank you
Hi Anita
That really pleases me to hear that. People often ask why I show items that are not available. I hope that you can find similar items in your own closet for your own personal look.