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!
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.
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.
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
I love the jacket! It’s very stylish and perfect to wear with jeans 🙂
http://WWW.MARIANNYC.COM
Oh yes I would and I actually did earlier this Autumn by mixing black and brown too! I think they go perfectly together! I really love your jacket and how you styled this look!
Bisous, Josie
http://www.petiteandbold.com
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
That jacket is to die for! Can I have it?! You’ve literally styled it to perfection. Hope you have a wonderful week Stephanie! xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/personal/a-quarter-century/
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
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
Wow! You look great babe. I love your jacket. Dying to get some more in colors like that. Xx
http://www.inesinla.com
Loving all the thoughts. Also those long legs are amazing and can I have your shoes?
So good!
Megan
Sweet Sauce Blog
http://www.sweetsauceblog.com
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.
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
now that I’m seeing the jacket up close, I can tell it’s suede not leather! haha love it!
http://www.samanthamariko.com
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/
Love the sweater and jacket! You look great! You styled this outfit really nicely!
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
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
now that I’m seeing the jacket up close, I can tell it’s suede not leather! haha love it!
http://www.samanthamariko.com
that jacket is so fab!! I love a good suede piece 🙂
Love the sweater and jacket! You look great! You styled this outfit really nicely!
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
I love how you styled this so much! I’m still dying over the shoes!
XO,
K
I am so glad you broke the rule, cuz you look absolutely amazing! Love everything about the outfit. You always choose the cutest backgrounds for your photoshoots 🙂
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
You pulled this off perfectly babe!! But really..who made these rules right?! Fashion is about making your own rules and feeling confident in whatever you choose to wear! Love how you styled this look babe <3
XO, Jessi
http://www.mywhitet.com/holiday-gift-guides-him-her/
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
I love how you styled this so much! I’m still dying over the shoes!
XO,
K
I am so glad you broke the rule, cuz you look absolutely amazing! Love everything about the outfit. You always choose the cutest backgrounds for your photoshoots 🙂
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
You pulled this off perfectly babe!! But really..who made these rules right?! Fashion is about making your own rules and feeling confident in whatever you choose to wear! Love how you styled this look babe <3
XO, Jessi
http://www.mywhitet.com/holiday-gift-guides-him-her/
I love this outfit!! And agree that taupe is a great shade of brown to mix with black! <3
-Laurelle
http://www.bellebylaurelle.com
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
I love this outfit!! And agree that taupe is a great shade of brown to mix with black! <3
-Laurelle
http://www.bellebylaurelle.com
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
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
Hooray for rule breaking! Personally I love mixing black & brown. You styled this outfit perfectly!
Xx, Kathryn
http://www.jassamineelaine.com
So glad you broke this rule girl!!! I love your jacket so much. It’s one of my favorites!!!
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
Hooray for rule breaking! Personally I love mixing black & brown. You styled this outfit perfectly!
Xx, Kathryn
http://www.jassamineelaine.com
I love mixing black & brown too ! You styled this look perfectly so keep breaking the rules 🙂
xx, gracie
snappedbygracie.com
Omg I love this whole look! I love mixing neutrals and you styled this perfectly. Thanks for the outfit inspiration.
Jo
http://www.LeFabChic.com
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
I’m all about breaking the rules like no white after labor day. That’s just stupid haha! Love the brown with the black pants. Such a great look. Another outfit I would totally wear.
xx Yasmin
http://banglesandbungalows.com
I love this outfit on you. I believe fashion it’s all about breaking the rules and finding your style so I love that you did that! I love this jacket and the jeans look amazing on you!
Linh
http://www.xcapewithlinh.com
girl love this location! and that jacket is perfect
francesca
Frank Vinyl : A California Fashion Blog
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
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
The olive color suede jacket looks soo amazing. I miss weather the color olive since I colored my hair to lavender… (cause it looks weird) but I think it looks beautiful with your red hair. I love how you styled this one girl.
xoxo
http://www.atsunamatsui.com
The olive color suede jacket looks soo amazing. I miss weather the color olive since I colored my hair to lavender… (cause it looks weird) but I think it looks beautiful with your red hair. I love how you styled this one girl.
xoxo
http://www.atsunamatsui.com
I’m all about breaking the rules!! LOVE how you mixed this look and the texture with the sweater and leather jacket.
xo
Marcy
GIRL you pull this risky look off so well! And I have been dying to find an affordable suede motto jacket – I may have to pick this one up! Love everything about this look.
Sarah | http://www.SarahTahami.com
I love how you’ve mixed things up with this outfit! And that knitted cowl top is perfection xx
http://bunnybernice.com
I love how you’ve mixed things up with this outfit! And that knitted cowl top is perfection xx
http://bunnybernice.com
Black and brown are always good if you know how to pair them, and you definitely know how to wear them well!
Jordan xx
http://www.thehatlogic.com
Oh yes I would and I actually did earlier this Autumn by mixing black and brown too! I think they go perfectly together! I really love your jacket and how you styled this look!
Bisous, Josie
http://www.petiteandbold.com
Wow! You look great babe. I love your jacket. Dying to get some more in colors like that. Xx
http://www.inesinla.com