If you’ve ever bought a brown clothing item, like a cozy sweater, a pair of trousers, or a corduroy jacket, only to struggle with what to wear, you’re not alone. Brown is a tricky color. It’s understated and can sometimes come off as dull or boring. Don’t let that fool you, though. Brown is neutral with a lot of depth that offers unexpected styling opportunities. The key is knowing which colors pair well with brown and how to wear them. This article will help you confidently create stylish, select best color combinations and cohesive outfits by teaching you all about the colors that go with brown clothes.

WhatColors’ AI personal color analysis app is a valuable tool to help you achieve your style goals. With this interactive resource, you can learn which hues complement your unique color profile and get personalized outfit ideas to help you master the art of color matching. 

Table of Contents

• What are the Different Shades of Brown?

• Brown and the Color Wheel

• How to Choose the Right Brown for You?

• 18 Best Colors That Go With Brown Clothes

• Accessorizing Brown Outfits

• Colors to Pair Cautiously with Brown

• Tips for Combining the Color Brown

• Try AI Personal Color Analysis For Free Today

What are the Different Shades of Brown?

Brown is enjoying a surge in popularity. But this earthy hue has never truly gone out of style. Brown seems to be loved more than ever today. It embodies the qualities of:

• Classic

• Sophistication

• Elegance

• Timelessness

If you want to be known as someone with a steady and solid personality, brown is the most reliable color.

A Brief History of Brown

The color brown has been present throughout human history, dating back to prehistoric times. The first recorded use of the word brown was around 1,000 CE when it was called brun, from the Old English word meaning dusky color.

A Color of Class and Culture

In ancient times, the Greeks and Romans used reddish-brown pigments derived from cuttlefish quite heavily. The standard color, brown, was relegated to citizens who belonged to the lower class. Middle English translated the word "brun" into the modern word "brown" around the 14th century. In other parts of the world, the color comes from foods that share the same color, such as coffee and chocolate.

During the Middle Ages, brown often fell behind in popularity in both fashion and art. Artists during this era preferred brighter colors over darker ones. With brown being a part of the latter and a neutral shade, it tended to command little attention compared to other colors. 

Brown's Ascent: From Common to Chic

It wasn’t until the 17th century that the color brown started to rise in prominence, thanks to artists using the earthy hue more in their illustrations. By the late 20th century, brown had become a more accepted color in fashion and synonymous with nature and health.

It took a while, but brown has effectively removed all negative connotations attached to it. It is now considered a neutral to positive color staple in the typical classy gentleman’s fashion!

Popular Shades of Brown Used in Fashion

The fact that color shades can number in the hundreds can be overwhelming for new fashion designers. While it is true that dozens of shades of brown exist, only a handful deliver on fashion design. 

Below are the shades of brown that have become staples in the fashion design industry to help point you in the right direction:

Beige

This lighter shade of brown resembles sand. It symbolizes simplicity and comfort and pairs nicely with khaki and navy browns.

Chestnut Brown

Chestnut brown has reddish undertones and blends nicely with black, gray, and navy-colored clothes.

Chocolate

It is slightly lighter than true brown but darker than tan.

Dark Brown

It can cover a broad range of shades. In general, dark brown combines red and green or red and yellow with varying degrees of black undertone.

Espresso

It’s significantly darker, so it can be mistaken for black. However, espresso brown is identical to the shade of black coffee. At first glance, it resembles black but has a subtle tinge of brown. 

Light Brown

Light brown resembles a slightly tanned skin tone. 

Tan

It’s a member of the warm brown family with considerably yellow undertones. 

Wood Brown

Wood brown is a light to medium shade of brown that resembles hardwood floors.

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Brown and the Color Wheel

The color wheel is a helpful tool for choosing colors that go together. Brown is a composite color, meaning that it can be created by:

• Mixing red, yellow, and black pigments

• Combining orange and black creates a darker shade of orange effectively.

As a result, brown isn’t a feature on a traditional painter’s color wheel. On modern color wheels, it is generally shown as a shade of orange, with orange sitting between red and yellow on the wheel. Brown, alongside red, orange, and yellow, is considered a warm color, as opposed to a cool color, such as:

• Blue

• Green

• Violet

Understanding brown’s position on the color wheel can help you pick complementary colors when styling your brown clothing.

Brown's Complementary Color

Brown isn’t featured on a traditional color wheel and is often shown as a dark shade of orange on contemporary wheels. Orange’s complementary color is blue, making blue, or darker shades of blue, brown’s complementary hues. 

White, cream, and beige are other great complementary colors for brown. They create a clean and sophisticated look. White adds a stark contrast, making your brown clothing stand out. Cream and beige offer a softer transition, ideal for a more subtle appearance.

Analogous Colors

Analogous colors sit next to brown on the color wheel, offering a harmonious look. Tan, a lighter shade of brown, blends seamlessly for a monochromatic style. For a sophisticated and muted look, opt for neutral tones like:

• Beige

• Gray

• Black

Navy blue offers a cool, professional appearance that complements brown without overwhelming it. 

Accent Colors

Accent colors add a pop to brown clothing. Blue in brighter shades, like sky blue, contrasts well with brown, providing a refreshing look. Green accents, such as forest green, enhance the earthy feel of brown outfits. Red can be used as an accent to create a bold statement. An olive green accessory can tie the outfit together, giving it a cohesive and stylish finish. Navy blue accents are also a classic choice, adding depth and elegance.

Find Out Your Perfect Color Palette with WhatColors

WhatColors helps you find what colors to wear based on your skin tone. Thanks to our patented color match technology, you can get your season based on your skin tone. Get the perfect colors based on your season. Avoid colors that are a definite no. Based on your skin, eye, and hair color, find the ideal nail color with our WhatColors nail color generator. 

Get your color analysis done within 60 seconds with WhatColors’ AI personal color analysis app. Download our app for free today on the App Store or Google Play store.

How to Choose the Right Brown for You?

Selecting the right shade of brown can elevate your style and help you look richer and put together. Brown's versatility complements a wide range of colors while suiting multiple personal styles, from trendy to timeless. To find your best brown, start by identifying your undertones, then consider how different shades of brown can harmonize with your skin tone and existing wardrobe. 

Who Should Avoid Brown? 

While brown is a natural color with great earthy appeal, its close resemblance to human skin 

can make it tricky to wear. To avoid a washed-out appearance, stick with shades of brown that contrast your skin tone. For instance, if you have ashen skin, you'll want to prevent beige and light taupe. Instead, reach for cocoa, espresso, and other dark browns to create a rich contrast. 

If you have deep brown skin, light and medium shades of brown may resemble yours. Opt for darker chocolate tones instead to achieve an elegant and polished look.

The Different Shades of Brown

Brown is a warm color that can appear either cool or warm depending on the shade. Caramel and honey brown, for example, have warm yellow tones and pair well with other warm colors. Cool browns like ash brown have grey undertones that create a more muted tone. These can be matched with cool colors like blue and violet for a balanced look. Choosing the right fabric for your brown outfit is essential as well. Velvet in brown can look different from organza in brown.

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18 Best Colors That Go With Brown Clothes

1. Brown: The Ultimate Neutral

Brown is a neutral color, meaning it not only pairs well with other neutrals and earth tones, such as black, cream, white, and olive green but also works to balance out brighter statement colors. 

Still, certain shade combinations may be more flattering than others. For instance, vibrant oranges and reds shine against deep chocolate and copper-esque brown hues. 

Blue sits opposite brown on the color wheel, and opposites attract, but a rich brown will also complement a naturally cool gray. Combining brown with black gives you a classic, albeit moody, effect.

2. Brown and Black: A Classic Pairing

Rather than opt for an all-black look, mix things up by styling a brown leather jacket over your LBD. According to stylists, brown leather jackets are more wearable than their black counterparts and, for that reason, are trending.

3. Brown and Yellow: A Cheerful Combination 

Yellow indeed tends to steal the spotlight, but it doesn't have to. If you want to tone things down and make those bright pieces feel less in your face, style them with brown staples with a hint of warmth (e.g. copper).

4. Brown and Purple: A Regal Match

Brown is an inherently warm color, which makes it an ideal color scheme for cozier garments, such as knits and sweater dresses. While the color works well, combining it with a deep purple creates an elegant, regal effect. Fresh, sweet, and airy more your vibe? Go for a lighter lavender instead.

5. Brown and Light Gray: A Sophisticated Pairing

Swap out your jacket for a fun and fashionable cape to add a sense of whimsy to your standard three-piece suit. This outfit is great for in-between temperatures, and brown and gray are a sophisticated match.

6. Brown and Kelly Green: An Earthy Duo

Go ahead and take a note from nature; this brown and green pairing is pure perfection. Consider a sleek statement shoe like these green pumps to contrast the bulkiness of a cozy:

• Sweater

• Vest

• Wide-leg pants

7. Brown and Cream: A Cozy Combination

Are you tired of cottage-core or want to change your look? Then, throw a sweater vest over your brown prairie dress for a light academic aesthetic, with loafers as the finishing touch. In terms of shade pairings, white pops against just about any color, but a cream vest is more similar to brown and creates a cool, understated style.

8. Brown and Red: A Subtle Yet Striking Pairing

If the striking combination of black and red isn't for you, try brown and red (you won't be disappointed). It's both subtle and standout, which is probably why it's a popular pairing from season to season.

9. Brown and Blue: A Timeless Combination

What are you waiting for if you don't own a pair of brown knee-high boots yet? Pair them with:

• Leggings

• A miniskirt

• Whatever moves you

We're partial to this denim number, which feels 70s-inspired.

10. Brown and Charcoal Gray: A Chic Contrast

A leather brown midiskirt and medium gray knit are the ultimate fall outfits. This shade and fabric combo creates contrast and interest. Swap out leather for silk to adapt it to spring and replace your cozy top with a sweater vest.

11. Brown and Light Green: A Fresh Touch

Cargo pants are back, and we love this brown suede iteration. A brown striped shirt and puffer vest stay within the same color family. However, a green head scarf adds a tinge of brightness and dopamine to keep it from feeling too muted.

12. Brown and Orange: A Playful Pairing

A cozy knit and a sequined maxi skirt are at once casual and dressed-up, making this outfit transition well from day to night. Against the sweater's light brown color, the orange skirt stands out.

13. Brown and Pink: A Fun Color Combo

Brown and neon pink might not sound like they go together, but here's visual proof: they certainly do. Unlike the brown leather jacket you saw earlier in our list, this one qualifies as burgundy. Its reddish-brown hue works well with the vibrant pink of the skirt and shoes.

14. Brown and Burgundy: A Rich Color Combination

Try pairing brown with another earthy color, burgundy. I love the deep, rich hues of these together. Add a few more neutrals, like creams or tan, and even lighter shades of burgundy on the color wheel, like soft dusty pinks, to round out the outfit. This is a favorite brown color combination in the fall and winter months.

15. Brown and Tan: A Timeless Approach

When in doubt, go with more neutrals when styling brown. Bring in shades of:

• Browns

• Tans

• White

These are always a safe bet and create a timeless tonal outfit. A few go-to combinations are to pair a brown bottom with a white tee and then add tan accessories and layers. Or, if you’re doing denim, try a brown shirt, shoes, and a cream sweater over your shoulders.

16. Brown and Red: A Seasonal Favorite

I didn’t think of pairing brown with red until I bought these red Adidas shoes. I tried to style the red with black, but it instantly felt too harsh. Whenever I feel that way about black, I try swapping it for brown, which usually works. And voila, it did. Red and brown are a great contrast and an alternative to black and red. And since cherry red is a huge trend, why not wear it with all the brown in your closet?

17. Brown Monochrome: The Ultimate Go-To

When in doubt, just wear all brown. You really can’t go wrong here. And while brown and tan is I suppose, sort of brown and more brown, I like an entire outfit in one shade of brown. All dark chocolate brown pieces. 

To make this work, just mix your textures to create some interest. This look would be boring if I wore a smooth brown leather boot with a soft, non-textured dress. But instead, I have a snakeskin boot with varying brown hues and lots of texture, and the knit dress adds movement and more texture that feels different. 

For an accessory, you can 100% go monochromatic in an all-brown look and add a brown bag. But I added a contrasting brown in a cream bag for this particular outfit.

18. Brown and Navy: A Perfect Pairing 

I’m a big fan of navy and brown, most of my house is these two colors! So it’s no surprise that pairing your brown pieces with something navy would be a good idea I 100% approve of. If you want to add another color to this look, you can go lighter in your blue and add a soft blue sweater or bag. Or try a sage sweater, too.

Accessorizing Brown Outfits

Choosing the right accessories for brown outfits can elevate your look. Earthy tones like camel, rust, and mustard, along with gold and copper accents, create a sophisticated style. 

Jewelry and Metal Tones

Adding the right jewelry to brown outfits makes a big difference. Gold jewelry stands out against brown, offering a warm contrast. Copper pieces also blend well with the earthy tone. For a bolder look, choose statement earrings or necklaces. These can add flair without overwhelming your outfit. Avoid silver, as it may not complement brown as effectively as gold or copper. 

Shoes and Bags

When selecting shoes and bags, consider tones that match or complement brown. Brown leather shoes or boots are always a safe choice. For more variety, try:

• Camel

• Mustard

• Rust shoes

Black shoes also work well, adding a classic touch. Bags in black and white can create a striking contrast, while earthy tones like camel or rust blend seamlessly. 

Hats and Scarves

Adding hats and scarves to your brown outfit can create a polished look. Earth-toned hats like a camel or rust-colored hat can blend in effortlessly. Scarves in natural tones, such as mustard or earthy shades, add texture and warmth. Patterned scarves with touches of brown can tie the whole outfit together while introducing some visual interest.

Colors to Pair Cautiously with Brown

The Gray Zone: Why Light Gray and Brown Don't Mix

While gray seems like a natural pairing with brown, especially since they share the same tones, light gray can make a brown outfit dull and lifeless; the lack of contrast and tone similarity make the look monotonous and boring. 

For a more visually exciting combination, choose darker shades of gray or add bright-colored accents to your brown and light gray outfit. Even more, if you want this to be an outfit for a birthday during the day, use an accessory such as a purse, glasses, or similar that gives that contrast of light in striking tones.

The Dark Side of Brown and Dark Purple

Dark purple and brown in an outfit are challenging to balance. Both colors are intense and visually compete, creating a feeling of heaviness and darkness. As a result, the mixture is overwhelming and unattractive, so it is better to avoid using them together in large proportions or simply use a lilac color to look more luminously.

Why Bright Red Isn't Right for Brown

The bright red overshadows the brown, creating a too-strong and unharmonious contrast. To avoid this dissonance, opting for softer shades of red or using them in small doses is better.

The Problem with Bone White

Off-white makes brown look dull and dirty in an outfit. This combination lacks the warmth and contrast necessary to create visual harmony. To maintain the set's cohesion and warmth, it is always better to choose cream or white tones with warm undertones. 

Color Analysis Made Easy with WhatColors

WhatColors helps you find what colors to wear based on your skin tone. Finally, our patented color match technology lets you get your season based on your skin tone. Get the perfect colors based on your season. Avoid colors that are a definite no. Based on your skin, eye, and hair color, find the perfect nail colors with our WhatColors nail color generator. 

Get your color analysis done within 60 seconds with WhatColors’ AI personal color analysis app. Download our app for free today on the App Store or Google Play store.

Tips for Combining the Color Brown

Go With the Flow: Use Complementary Tones to Pair With Brown

If you want to create a soft look on the eyes, choose shades that complement brown. Navy blue, olive green and beige are some great options. These colors highlight the warm undertones of brown, achieving your desired balance.

Mix It Up: Add Textures to Your Brown Outfits

Brown will look more interesting if you incorporate different textures in your outfit. Materials such as corduroy and recycled cotton in brown tones provide depth and variety, preventing your look from looking monotonous.  

Play with Color: Use Contrasting Shades with Brown

So that brown doesn't dominate your look, add contrasting colors. Follow the colorimetry and choose lighter tones such as creamy white or beige; they manage to illuminate and balance the intensity of the brown. You can also use bright colors like orange or yellow to add energy and vitality.  

Spice It Up: Don’t Be Afraid to Use Patterns

Integrating patterns into your clothing and accessories will give life to a look dominated by brown. Geometric, floral, or ethnic-inspired patterns in colors that complement brown will add visual interest and personality to your look.  

Illuminate Your Look: Consider the Lighting

Lighting affects how brown your outfit looks. Warm light brings out the reddish and golden tones of brown, while cool light makes brown appear duller. Adjust your look depending on the lighting to bring out the best in your color scheme.  

Keep It Neutral: Balance Brown With Other Neutral Colors

To create a sophisticated and balanced look, combine brown with other neutral colors such as black. These colors help tone down the intensity of the brown and create a sleek and modern minimalist style.  

Go for the Glow: Use Metallic Accents With Brown

Metallic accents in gold, bronze, or copper will add a touch of luxury and elegance to your brown looks. These metallic tones complement the brown and make your outfit look more sophisticated and striking.  

Know the Occasion: Consider What You’re Dressing For

Brown is perfectly adaptable to different occasions, depending on how you combine it. Use darker shades of brown and black or navy blue for formal events. For informal occasions, opt for lighter, warmer shades of brown combined with beige or olive green.  

Try AI Personal Color Analysis For Free Today

Using our patented color match technology, WhatColors helps you find the best colors to wear based on your skin tone. Here's how it works:

• Discover your season's perfect colors.

• Avoid colors that don't suit your complexion.

• Get personalized color matches based on your skin, eye, and hair color.

• Find the ideal nail colors with our WhatColors nail color generator.

Get your color analysis done within 60 seconds with WhatColors’ AI color analysis app. Download our app for free today on the App Store or Google Play store.

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