What Colors Go With Brown? Tips And Outfit Ideas

These colors look totally gorgeous and can complement brown clothes effortlessly.

Reviewed by Paola Farina, Personal Stylist Paola Farina Paola FarinaPersonal Stylist linkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by Pratima Ati, MSc Pratima Ati MSc linkedin_icon
Edited by Shatabdi Bhattacharya, BSc Shatabdi Bhattacharya BSc linkedin_icon Experience: 2.5 years
Fact-checked by Srijita De, MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant Srijita De MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Last Updated on

It is indeed true that brown is one of the most sophisticated colors. Shades like camel, tan, caramel, coffee, and copper are from the family of the color brown, and you will find them almost everywhere from boots to coats, from hotel themes to decor items, and so on. And if you want to find out what colors go with brown, then you are definitely on the right page, for in this article, we are going to address this question of yours. Below is some worthy fashion inspiration you must check and try to learn from to steal the show in brown. So, do not hold yourself, just scroll down and give this article a read. Come on!

protip_icon Ace The Look
  • Body Type: Brown helps create the illusion of a slimmer figure. So body shapes with a heavy bottom, like the pear shape, should try brown leggings or skirts. While top heavy body shapes, like the apple shape, can wear brown-hued tops.
  • Hair Color: Brown color has the tendency to look monotonous, so it is best to experiment with vibrant hair shades like platinum blonde or red that create a lively look.
  • Season: Brown is a classic winter and autumn color. But if you wish to don it in summer, opt for lighter shades like caramel brown or chocolate.
  • Footwear: Opt for classic black pumps if you are going for a formal event to create a sophisticated look and white converse sneakers if the plan is casual.

1. Dress

Brown and its many variants make for great stand-alone colors, just like black. So, here are a couple of simple ways to wear camel and cinnamon shades of brown and doll up in fine jewelry to subtly go with the flow. But, if you are looking to pack a punch with the same outfit, throw on an animal print scarf with a golden cross body bag and muted gold pumps; or go for full gold accessories that can be either chunky or simple, depending on your mood. A plaid shirt dress in brown with combat boots is another classy combination for fall. Strut around in this sipping pumpkin spice latte.

2. Pants/Trousers

Colors that go with brown trousers
Image: Instagram @simplypeonie
@kimmydawa6

Brown trousers, formal pants, chinos, joggers, leather pants, etc., are all classy ways to incorporate brown into your outfit. If you do not want to be outlandish, go for softer undertones, and of course, white tops. You can never go wrong with whites and browns. Loose yoga pants, palazzos, side tracks, and joggers are all fun and peppy ways to wear brown. Whites, pastels, off-white, beige, etc. are all sartorially approved colors, while black is a big no. If you want to go all out and take inspiration from the runway, throw on a red puffer jacket, shrug, or hat.

3. Oversized Sweaters

Colors that go with brown oversized sweaters
Image: Instagram

There’s just something about the monochromatic brown looks that gives you a polished look almost instantly. Sweaters are interesting choices and go with most light washed jeans, jeggings or fleece leggings. But a brown oversized sweater with ankle length boots, boyfriend jeans, and big chunky sunglasses is a sure shot way to up your fashion standards and make winters exciting.

Emily, a fashion blogger, shared how she styled her brown oversized sweater with blue jeans in her blog. She said, “MIGHT be more burnt orange than brown, but I’m still including it. It is a bit long (and I have a short torso) so I give it a little tuck. Good front pockets and Quarter zip (i).”

4. Leather Jacket

Colors that go with a brown leather jacket
Image: Instagram, Shutterstock

The best of camel or brown colored jackets are from Burberry, so if you own one of those, your quota for brown is taken care of and anything more is just a bonus. I settled for a brown leather jacket, and we all know why. On a serious note, a camel trench (of any brand), a leather jacket or a faux fur coat in brown are all snazzy additions to your coat closet..

protip_icon Quick Tip
Brown jacket on an all-black outfit is an easy way to pull together a creative fit.

5. Shorts

Colors that go with brown shorts
Image: Instagram @nicholekaissariofficial

Instead of regular denim shorts or hot pants, go for khaki shorts or brown leather shorts and look impeccably stylish. Again, a no-brainer would be to wear a white shirt if you are headed to a fancy concert or dinner. If you want to add layers, throw on a simple tank with a shrug (or not), a plaid shirt, a bomber jacket or something along those lines.

6. Skirts

Colors that go with brown skirts
Image: Instagram @missyempire

Pencil and formal skirts with neatly tucked-in black shirts are for the corporate smart chicks who are on top of their fashion game. According to the fashion color wheel, black and brown are an ideal neutral pair. Nude or pastel-colored pumps will perfectly complement the look. A tote bag or a leather satchel in brown, fine silver accessories or a blazer will spruce up your look.

7. Leggings

Colors that go with brown leggings
Image: Instagram

Come winter, ditch your regular black leggings and meet your new best friend – brown leggings. Loose pastel-colored sweaters, white T-shirts, knee-high boots, chunky dull gold accessories, animal print scarves or tops, etc., can go with them. Or, go with a monochrome look with brown leggings, camel trench, and ankle length boots – and if you’ve wanted to get balayage or caramel highlights, this might be a good time.

8. Boots And Shoes

Are you new to the brown bandwagon? And, don’t know where to start or want to take it slow? Start with some boots. For all you know, you might be doing it already. But yes, remember this – ankle length for every day, pumps or knee-high boots for a fancy day out and combat boots whenever you feel like it. But, brown boots or shoes are the way to go.

9. Scarf

Colors that go with a brown scarf
Image: Shutterstock

Scarves are and have always been the easiest props to spin around an outfit. Go for a thick brown or copper colored scarf to complement your brown boots, or an animal print scarf to go with your camel coat. These are classy ways to incorporate streaks of brown into your outfit.

10. Accessories

Colors that go with brown accessories
Image: Instagram

Watches, jewelry, earrings, glasses, finger rings, lipstick, bags, and hairbands in brown are all little things that can pop your outfit. Junk in brown is so cool!

protip_icon Quick Tip
Brown color is called the fall’s dreamiest neutral shade. Footwear and accessories will not only look chic but also seamlessly complement your outfits just like your go-to black accessories.

Paola Farina, Personal Stylist, shares a few color combinations with brown to help you look your best:
  • Brown + Neutrals like beige, ivory, and camel for a subtle effect
  • Brown + White for a sophisticated, elegant effect
  • Brown + Violet to bring out the hottest component of brown
  • Brown + Warm red (especially tomato red), rust, or orange to grab everyone’s attention
  • Brown + Blue to look elegant and timeless
  • Brown + Green for a relaxed look
  • Brown + Turquoise for a touch of color
  • Brown + Sky blue to not go unnoticed

Infographic: 5 Outfits That Complement Brown Color

While black and whites are classic shades to opt for, the new color that has recently been making an uproar in the fashion industry is brown. If you wish to incorporate this trendy hue into your wardrobe but aren’t sure how to, check out the infographic below and pin down 5 outfits that exceptionally complement the brown color.

5 outfits that compliment brown color (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Brown is a sophisticated color that is trickier to dress in than black. While most people think brown is a dull color, with the right shoes and accessories, brown clothes can take your look to the next level. If you own a wonderful brown dress and don’t know how to style it, simply add animal scarves or gold accessories to complete your look. Brown leggings and boots with some chunky jewelry are a great way to add some warmth to your everyday look. If you are struggling with what to do with all the brown in your closet, read this article on all the colors that go with brown for some inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does gray go with brown?

Yes, you can pair a softer gray with dark brown or rich tan brown. If you opt for both light shades, you can create some contrast with different textures.

What paint color goes well with chocolate brown?

While white and other neutral colors would pair well with the warm shade of chocolate brown, you can opt for sage green or blush pink for an interesting combination.

Can I pair brown with black?

Yes, you can pair brown with black contrary to popular belief and it depends on the shades. You can create a high-contrast look by pairing brown with black or you can use a neutral color buffer like a beige or cream top with black pants and brown shoes and create a chic look.

Are there any specific colors to avoid when pairing them with brown?

Certain colors like bold hues of green, purple, and neon colors may not go well with brown and can create an unflattering combination.

What colors can I pair with brown for a contemporary look?

You can mix brown shades with beige, olive green, navy, gray, black, or burgundy. These shades create a sophisticated, contemporary vibe when paired with brown.

Key Takeaways

  • There are various shades of brown, like camel, tan, caramel, and coffee.
  • Brown is a good choice for a minimalistic look and can be paired with a combat boot.
  • It forms a good combination with white, beige, pastels, and off-white tops.
  • Adding a brown leather jacket and a camel trench coat to your wardrobe can provide you with versatile and timeless options for your daily outfits.

Illustration: What Colors Go With Brown? Tips And Outfit Ideas

colors that go with brown

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Looking for stylish outfit ideas to go with brown? Check out this video for some great casual looks that perfectly match with brown!

Personal Experience: Source

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Paola Farina
Paola FarinaPersonal Stylist
Paola Farina is a personal and event stylist and a certified image consultant with 4 years of experience. She collaborates with individuals and companies. After graduating from classical studies, she won a scholarship from Image Fashion & Communication, the first Italian institute for training professional editors and stylists.

Read full bio of Paola Farina
Pratima Ati
Pratima AtiFashion & Lifestyle Writer
Pratima Ati is a postgraduate in International Business from Staffordshire University. After working in Marketing and Business Development for a few years, she jumped ship to pursue two things she loved – fashion and writing.

Read full bio of Pratima Ati
Shatabdi Bhattacharya
Shatabdi BhattacharyaAssociate Editor
Shatabdi is an associate editor and an alumnus of Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the world of literature and expression. She has worked with various organizations and websites operating in different industries, ranging from education to lifestyle, showing her adaptability and drive to learn.

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Srijita De
Srijita DeCommerce Writer
Srijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.

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