Black and brown are classic, versatile colors that can be paired with many different clothing items and accessories. However, combining black and brown together can sometimes be tricky. When styled properly, black and brown can look very chic, but when done incorrectly, the look can appear muddy and mismatched. Knowing what colors and fabrics go well with black and brown clothing can help you pull off this combination successfully.
What Goes with Black Clothes
Black clothing is bold yet neutral, making it easy to pair with other colors. Here are some of the best color matches for black outfits:
White
A black and white palette has high contrast and visual impact. White tops, shoes, bags, and jewelry pop against an all-black outfit. White also lightens and brightens an dark look.
Gray
Different shades of gray coordinate beautifully with black. Pair a charcoal gray sweater with black pants or a light gray jacket over a black dress. Gray creates a more subtle, sophisticated look than stark black and white.
Red
Red makes a dramatic accent color for black clothes. A bright red bag or lipstick contrasts vibrantly against black. Burgundy and oxblood reds offer softer, cooler alternatives.
Blue
Navy blue is a classic complement to black. Electric and royal blues also pair well for a bold, eye-catching mix. Light blue denim breaks up all-black outfits.
Metallics
Shiny metallics like gold, silver, bronze, and pewter bring glamour to black outfits. Metallic shoes, jewelry, and bags reflect light against the dark backdrop.
Pastels
Soft pastel colors like blush pink, mint green, and lavender create a pretty springtime vibe with black. Pastels work best with black in feminine styles like dresses and skirts.
What Goes with Brown Clothes
Brown clothing has an earthy, natural look. Here are colors that complement brown well:
Cream
Cream, beige, and tan pair beautifully with brown. The neutral tones are natural complements. Cream tops and accessories look effortless with brown bottoms.
Orange
Orange pops against brown clothing, creating a warm, rustic color scheme. Try burnt orange, terra-cotta, peach, and coral shades.
Red
Red adds a fiery punch to brown outfits. Rich burgundy and oxblood reds work well with brown’s earthy tones.
Green
Green balances brown’s warm reddish undertones. Earthy olive, sage, and forest greens are especially harmonious with brown.
Blue
Cooler blues contrast nicely with brown’s warmth. Pale blue denim, powder blue, navy, and deep teal complement different brown shades.
Purple
Regal purple hues like eggplant, plum, and lilac flatter brown clothing’s autumnal vibe. Soft muted purples work better than bright purples.
Matching Black and Brown
Although black and brown together were once a fashion faux pas, the combination has become increasingly popular and stylish when done correctly. Here are tips for wearing black and brown:
Stick to Darker Shades
Pair deep chocolate or coffee browns with black, avoiding light tans or camels, which can look washed out and muddy next to black.
Textures and Patterns Matter
Mixing black and brown fabrics with different textures and patterns helps the colors look more intentional and interesting.
Use an Accent Color
Adding a third color like gray, red, or blue brings the look together. The accent color bridges black and brown.
Try Monochromatic Browns
Wear different brown shades like dark brown pants with mid-brown shoes and light brown belt and bag. This technique still integrates black and brown through all brown hues.
Pattern Mixing
If patterns terrify you, start small by mixing a patterned brown skirt with a black top. Build up to wearing patterned black and patterned brown together.
Neutral Makeup
With such bold colors, keep makeup neutral with nude lips and simple eyeshadow. Let the black and brown clothing speak for themselves.
What to Wear with Black and Brown
Certain clothing items and combinations allow you to nail black and brown in style.
Brown Shoes with Black Outfit
Brown oxfords, loafers, and boots pair well with black pants or dress. Brown shoes ground an all-black look.
Black Top with Brown Bottoms
A black fitted tee or tank complements a brown skirt or jeans. This combo is casual yet stylish.
Black Coat with Brown Dress
Make a brown dress work-appropriate by layering a black blazer or overcoat on top. The coat also breaks up the brown.
Brown Jacket with Black Outfit
A brown leather or suede jacket looks edgy yet polished over a black top and bottoms.
Black Tights with Brown Mini Skirt
Black tights temper a brown mini skirt for a leg-lengthening look. Pair with black riding boots for extra style points.
Fashion Don’ts When Combining Black and Brown
While black and brown can look amazing together, there are a few combinations to avoid:
- Brown shoes with black suit – stick to black dress shoes instead
- Light brown with black – stay away from tan, beige and camel
- Brown accessories on all-black outfit – black bag is best for all black
- Lots of patterns and textures – keep prints minimal
- All black with all brown – use an accent color to bridge the divide
With the wrong shades or combo, black and brown can appear awkward and mismatching. Follow the recommendations above, and you’ll always nail this stylish color coupling.
Fashionable Ways to Wear Black and Brown
When styled strategically, black and brown clothing creates a luxe, elegant aesthetic. Here are chic outfit ideas combining these dark neutrals:
| Outfit | Description |
|---|---|
| Black turtleneck sweater, brown corduroy skirt, black tights, brown knee-high boots | Polished fall/winter look mixing textures |
| Black sleeveless jumpsuit, brown belt, nude heels | Sleek and modern for a night out |
| Brown sweater dress, black leggings, black ankle booties | Casual daytime chic |
| Black long sleeve bodysuit, brown suede mini skirt, black pumps | Sexy after-dark style |
| Brown maxi wrap dress, black jean jacket, black crossbody bag | Boho goddess vibes |
These outfits demonstrate how black and brown can be mixed and matched to create stylish layered looks. From cozy to dressy, the color pairing is endlessly versatile.
Conclusion
Black and brown are classics that will never go out of style. By choosing the right shades and textures and adding accent colors, you can look pulled-together and fashionable combining these dark neutrals. Avoid style mistakes like mixing camel brown with black, sticking to rich chocolate browns instead. With the guidelines above for fabric, combinations, and accessorizing with black and brown, you’ll create chic, sophisticated outfits effortlessly.