12 Complementary Brown Clothing Outfits

At some point in time, someone, somewhere, made up a handful of fashion rules that never quite made sense. White can only be worn before Labor Day. Dressing "professionally" means skipping skin-baring styles, and navy and brown clothing can only be paired with items within a certain color range. These days, however, winter whites are totally a thing and Gen Z is rocking crop tops at the office. We also know that when it comes to figuring out what colors go with brown clothes, the options are essentially limitless.

Seriously—brown is considered neutral, meaning it not only pairs well with other neutrals and earth tones, such as black, cream, white, and olive green but works to balance out brighter statement colors, too. Still, there are certain shade combinations that you may find more flattering than others. For instance, vibrant oranges and reds do the same against deep chocolate and copper-esque brown. Blue sits opposite brown on the color wheel and opposites attract, but a rich brown will also complement a naturally cool gray. When combining brown with black, you get a classic, albeit moody, effect.

To find out what to wear with a brown shirt, pants, and other wardrobe pieces, keep scrolling for our best tips.

Refresh Wardrobe Staples

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.

Go (Mostly) Neutral

It's true that yellow tends to steal the spotlight, but it doesn't have to. If you're looking 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).

Consider a Sweater Dress

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 on its own, combining it with a deep purple creates an elegant, regal effect. Fresh, sweet, and airy more your vibe? Go for a lighter lavender instead.

Manifest Your Power Suit

Add a sense of whimsy to your standard three-piece suit by swapping out your jacket with a fun and fashionable cape. Not only is this outfit great for those in-between temperatures, but brown and gray are a sophisticated match.

Look to Nature as Your Muse

Go ahead and take a note from nature — this brown and green pairing is pure perfection. To contrast the bulkiness of a cozy sweater, vest, and wide-leg pants, consider a sleek statement shoe like these green pumps.

Embrace Light Academia

Tired of the cottagecore trend yet, or maybe you just want to change it up a bit? Then, simply throw a sweater vest over your brown prairie dress for a light academia 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.

Incorporate Trending Red Color

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.

Let Denim Lead the Way

If you don't own a pair of brown knee-high boots yet, what are you waiting for? Coordinate with leggings, a miniskirt, or whatever moves you, really. However, we're partial to this denim number.

Pay Attention to Contrast

A leather brown midiskirt and medium gray knit is the ultimate fall outfit. This shade and fabric combo creates contrast and interest. To adapt it to spring, simply swap out leather for silk and replace your cozy top for a sweater vest.

Add a Pop of Color

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

Create a Day-to-Night Look

A cozy knit and a sequined maxiskirt 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 really stands out.

Find Balance

Brown and neon pink might not sound like they go together, but here's visual proof they most certainly do. Unlike the brown leather jacket you saw earlier in our list, this one qualifies as burgundy. Its reddish-brown hue really works with the vibrant pink of the skirt and shoes. Let's not forget to mention how the fitted jacket and voluminous skirt create a silhouette that is simply exquisite.