“Does the color black make me look older?”
That’s one of the Googled questions by ladies over 40—and for good purpose. While black has lengthy been a trend staple, it could possibly begin to really feel too stark or unflattering as we age.
But don’t fear—there’s a new darkish impartial on the rise that provides all of the polish of black, with a softer, richer, extra elegant edge.
This fall, chocolate brown is having a main second—and it’s the right different. Think of it as your new go-to darkish impartial: much more flattering than black, and simply as versatile.
In this put up, we’re sharing easy, tangible ideas that can assist you embrace this trending shade and confidently incorporate it into your wardrobe.
But My Closet Is Already Full of Black…
One of the commonest follow-up questions we hear is:
“But I already own so much black—can I really make brown work?”
Short reply? Yes. And fantastically.
If black is a main participant in your wardrobe, you’re not alone. The excellent news? Chocolate brown doesn’t compete with black—it enhances it. When paired deliberately, the 2 create a refined, tonal look that feels each trendy and timeless.
Try introducing a piece that bridges the 2 shades, like a black-and-brown purse or color-blocked belt. It’s a easy approach to ease into the combo whereas conserving your outfit elevated and cohesive.
why chocolate brown is the brand new black
For years, black has been the spine of the fashionable wardrobe—timeless, slimming, effortlessly cool. It’s the go-to for every little thing from boardrooms to cocktail hours. But for a lot of ladies, black can begin to really feel a bit… stark. It now not displays the softness or confidence of your evolving type.
That’s the place chocolate brown steps in.
Rich, grounded, and chic, chocolate brown affords the identical sophistication and flexibility as black—however with a hotter, extra trendy edge. It softens your look with out sacrificing influence. And in contrast to black, which might generally wash out the pores and skin or spotlight under-eye shadows, chocolate brown enhances your pure glow, particularly in the cooler months when complexions can really feel uninteresting or dry.
Even higher? It flatters each pores and skin tone.
This wealthy impartial provides heat and depth with out overpowering your complexion. It additionally pairs fantastically with different hues—from gentle pastels to daring jewel tones—making it one of the versatile shades in your wardrobe.
How to Start Wearing Chocolate Brown
Not able to overhaul your wardrobe? You don’t need to. A number of considerate swaps are all it takes to start out integrating this luxe impartial into your on a regular basis type. Reach for a wealthy chocolate wool or leather-based coat in place of your regular black—it affords the identical polish, however feels hotter and extra trendy, particularly when layered with gentle neutrals like ivory, camel, or tan. Swap your go-to black purse for a beautiful brown leather-based or suede model. (Suede is very on-trend this season and provides a lovely layer of texture.) Even one thing so simple as buying and selling your black booties for a pair in espresso or mocha can create a recent, grounded look with out altering anything in your outfit.
(Keep scrolling for our favourite brown trend finds!)
And sure—it’s value repeating:
You can combine black and brown.
The outdated “don’t” rule? Outdated. When styled with intention, brown and black look beautiful collectively—elegant, elevated, and très stylish.
Your Chocolate Brown Starter Pack
Ready to deliver chocolate brown into your wardrobe? Save this curated record of elevated necessities we’re loving proper now. Each piece is timeless, versatile, and excellent for serving to you transition from black to brown—with confidence and type.
An elegant outer layer that immediately polishes your look. Between the wealthy coloration, the tailor-made form, and the perimeter element, this coat feels something however boring. It provides modernity and motion to your wardrobe—and works simply as fantastically for college drop-off because it does for dinner out.
Feminine, flattering, and one-and-done. This fitted, mocha-toned costume is light-weight sufficient to layer underneath a blazer or leather-based jacket and versatile sufficient to put on from date night time to cocktail hour. Want to modify up the vibe? Pair it with block-heel boots for a extra informal really feel, or stilettos for an elevated, dressy look.
Swap out your primary black footwear for a modern brown pair. They’re simply as versatile, however softer and extra trendy—supreme for grounding every little thing from denim to attire.
A neutral-with-a-twist bag that goes with every little thing. It’s delicate, refined, and immediately elevates your every day outfit with a heat, earthy tone.
Structured but gentle, that is your energy piece for fall. It works fantastically over a tee and denims, or layered over a turtleneck and trousers for a extra polished look.
Rich Brown Trousers (Tailored or Wide-Leg)
Sleek, elongating, and extremely versatile. These pants create a trendy, tonal base for practically any prime—creamy neutrals, gentle blush, and even a daring cobalt.
You Deserve to Feel Good in What You Wear
So many ladies in the Busbee neighborhood have shared a related frustration:
“I just don’t feel comfortable in black anymore.”
We hear you. And you’re not alone.
You don’t need to put on one thing that now not feels aligned with who you might be. Instead, embrace the heat, richness, and trendy fringe of chocolate brown. Let it’s the impartial that displays the assured, radiant, trendy lady you might be proper now. 🤎