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Neutrality: Breaking the Rules with Black and Brown

Neutrality: Breaking the Rules with Black and Brown // She Saw Style

The “rules” say you shouldn’t wear black and brown together.  But I say, “who created the rules, and aren’t we meant to break them?”  Fashion shouldn’t have restrictions.  It should be about what you like to wear and what makes you look and feel fantastic!  I’ve been wanting to put together a post on mixing black and brown for some time now, and hadn’t gotten around to actually doing it.  So, without further ado, here is how I believe you can wear these two shades together in a way that will make the rule-makers consider becoming rule-breakers!

Neutrality: Breaking the Rules with Black and Brown // She Saw Style

First thing first, you need to find the right shades of brown and black.  I know what you’re thinking: black isn’t even a color, so it doesn’t have shades.  I know I’m not an artist, so I really don’t have a say in the matter, but I feel as though I should disagree.  Since black can fade into gray, I guess you can argue that I’m just wearing dark gray pants, but these truly have more black in them than gray, so you can see my befuddlement.  However, since they are a lighter, distressed wash, they tend to match with a larger range of colors than typical, flat-black pants would.

Neutrality: Breaking the Rules with Black and Brown // She Saw Style Neutrality: Breaking the Rules with Black and Brown // She Saw Style Neutrality: Breaking the Rules with Black and Brown // She Saw Style Neutrality: Breaking the Rules with Black and Brown // She Saw Style Neutrality: Breaking the Rules with Black and Brown // She Saw Style Neutrality: Breaking the Rules with Black and Brown // She Saw Style Neutrality: Breaking the Rules with Black and Brown // She Saw Style

Another suggestion when pairing brown with black, is to include a taupe or khaki shade of brown, rather than a cognac or chocolate.  Taupe and khaki are more on the cool-toned side, which allows them to blend well with black.  Rather than a stark difference between the two, it’s pleasant to the eye, and helps the outfit flow.  When it comes to accessorizing a black and brown look, I highly recommend gold jewelry and any pieces that may include a combination of these signature colors.  For my particular ensemble, I chose a pair of matte black sunnies with a gold brow bar, plus these snakeskin heels which encompass nearly every shade of black and brown.  In all honesty, I believe these heels tied the outfit together better than any other accessory could have.

Neutrality: Breaking the Rules with Black and Brown // She Saw Style

Since fashion rules are made for breaking, I’m curious which rules you enjoy breaking the most!  Pairing black and brown is my personal favorite, but of course there’s also white after Labor Day, or mixing patterns together, or even wearing sneakers with a dress (I’m so on board with a pair of Superstars worn with a cutesy skirt).  Would you dare break any of these rules?

Shop My Style

Jacket: SammyDress // Sweater: Mistic Prysm // Pants: Harmony + Havoc // Heels: De Blossom // Sunnies: Zaful

[photos by Stefanie]

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Comments

  3. I think you paired these two shades so perfectly. This topic actually came up when I was talking to one of my friends at work and we both agreed this rule could be broken. I will definitely show her your post. Love this jacket by the way.

    xo,
    Jo
    http://www.glamfashionbook.com

    Reply

  5. You mix these “colors” very well!! Loved this shoot location even though that night was a bit crazy! haha. i’m glad they turned out well with our bothersome little friend!! xoxo

    Reply

  6. Thanks right, girl.. you break those rules! I love how you paired the two colors together in this outfit. They work so nicely and it’s a great look for the cooler months.

    Xx

    Reply

  9. Who ever came up with that rule needs to see this post. That’s so funny because if you know how to put colors and patterns together, the rules don’t matter. You look amazing love.

    Reply

  10. Those shades and that jacket are so killer! You are totally right though and the point of fashion is to create your own rules. Such a cool post and great way to build confidence in going against the grain!

    xoxo Bryanna | Coming in Clutch

    Reply

  12. There is always that fine line between black and brown outfits but I agree that the rules can be broken. Especially when the brown tones are lighter in color they can totally be worn with black. I even have a black jacket that has brown mixed with it which works well. I love this outfit and you styled it perfectly with the colors. Adore this jacket and love the turtleneck sweater. Perfect for fall babe. Xoxo, Christine
    http://dailykongfidence.com/

    Reply

  14. Those shades and that jacket are so killer! You are totally right though and the point of fashion is to create your own rules. Such a cool post and great way to build confidence in going against the grain!

    xoxo Bryanna | Coming in Clutch

    Reply

  21. Just as I started to read this post, I was thinking how it totally depends on the shades – so we are definitely sharing the same mind! I loooove cognac or camel with black; it’s been one of my favorite and most-worn color combos this fall! This lighter brown goes perfectly, and I’m swooning over the beautiful suede!

    xx, Danielle | Pineapple & Prosecco

    Reply

  26. You’re such a good rule breaker! I love those sunnies, need to get some of those, oh and that jacket and sweater are perfect! Black and brown is one of my favorite color combos! XO

    Reply

  28. You’re such a good rule breaker! I love those sunnies, need to get some of those, oh and that jacket and sweater are perfect! Black and brown is one of my favorite color combos! XO

    Reply

  29. I’m with you, fashion definitely shouldn’t have any rules, nor should it be taken very seriously! Well done you, girl, for breaking the no black with brown rule and looking fabulous doing it! I really love that shade of brown of your leather jacket and it goes so well with black indeed. One of my favorite looks from you, for sure!

    xo, Jo
    http://www.cutandchic.com

    Reply

  32. I’m with you, fashion definitely shouldn’t have any rules, nor should it be taken very seriously! Well done you, girl, for breaking the no black with brown rule and looking fabulous doing it! I really love that shade of brown of your leather jacket and it goes so well with black indeed. One of my favorite looks from you, for sure!

    xo, Jo
    http://www.cutandchic.com

    Reply

  36. I’m in love with your outfit from head to toe. The jacket, sweater, jeans and shoes are all must haves.
    xoxo, Rachel Vogt
    
http://www.rachelvogttrends.com

    Reply

  40. I’ve actually never heard this fashion rule of not wearing black and brown together LOL so it was kind of a surprise but I LOVEEE how you styled this fit! I really love the brown and neutral hues and feel like they go with black so well (I mean, what doesn’t?!). Breaking the rules is always the best haha! Keep it up <3

    XO Jenn
    http://www.jennsemble.com

    Reply

  41. I’ve actually never heard this fashion rule of not wearing black and brown together LOL so it was kind of a surprise but I LOVEEE how you styled this fit! I really love the brown and neutral hues and feel like they go with black so well (I mean, what doesn’t?!). Breaking the rules is always the best haha! Keep it up <3

    XO Jenn
    http://www.jennsemble.com

    Reply

  51. There is always that fine line between black and brown outfits but I agree that the rules can be broken. Especially when the brown tones are lighter in color they can totally be worn with black. I even have a black jacket that has brown mixed with it which works well. I love this outfit and you styled it perfectly with the colors. Adore this jacket and love the turtleneck sweater. Perfect for fall babe. Xoxo, Christine
    http://dailykongfidence.com/

    Reply

  52. Thanks right, girl.. you break those rules! I love how you paired the two colors together in this outfit. They work so nicely and it’s a great look for the cooler months.

    Xx

    Reply

  53. Who ever came up with that rule needs to see this post. That’s so funny because if you know how to put colors and patterns together, the rules don’t matter. You look amazing love.

    Reply

  57. I think you paired these two shades so perfectly. This topic actually came up when I was talking to one of my friends at work and we both agreed this rule could be broken. I will definitely show her your post. Love this jacket by the way.

    xo,
    Jo
    http://www.glamfashionbook.com

    Reply

  62. You mix these “colors” very well!! Loved this shoot location even though that night was a bit crazy! haha. i’m glad they turned out well with our bothersome little friend!! xoxo

    Reply

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