Brown shoes often get overshadowed by their black counterparts when it comes to wardrobe staples. Many women think black shoes are more versatile, making brown footwear an afterthought. However, brown shoes can add depth and warmth to your outfits, depending on the shade. Whether you’re working with tan, whiskey, or chocolate brown, there’s a way to incorporate these shoes into your wardrobe and elevate your style. Here’s how to make the most of various shades of brown footwear.
Go for Earthy Tones
If your wardrobe is filled with autumnal colors like burnt orange, red-orange, burgundy, and forest green, chocolate brown or whiskey-colored shoes are your best match. Whether you’re styling pumps, strappy sandals, or boots, earthy tones and brown shoes are a natural combination.
Style Tip: Pair darker or equally dark shades of brown shoes with your bottoms. For instance, match chocolate brown shoes with deep burgundy or forest green pants or skirts for a cohesive, polished look. Whiskey-colored shoes, with their warm undertones, also work wonderfully with these rich, fall colors.
Go for Neutral Elegance
Brown shoes shine when paired with neutral shades like beige, cream, ivory, tan, and taupe. In fact, brown shoes often pair better with neutrals than black shoes do! The rich warmth of brown beautifully complements lighter neutral tones, making your outfit appear more harmonious.
Style Tip: When pairing brown shoes with neutral clothing, choose a shade slightly darker than your outfit. For example, a tan shoe with a cream dress or a chocolate brown shoe with taupe pants keeps your look balanced and well-coordinated. This subtle contrast makes your outfit look more cohesive and put-together than pairing it with black footwear.
Go for Daring Contrasts
Pairing black and brown is often considered a fashion faux pas, but breaking this “rule” can result in a chic, fashion-forward look. The key to pulling off brown shoes with a black outfit is to balance the tones throughout your ensemble.
Style Tip: Incorporate additional brown elements into your outfit to make the shoes feel intentional. For example, wear a brown belt, a black and brown animal print scarf, or copper-toned jewelry to add balance. Whiskey-colored shoes or brown shoes with gold undertones can add vibrancy and warmth to an otherwise all-black outfit. Think of the way animal prints effortlessly combine black and brown — you can do the same with your outfit.
Go for Fresh, Soft Hues
Pastels are often associated with spring and summer, and they can work wonderfully with subtle shades of brown like tan or chocolate brown. Pairing these soft, fresh hues with the right brown footwear creates a balanced look that feels both stylish and effortless.
Style Tip: To bring the outfit together, use accessories like a belt, handbag, or jewelry in a shade similar to your brown shoes. This keeps the look cohesive and avoids any jarring contrasts between your shoes and your pastel-colored outfit.