How to Wear Brown This Fall (It’s More Flattering Than You Think)

I used to think brown was the color you reached for only when everything else was in the laundry. It just wasn’t one of my “go-to” shades. Years ago, I wore so much black and navy that Joe once joked my closet looked like a cave.

But lately, brown has surprised me in the best way. Maybe my coloring has changed, maybe I’ve finally embraced warm tones, maybe it’s the trendy chocolate browns everywhere this year… who knows. All I can tell you is this: brown is flattering, rich, and honestly a whole lot easier to wear than I ever gave it credit for.

Well, except for oatmeal. Oatmeal washes me out faster than Lucy spotting a squirrel. But the right browns? They’re gorgeous.

So today I’m breaking down how to wear brown this fall in a way that feels modern, polished, and perfect for women over 50 who want to look put together without overthinking it.

Check out these posts about wearing brown next: 3 Stylish Ways To Wear The Trending Color Chocolate Brown, How To Wear Brown And Black Together, Trending Brown Dresses You’re Sure To Love, and Beautiful Ways to Incorporate the Trending Color Chocolate Brown

The Best Shades of Brown for Women Over 50

Different browns give different effects, so finding your shade makes the whole thing easier.

Light Browns and Camel

Light browns and camel shades are some of the easiest neutrals to weave into your wardrobe. They look especially beautiful if you prefer softer, lighter tones near your face. Camel loves pairing with black, gray, ivory, navy, and every denim wash ever invented.

This is why camel coats, blazers, boots, and handbags show up every single fall. They add warmth without overpowering your outfit, and they look chic even when you’re just throwing something on to run to the post office.

Caramel and Toffee Browns

If you want something warm without going full chocolate, caramel, and toffee browns are the sweet spot. These shades brighten the complexion and give you that healthy, “I slept eight hours and drank plenty of water” glow even on days when you didn’t.

They work beautifully for sweaters, cardigans, pullovers, and light jackets because they bring warmth up toward the face without making everything feel heavy.

Chocolate Brown

Chocolate is the universal crowd-pleaser, and I’m not talking about the candy bar. Truly. It works with every skin tone, every hair color, and every personal style. When I finally embraced brown, chocolate was the first shade that made me stop and say, “Oh… oh, this works.”

A chocolate sweater is the perfect gateway item. Same for boots, handbags, belts, and coats. If you’re unsure where to start with brown, start here.

Cool Browns like Taupe and Mushroom

If you look better in cool colors and avoid anything too warm, taupe and mushroom are your new best friends. These shades blend seamlessly into closets full of grays, blacks, and cool-toned denim.

Taupe especially looks elevated and modern in cardigans and jackets because it reads as a “soft neutral” instead of a flat brown. And mushroom pairs beautifully with black in a way that feels effortless and polished.

What Colors Look Best With Brown

Brown plays well with more colors than you’d expect. Here are some of the easiest pairings.

Brown and Black

Yes, you can absolutely wear brown and black together. Whoever started that old “fashion rule” must have owned stock in beige. The contrast makes your outfit look modern and a little unexpected.

Try black jeans with brown boots or a chocolate sweater with black trousers. It always looks intentional.

Brown and Cream or Ivory

This combo is soft, classic, and flattering on every skin tone. Think cozy sweaters, cream blouses, ivory denim, and brown coats. It’s one of those pairings that makes people say, “you always look so put together,” even when you’ve barely tried.
lways a win.

Wondering more ways to style brown pants? Head over to The Best Way To Wear Brown Pants

Brown and Denim

This one is foolproof. Every shade of brown pairs beautifully with denim, from light wash to deep indigo. Brown jackets, brown boots, brown belts, brown sweaters… if it works with your jeans drawer, it works with brown.eans, it works with brown.

Light Brown and Chocolate

Layering lighter browns with deep chocolates creates a warm, tonal look that feels very “fall in the best way.” It’s cozy without being sloppy and polished without being fussy.

Brown and Pink

This is one pairing I love when I want something soft and feminine. Blush pink warms up brown without fighting with it. A brown coat with a pink scarf or a brown sweater with pink ballet flats feels fresh and pretty.ty.

Easy Brown Outfit Formulas for Fall

This look is such an easy way to ease into brown if you’re unsure where to start. The brown sweater adds warmth up top, and layering it over a crisp white button-down keeps everything bright near the face. Wide-leg jeans give the outfit a modern shape, and brown boots echo the sweater so the outfit feels intentional.

It’s simple. It’s comfortable. And it looks like you gave some thought to your outfit even if you didn’t.

This jacket proves brown doesn’t have to dominate your outfit to make an impact. The textured pattern gives it interest, while the navy tee keeps the whole look relaxed and unfussy. Add jeans and neutral boots and you’re out the door looking pulled together… with zero effort.

If you want to wear brown but don’t want brown on you, this is the outfit. The brown tones in the blazer do the work. Pairing it with a black turtleneck gives the whole look structure, and the lighter denim keeps it casual. This is an easy everyday outfit that works for errands, lunch, or anytime you want to look like you care but still want to be comfortable.

Barn coats are everywhere this fall, and chocolate brown might be the easiest color to wear. This jacket is warm without feeling bulky, and the chocolate tone looks beautiful paired with navy. Add lighter jeans to keep it from feeling heavy, and you’ve got a classic fall outfit you can repeat all season long.

This is a barn jacket, which are super popular this year! You can find even more barn and chore jackets here.

How to Wear Brown Accessories This Fall

Accessories are the quickest way to bring brown into your wardrobe.

Brown Boots

Chocolate or caramel boots are the easiest way to bring brown into your closet. They go with everything, and I mean everything. Jeans, dresses, leggings, joggers… brown boots always work.

It’s officially boot season around here! Find a new pair for this winter in this post: The Best Neutral Boots That Go With Everything and Trending Brown Boots to Wear Now

Brown Handbags

If you’re unsure about brown clothing, try a handbag first. A chocolate tote or crossbody instantly warms up your outfit and looks good with every fall color palette.

I share a lot of great handbags around here! You can find more favorites in this post: The Best Winter Handbags for 2025 That You’ll Carry On Repeat

Brown Belts

A brown belt is the little finishing touch that can make an outfit look polished. It adds structure, defines the waist, and ties your look together without being obvious.

Shopping for a great belt? Check out Statement Belts to Wear with Jeans this Fall

Brown may not have been the star of your closet before now, but it’s one of those colors that sneaks up on you. The minute you find the right shade, you realize how easy it is to mix with pieces you already own. It’s warm, flattering, and honestly a refreshing break from black.

And if you’ve avoided brown for years, you’re in good company because that used to be me too. Now I’m over here swooning over chocolate cardigans and caramel boots like I’ve loved them my whole life.

Try a little brown this fall. You just might be surprised how much you love it.

Tania’s Tips for Wearing Brown This Fall

• Start with chocolate brown.
  Chocolate is flattering on literally everyone, and I’m not just talking about the candy bar. If you want to dip your toe into brown without committing to a full outfit, start with a chocolate sweater or pair of boots. It’s the easiest shade to style and looks good with every denim wash known to man.
• Keep the area near your face bright.
  If certain browns make you feel washed out (oatmeal does me no favors), pair them with ivory, white, or a bright button-down. It keeps the focus up top and gives your skin tone a lift.
• Balance your browns with texture.
  Suede, knits, quilted jackets, and soft leather look especially good in brown because they play into the warm, cozy feel. Flat cotton brown tops? Eh. They can look a little sad. Bring in texture, and the whole outfit wakes up.
• Don’t overthink mixing browns.
  Light brown with chocolate brown is one of my favorite pairings. It looks intentional even when it’s not, and you don’t have to match shades perfectly. “Close enough” is the rule.
• Use accessories to test the waters.
  If you’re unsure about brown clothing, try a caramel bag or a pair of brown boots first. You’ll be shocked how much they go with. Once you see how easy it is, you’ll be ordering a brown coat before you know it.
• Brown and black absolutely work together.
  Whoever started the rumor that you can’t mix them must have had way too many fashion rules. Brown and black look incredibly modern, especially in fall. Try it once and you’ll wonder why you avoided it.
• If you wear a lot of cool tones, try taupe.
  Taupe and mushroom browns are “gateway browns” for those of us who live in black and gray. They blend right in without fighting with cooler colors.

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Luke 1:28 (NIV)
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