Black has enjoyed a very comfortable position in our wardrobe for years. It goes with everything, has seen us through weddings, funerals, very questionable first dates, and invitations that say "dressy casual" as though those words mean anything (they do not, ask any restaurant hostess). But does black always know the dress code? Not necessarily. Black has been known to show up to a perfectly lovely afternoon luncheon looking as though they are there for the reading of a will. We respect the black dress, obviously, but lately chocolate brown has been making a rather convincing case for itself. Brown possesses all the sophistication, with a little more warmth, and has considerably better manners before five o'clock.
The Brown Dress Edit
1 minute
I'll take mine in chocolate
Chocolate, espresso, cinnamon, caramel, cocoa. If you haven't found your shade yet, allow us to introduce you to our Brown Dress Collection.
We suspect you'll get along beautifully.
So Why Is Everyone Wearing Brown Dresses?
There's something interesting happening with the way we're wearing color. For years, the conversation revolved around neutrals, and more specifically, how many shades of beige one woman could reasonably own before her closet began resembling a paint department with a lack of personality. You know I'm right.
Brown offers something different. Deep Chocolate and espresso have a richness that feels almost architectural in a beautifully cut dress. Softer shades of mocha and caramel look lovely in relaxed daytime silhouettes, while cinnamon and warm chestnut bring a little color without committing to anything especially loud. Like an overzealous sports fan. Or my son when he's gotten a really rare Pokemon card.
And brown doesn't need to be plain. One of our favorites is the In a Garden State Chocolate Brown & Light Blue Floral Cotton Midi Dress. Those oversized blue flowers against the chocolate background are exactly why we love a surprising color combination. The defined waist and gently flared skirt give the print a beautiful shape, too.
You could wear it to lunch, to church, or to a party where you were told to dress casually but know perfectly well that certain people will not. Like me. I dress for a restaurants' menu. Not the dress code.
Our Favorite Neutral
The appeal isn't particularly complicated. Brown has the versatility of a neutral with a warmth that black doesn't always offer. It looks beautiful against ivory, feels unexpectedly fresh with pale blue, and can make even the simplest dress look wonderfully rich. Like a truffle! It's luxurious without being severe, classic without being predictable, and rather good at making an entrance without yelling, "I have arrived!"
How We're Wearing Brown Dresses
1. The Everyday Chocolate
A great daytime dress should look intentional (that's my fancy word for I did it on purpose) without requiring a committee meeting in front of your closet. The committee is me and my mood.
Our On a Side Note Chocolate Brown Side Tie Maxi Dress is the sort of uncomplicated piece that makes mornings easier (unless you have children under 18, which I do). The side tie gives the silhouette some definition, while the relaxed drape makes it comfortable enough for an actual day of doing things. Add loafers and a structured handbag for work or pull-on tall boots and a jacket when the weather cools.
For a little more texture, the With Every Turn Chocolate Brown Knit Bodice Tiered Maxi Dress combines a fitted knit bodice with a flowing layered skirt. One color, two textures, and considerably more interest than a basic sweater dress.
2. The Chocolate After Dark
If black is the dependable dinner companion, chocolate brown is the one who knows the maître d' by name and gets the best seat in the house every time.
The Just Like in the Movies Chocolate Satin Lace Slip Midi Dress has a softly textured satin finish, delicate lace trim, and an easy bias-cut silhouette. It's romantic without being fussy, and the rich brown makes the lace details feel especially beautiful.
For a more dramatic evening, there's the Astrid Blyth Chocolate Brown Draped Maxi Dress. The asymmetrical neckline, gathered draping, and sculptural gold-toned accent do quite a bit of the work for you. Add a pair of heels, carry a small clutch, and enjoy having very little else to think about.
Whoever said brown was boring clearly wasn't invited to the right dinner parties.
3. The Romantic Brown
This may be our favorite part of the trend. Brown provides a beautiful backdrop for florals, plaids, interesting textures, and all the wonderfully feminine details we're never quite willing to give up.
There's something about florals on a chocolate brown background that makes them especially good for fall. You still get all the romance of a pretty print, but without looking as though you're holding on to the last days of summer. Give us a brown floral midi with tall boots and a cardigan for lunch, then a pair of heels and gold earrings for dinner. We are particularly fond of any dress that allows us to make two appearances without the indignity of changing clothes in a restaurant bathroom.
There's no requirement that a classic wardrobe must be plain. Heaven only knows we have enough rules to follow already.
What Color Shoes Go With Brown?
More than you might think. Chocolate-brown boots create a beautiful tonal look, while camel, tan, and cognac shoes give the outfit a softer finish. Cream heels look especially fresh with deeper brown dresses, and gold is an easy choice for evening.
And yes, you can wear black shoes with brown. The old rule against mixing the two deserves to retire somewhere comfortable, preferably with a cocktail. Along with the white after Labor Day adage.
If you're wearing a printed brown dress, take your cue from the other colors in fabric. A hint of blue, ivory, or burgundy in the pattern can help you choose accessories without making everything match quite so perfectly.
Can You Wear Brown Dresses Year-Round?
Absolutely. The color may feel especially at home in autumn, but a lightweight cotton brown dress makes just as much sense in spring or summer. Brown satin works beautifully for weddings and evening events and knit or layered styles are easy to bring into cooler weather.
What changes is the fabric, the silhouette, and how you style it. A chocolate slip dress with sandals in warm weather becomes an entirely different outfit with a jacket and boots. Or the date if they are worthy.
That's the kind of versatility we appreciate. Particularly when it means buying something we'll wear more than once.
The Verdict: Brown is the New Favorite!
We're not suggesting you get rid of your little black dress. That would be ridiculous. She's been with you through so much!
But there's room for another neutral in the wardrobe, and brown has earned its place. Whether you prefer a simple knit, a beautifully draped satin dress, or a romantic floral, it's a color with far more personality than it has been given credit for.
Black will be fine. She has excellent public relations.something we'll wear more than once.
