Paired Up: Pieces to Wear With Dark Brown

Last week, I posted a simple collage of three-item outfit combinations for the days when you need something effortless to wear. Several of you commented that you are also in search of simple outfits that look good without much thought. And so, today, I am launching a new feature: Paired Up, a post covering effortless outfits.

Meet Cocoa.  Shades of dark brown will be popular this fall.  Cocoa, coffee, and mocha are already filling store shelves.  And, surprisingly, this is a color you can wear in warm and cold weather if you chose the right pairings.

For a professional look, I chose this Twist Knit top from Halogen.  This neckline is flattering on many bodies.  The v-neck is elongating.  The twist front helps smooth and distract.  And the cap sleeve gives you some coverage without adding bulk.  This top also comes in eight other colors.

Other tops that caught my eye from the same color family include this Rails cotton blouse for casual or WFH wear, this VC sleeveless shell, and this adorable open-work top from Ann Taylor.  Plus-size? Try this  cotton top from Ralph Lauren or this multi-wrap shirt from Eloquii.

White Twill Pants. White and dark brown is an easy combination for the waning days of summer.  My go-to Spanx twill pants will pair well with gold sandals and a gold hoop for a casual dinner or a summer conference welcome gathering.  You could also make this look work with white denim.

Black Shorts. Black and dark brown is a color combination that just works.  It feels so sophisticated.  To bring it together, choose a dressier black sandal, like this one from Anthro, and wear a black resin or wooden bangle.  Also, this is my last plug for these Spanx shorts (also in plus) — their 50% off, one of my top five purchases, and they wear like iron.

An Ivory Suit. Remember this LK Bennett suit from a few weeks back?  This is the perfect top for it.  The ivory and the cocoa look so elegant together.  For a shoe option, break out those tortoise pumps.  Need a less expensive suit?  Try this one from WHBM or this one from Kasper.

Light, Wide Leg Denim.  If you’ve fallen into a rut of pairing black and denim or white and denim, adding a dark brown top to your wardrobe will give you a third, chic option.  This twist front top is a good choice, but I also love these wide leg Paige Sasha jeans with this drapey top from Rails.  I think this color looks better and a little bit relaxed with lighter denim washes, but your mileage may vary, so wear what you have on hand.  

A Camel Skirt. I love a tonal look, but finding a dark brown skirt or pant that is the exact color of the top will be a challenge if you don’t buy them from the same bran — and even then, there are no guarantees.  Instead, mix a camel pant or skirt with the top for a softer look.   This skirt from Karen Millen is a great choice.  I also like this a-line skirt from Max Studio.  Prefer pants? I actually love the look of these crepe suit pants from Land’s End (up to size 18).  Also, I’d finish this look with my favorite brown boots.

So what colors do you like to pair your chocolate brown pieces with?  Leave your thoughts in the comments.

{this post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author}