How To Wear Brown And Black Together
I understand that brown and black aren’t the flashiest color combinations, but they are a great addition to any wardrobe. You know, if this color-loving gurl is telling you that you need to add brown and black into your wardrobe, then it must be true!
Wearing brown and black together is one of those style dilemmas that seems to divide people. For years, fashion “rules” told us to avoid mixing these two neutrals, but like most fashion rules, this one is outdated. The truth is, brown and black can absolutely be worn together—and when done right, they create a sophisticated, stylish look. So, here are a few ways to mix these two colors seamlessly.
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Can Brown and Black Be Worn Together?
Yes, brown and black can most definitely be worn together! In fact, these two colors complement each other beautifully. Think of them as best friends in the neutral color family—one brings warmth (brown), while the other brings an edge (black). When paired, they create a look that can feel both timeless and fresh. I glanced over at my fur baby, who is brown and black, and knew the combination looked great together.
The key to wearing brown and black together is to approach them as neutrals, which they are. Neutrals can be mixed and matched with almost anything, so there’s no reason to think that black and brown can’t be worn side by side. Some people worry that the combination will clash, but in reality, it’s all about finding the right shades and balancing the look.
I chose to wear neutral shoes with this outfit, but a pair of black shoes would have also looked great.
What Are the “Fashion Rules” About Wearing Brown and Black?
For years, we were told that brown and black don’t belong together, much like the outdated rules about not wearing white after Labor Day. Fashion evolves, and so should our understanding of these so-called rules. The old belief that brown and black clash may come from a time when fashion was more rigid, but nowadays, mixing these colors is seen as modern and chic.
As it turns out, fashion rules are more like guidelines, and the modern approach is to bend or break them to suit your style. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with wearing brown and black together. It’s all about how you style it!
The black leather handbag ties in with this outfit perfectly, but a brown bag would have also worked.
How to Wear Brown and Black Together
Now that we’ve cleared up the myth that this color combination doesn’t go together, let’s talk about how to wear them in a stylish and effortless way.
Start with Accessories
Start small if you’re hesitant about combining brown and black. Accessories are an easy way to dip your toes into the brown-and-black combination. You could wear a brown or black belt, and one of my favorite tips is to wear a pair of brown shoes with black jeans.
A handbag is another great way to mix the two without feeling like you’re going overboard. This brown and black leather tote combines the colors together effortlessly.
Use A Brown and Black Print
One of the easiest ways to wear these two colors is by wearing a print with the combination. Animal prints are an easy and chic way to incorporate the two colors into your wardrobe. Leopard print is a fabulous option, and it is a huge trend at the moment.
I’m wearing a leopard print top with denim jeans, but it would look great with black pants for a dressier option. Leopard is a classic print that can be worn dressed up or down.
Why should you add brown to your wardrobe?
The answer is simple. Brown is the earth’s color, so people who wear brown are considered strong, stable, and reliable. Just think about the opposite of strong, stable, and reliable…would you want to be thought of that way? Me neither! A person dressed in a brown dress or jacket will be considered reliable, intelligent, and rational. Think of that the next time that you have an important meeting.
Why should you add black to your wardrobe?
Once again, the answer is simple. People who wear black are considered strong and powerful. Men don’t wear black suits because they are slimming; they want to appear powerful! Black is also a color choice for people who want to be taken seriously. It sure doesn’t hurt that it can also be slimming. Lol!
Play with Textures
When you’re mixing two neutrals, adding texture is key to keeping your outfit interesting. The fluffy puffer vest looks great with a simple long sleeve top or a black turtleneck.
This cashmere and wool sweater adds a soft, fluffy texture to this look. For extra visual interest, I added the leather camel Allington tote with black handles and the plaid pumps. Combining different textures like cashmere and leather gives the outfit a luxurious, elevated vibe.
The Beauty of Neutrals
Brown and black are such versatile colors that they act as the perfect foundation for any outfit. Mixing these neutrals is a great way to build a wardrobe that feels modern, put-together, and anything but boring. Neutrals are easy to layer, match with other pieces, and can take you from season to season without feeling outdated.
When you wear brown and black together, you show that you understand fashion is about creativity and confidence, not rigid rules. You don’t need to stick to old guidelines about what goes with what—you get to decide. And if brown and black feel good together to you, then wear it confidently!
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Love all the leopard touches!
Thank you for reminding me to read a verse everyday!
I have never worn black and brown together, so thank you for this post! I love the first outfir and will be checking it out!
Loving the black & brown outfits. Thanks for sharing.
Love the dolman sweater from Kohls!
Me, too! I also bought it in a camel color.
Love, love, love all the brown and black looks! Thanks for this great post!
You and Joe are too cute! I’ve always loved black and brown together. Love the looks you’re showing.
Thank you Tania for the post on prayer. Our church is studying prayer and your post spoke to me as well.
I have laughed at my Daughter over the years she is now 37 mom don’t wear black and brown that doesn’t go together😂😂 Needless to say I didn’t listen! I love it together!
I love these daily e-mails and corresponding websites. They are a definite help to me in deciding what to buy and wear.
I also appreciate the daily Bible verse.
Thank you, Tania, for your friendly and open advice!
Love the black and brown together. I always hesitated to do it but love your combinations. I don’t have much black except pants and a black cardigan but may add a black top to my wardrobe. Thank you so much for your uplifting scripture!
It means a lot!
I love brown and black together! The flare-jeans are super cute!
Have always loved a brown/black combo.
Stay safe. We were hit hard here in South Carolina, no power for days.
Praying for Western North Carolina they are are a real mess.
I remember my Mother telling me about certain colors that you don’t wear together. Brown and black, blue and green and others. I really think you can mix any colors together if you do it right.
So funny…I love pairing blue and green together.
Black and tan or brown is a great match. just imagine a classic Dooney and Bourke handbag.
Cute!!!
Love this combination! very classic
Love the leopard print surplus blouse. I see a trip to Kohls as soon as this rain stops!
Tania, you crack me up with your fun sense of humor!! Happy to hear that Joe is doing so well. He has a good nurse ( you!!) to keep him in line.
Love black and brown together as long as the brown is a lighter shade.
Will have to give this brown and black combination a try. It looks chic together.
Love the leopard print button down shirt. Thanks for sharing.
Wow Tania we can always count on you to bring us new ideas! Love the black and brown look!!!
How is Joe doing with his knee replacement? Dr Botero is replacing my other knee in January. I still have a bit of stiffness in my first knee replacement done in May and wondered if Joe had the same experience.
Sonja, Joe has done great. Occasionally his feels stiff if he has been sitting for a long time, but otherwise, its been perfect.
I love brown and black together and you certainly look great in all these outfits. Leopard print is so easy and goes with just about everything…IMO
You and Joe are so cute.
Black and brown are so classy especially camel and black
Love the color combination!
Black/brown combos are great wardrobe staples! Thanks for your encouragement to wear these together!!
Great outfits!
Never understood the issue with combining brown/tan and black, when leopard print naturally has this combination. I think combining colors just depends on the properties of each color, and whether the look you’re going for has contrast/punch or a more blended appearance. Black and brown/tan – there’s a natural contrast there, as you said between the warmth of brown/tan and the edge of the black. You provided a lot of nice options for this color combination. 🙂
I guess it was the whole “don’t wear two neutrals” thing, which sounds crazy. Fashion rules might have been helpful at one time, but most of them have been thrown out the window.
Not to be divisive but you’re wearing camel and black. Camel and black are very chic. From what I remember back in the day what was controversial was wearing dark brown or chocolate brown with black. I think of brown as a dark neutral close to black. I remember doing a search a few years back looking for dark brown shoes. I would find cognac, tan and even nude shoes. I just gave up even though I love all those light shades of brown. I’m glad to finally see dark brown shoes and boots again. I like all the looks.
Black and brown……classic! Love these together!
I love this color combination! Maybe because I love leopard so much! You look absolutely stunning and every one of these outfits! I’m glad you’re safe! Happy Saturday ❤️❤️❤️
I wore a brown short sleeve sweater and washed black cargo pants (from Gap) to a casual lunch. I really liked them together. Birkenstock shoes of course 😂 I am definitely not a fashionista but I was comfortable and felt good.
I just bought a pair of brown pleather leggings and plan on wearing it with a few black sweaters that I already own.
Sending prayers to all those affected by the hurricane.
You and Joe are ” the Bomb!!”
Love your personal photos that start your entry for the day. You and your postings always brighten my day!!
I’m so glad you enjoy my emails as well as my posts.
I never think of black and brown together but do wear light or caramel browns with black all the time!😂 thanks for reminding me that these do go together.
I have always loved that color combination. I especially like your featured bags. Especially the black and brown two-tone one. I will be ordering from Amazon this weekend.
I have loved brown and black together for years. Mixing like you have looks chic! Glad I never knew this rule. I firmly believe if nature puts colours together so can we. God doesn’t make mistakes!
I am just starting to embrace wearing black and brown together. I bought a black and brown handbag last year (from one of your blogs) and love it! Thanks for sharing such great options!
My favorite colors, great post!
Thank you for the reminder that these colors can & do look great together.
You look smashing in the brown/black color combo. Maybe I’ll try leopard print to ease into this look. I always think blonds look great in black tops.
love this subject
thanks great job 👍
Cute outfits Brown is a fall color for me. Looks good with the black
I was going to say “ leopard” ! It’s already mixed for you so easy to do. I’ve always thought beige khaki and black look great together. Some rules are meant to be broken! Glad to hear you and your family are ok.
I love black and camel together, such a classic look!
Brown plus black plus leopard? What a winning combination!
Stay safely in His grip.❤️
I have always worn black and camel together and love the combination. Thanks for showing us lots of options.
Always love the black and tan combo. Classic.
I’ve worn black and brown together for a long time and love the combination. That being said, what do you think about wearing black and navy blue together? Not a fan of that combo but know people who combine the two.
I rarely wear that combo, but it is alright to do it.
Nice, I like brown & black together
Always love black tee with tan khakis!
Thank you Tania for your blog. I love black and camel together and have worn it many times. It’s really a classic combo!!
Of course brown and black work together. God was the originator of the color combo when he created the leopard! 😉
And, to me, it’s a very sophisticated color combination. Very classy.
I was just discussing the black/brown fashion issue yesterday. I have never liked the two together however, you have caused me to have a change of heart. I plan on putting a couple of outfits together.
Question for you. Gold or silver jewelry? I am thinking of my smokey topaz set possibly for the brown top. 🤷🏼♀️ For the black top either silver or gold should look nice. Suggestions?
Ooooh, smokey topaz would be great!
Praying for all those impacted by hurricane Helene.