Yes, You Can Wear Black + Brown Together

There’s an old school rule that you shouldn’t wear black with brown, but when done correctly, black and brown can be incredibly chic. The combination may have gotten it’s bad reputation from wearing a black suit with brown shoes (still a major faux-pas in London’s financial industry!), which is admittedly hard to pull off, but if you have more flexibility in your attire this unexpected combination can be fabulous for fall and winter. 

1. Limit the color palette – the secret to keeping this look elevated is sticking to a palette of black, browns and whites/creams. 
2. Start with one item that combines both black and brown – whether it’s a plaid coat, a fair isle sweater, a leopard print skirt or bag, incorporating one item that includes both black and brown will help pull other pieces together. 
3. Wear one color on the bottom, the other on the top – this was the formula I used for the outfit in this post, reaching for a  black coat and black cashmere tee on top and brown pants on the bottom. Would look great flipped with brown on top and black on the bottom as well! 
4. Wear all one color head to toe with the other as a coat – for example, wearing a black sweater, black jeans (15% off with "Stacie15") and black boots with a brown coat is an easy recipe for pulling off this look. The uninterrupted column of one color head-to-toe will also elongate your figure. 
5. Match your shoes to your handbag – this is an easy trick that always makes you look more put together.
6. Add an accessory to brighten the look – if your outfit feels too dark, adding a lighter touch can help brighten things up. For example I tied on this silk scarf at my neck but you could also put a white collared shirt on under the sweater, a chunky gold necklace, or add a lighter neutral scarf on top. 

Scroll down for a roundup of some of my favorite black and brown pieces from around the web:

• I love love love this 60s-inspired wool coat...and it's on sale! It's made from a fabulous double-cloth wool and has Thinsulate lining for warmth without the bulk. The bracelet sleeves and belted back give it a swingy shape that's perfect for elevated looks for day or night. Pair with everything from mini skirts to jeans to wide-leg trousers. (For a heavier weight black coat, I have my eye on this!)
• A few other coats that will pair effortlessly with black and brown staples include this gorgeous leopard coat (20% off with "Stacie20"), this tweedy take on a field jacket, this spurge-y plaid trench, this fab bouclé number.
• This watch has been at the top of my wishlist for ages.
• I love black + brown for your most glamorous moments as well. Whether you pair this sequin maxi skirt with this tuxedo top and a little black clutch, or this opulent cocktail dress with black heels and a clutch.
• Bags are an easy way to tie together both colors, especially as leopard takes the spotlight this season. A few spotted favorites include this and this.
• Bags with fabulous texture will elevate your ensemble whether you opt for crocodile (20% off with "Stacie20"), a rich suede detailing, or a luxurious (yet surprisingly affordable) patchwork option.
• Wear a black turtleneck and black pants tucked into my favorite riding boots, then top the combination with a fabulous camel wrap cardigan like this or this.
• Pairing a sweet black bow top with a brown midi skirt will feel fresh with these plaid heels.
• Shoes that feature both black and brown will be your wardrobe workhorses, whether you opt for tweedy flats, leopard heels, or my fabulous cap toe ballet flats (size up 1/2 size)!

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