I got a gorgeous pair of brown jeans from Madewell earlier this winter season, and while I was so excited about them, I struggled for a bit to figure out how to style them. On the surface, brown seems like a simple color to wear, but for some reason it can be tricky to figure out what tops and shoes to pair with brown pants, especially when you’re thinking through different occasions like work or simple casual days.
In this post, I’m sharing a guide to help you wear your brown pants for any event. Let’s jump in.
Brown pants, even while hard to style, are a wardrobe MVP. They’re neutral enough to pair with almost anything, but styling them doesn’t come naturally (at least at first!). Here’s a simple break down of a few basic color combinations you can pair with brown pants.
The easiest pairing for brown pants is white. Simple is just hard to beat. This could mean a crisp white tee or button-down, or it could mean a cream or white sweater for colder months–I love this Lena cardigan from Boden for early spring. I like adding white sneakers (Recife Vejas are my pick), loafers – here are some loafer styling tips, or ballet flats for a clean, casual vibe – and to keep the outfit simple. You could also add a camel or beige coat in the winter to give everything a monochromatic feel.
Navy also works well with brown, and it feels a bit dressier. A navy sweater, blazer, blouse, or tailored jacket balances the warmth of brown, giving you a polished (but still simple and neutral) look. Navy pairs particularly well with chocolate or rust tones, so if your brown pants fall into either of those categories, navy is a great option. I’d finish a navy + brown look with dark brown shoes like loafers or these dark brown ballet flats. This is also a look I’d save for colder weather since both colors feel more winter than summer.
It’s a common myth that black and brown clash, but I’m here to say it’s one of the chicest combinations—and my personal favorite! Pairing brown pants (either jeans or trousers) with a black turtleneck (or this sleeveless mock neck from Madewell), blazer, or even a simple black tee creates a modern, sophisticated aesthetic (and it doesn’t hurt that both colors are super flattering). I usually finish a black and brown look with dark brown or black shoes (loafers, Chelsea boots, suede booties, etc.) to keep the theme going. BTW – here’s how I style Chelsea boots if that’s the route you choose.
Other classic options for pairing with brown are earthy colors like rust, olive green, and mustard yellow. While I’m drawn to olive green, I don’t love rust or mustard yellows (but that’s totally my preference). This green stretch shirt jacket from Spanx would be such a fun way to style olive green with brown pants.
Now, let’s consider some different occasions you might wear brown pants.
The best way to style brown pants casually is with a neutral tee – white, grey, or beige – and a pair of fashion sneakers like Vejas. In the cold months, I love a pair of brown denim, but in the spring and summer, wide-leg linen or cotton pants are perfect paired with a tee and sandals.
For a slightly dressier, more elevated outfit, opt for brown trousers or dark brown pants. Pair them with a white button-down and a tan or grey blazer. I also love a sweater or knit layer for a smart casual look, complete with fashion sneakers like Vejas or loafers.
Brown pants are a great addition to a work wardrobe. They’re subtle and polished, but they can also feel like a fun departure from typical neutrals. For a work outfit, I’d pair chocolate-brown trousers with a crisp white shirt, a structured navy blazer (or go monochromatic and do a camel or plaid blazer like this from Petal and Pup), and black or brown dress shoes. A slim belt ties the look together. For winter, a tailored coat and scarf in neutral tones (think camel or grey) add a perfect touch.
Okay, now that we’ve outlined a few different ways to style brown pants for casual and workplace settings, let’s get into a few specific outfit combinations that you can create with whatever you have in your wardrobe at home.
Focus on Fabric: Brown pants come in a variety of fabrics—denim for casual days, wool for workwear, and corduroy for texture and warmth. Choose the fabric based on the occasion and season.
Experiment with Hues: From light tan to deep chocolate, different shades of brown create different vibes. Pair lighter tones with softer colors and darker tones with bold contrasts.
Accessorize Thoughtfully: A belt, watch, or sunglasses can elevate even the simplest brown pant outfit.
Play With Proportions: Pair slim pants with oversized tops or wide-leg pants with fitted layers to balance your look.
Shoes Matter: Sneakers, loafers, sandals, or boots can completely transform how brown pants feel in an outfit.
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