WearsMyMoney

Brown was definitely the new black last winter, and I’m happy to confirm it’s still the case this season. I’m particularly pleased because I fully bought into it last year, so half of my winter wardrobe is already brown. In fact, the Pantone Colour Institute selected ‘Mocha Mousse’ as 2025’s ‘Colour of the Year’. Apparently, it ‘nurtures us with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, answering our desire for comfort’. I can get on board with that.

But brown wasn’t a shade I considered in the past. Previously, I was definitely more of a black fan, but brown works with SO many other hues. Don’t get me wrong: black will always have a special place in my heart (once a goth, always a semi-goth), but I find it works best alone, whereas brown can be mixed with a multitude of other colours. In which case, it’s an excellent addition to your autumn/winter wardrobe.

I had a pair of brown cords last year, and they were, hands down, my most worn item because they were so versatile, going with red, green, pink, blue, orange – you name it. Only denim matches brown in its usefulness. Let’s have a look at a few outfit ideas.

BROWN & GREY

We shall ease into this gently with an earthy palette of greys, browns and greens. At this point, I should say that I don’t consider denim a real colour, although it goes with all of these shades (and pretty much everything else in your wardrobe). It’s also great for breaking up tones if you’re unsure about wearing one full look of colour.

1. Sessun Wool Blend Short Coat 
2. COS Long Sleeve Henley Top 
3. COS Facade Straight Leg Jeans 
4. All Saints Vega Suede Mini Bag
5. & Other Stories Striped Knit Sweater
6. Miu Miu Logo Leather Trainers 

BROWN & RED

As red is one of my favourite colours, I’m very happy that brown has come on the scene – it gives me an alternative to wearing red with jeans. Black and red together always feels a bit jarring to me, but brown softens the whole look. Shout out to these Adidas SL72 trainers. I’ve had them for a while now, but I took them to New York last weekend and ended up wearing them every day. They’re so comfortable for walking long distances, in fact I did over 85k steps in those bad boys.

1. & Other Stories long sleeve wool top 
2. & Other Stories Aviator-Frame Glasses
3. TBco x Nobodies Child triangle scarf 
4. Souer cropped boxy-fit wool jacket
5. ME + EM Tapered Soft Jacquard Trousers
6. Miu Miu Aventure Medium leather tote bag
7. Adidas SL72 OG Sneakers

BROWN & BLUE

Another key colour for this year is cobalt blue. Or any brighter shade of blue, really. It’s the perfect complement to your browns, as it pops in all the right ways. The new London-based small knitwear brand Porridge has just launched its signature cashmere-blend cardigan in this excellent colour, and I can confirm it’s lovely.

1. Zara Short Sleeve New York T Shirt 
2. Celine Cat Eye Sunglasses 
3. Porridge Lucy Cashmere Blend Cardigan 
4. Massimo Dutti Long Wool Blend Coat 
5. Khaite Benny leather belt
6. Uniqlo Baggy Curve Jeans
7. Arket Slouchy Leather Tote
8. Adidas Japan W Sneakers

BROWN & GREEN

If you don’t mind dressing like a tree, this one is for you. I have extolled the virtues of the Uniqlo corduroy mini skirt already, and seeing as we’re now heading into tights weather, it will come into its own. If it’s tights you’re after, may I respectfully recommend these for high quality and high denier; and these if you want some everyday, good-value tights that don’t ladder.

1. Toast Dual Check Handwoven Knot Scarf
2. Monica Vinader Antica Hoop Earrings (use code KATEHMV20 for discount)
3. M&S Wool Blend Volume Sleeve Double Breasted Midi Coat
4. M&S Sparkly Button Through Blouson Sleeve Top
5.  & Other Stories Interwoven Leather Tote Bag
6. Uniqlo Corduroy Mini Skirt
7. Dr Martens Adrian Soft Leather Tassel Loafers

BROWN & GREEN AGAIN

Well, maybe more tan and green. But tan is still a shade of brown, and it’s something that works with the lighter and brighter colours in your wardrobe. Just because we’re heading into winter, it doesn’t mean we have to always dress in dark colours.

1. Zara Suede Zip Bomber Jacket 
2. Regilt My Love Necklace 
3. Mango Ribbed long-sleeved t‑shirt
4. Bella Freud 1970 Mohair Jumper 
5. Aligne Mid Rise Barrel Jeans 
6. Mint Velvet Alix Tan Suede Ballet Flat Pumps
7. Gucci vintage Joy leather handbag 

BROWN & PINK

This pairing feels like the perfect balance between a cute, summery shade and a deeper autumnal hue. Very relevant styling as we head into the cooler months. Also a great way to wear pink if, like me, you struggle with the saccharine-sweet girly aspect of it but know it suits your colouring.

1. M&S Pure Cashmere crew neck jumper 
2. Decadorn The Courage beaded Necklace 
3. Hush Edie Pure Wool Leopard Double Faced Coat
4. Loewe Anagram Burgundy Leather Belt 
5. COS Relaxed Twill Wide Leg Trousers 
6. & Other Stories Burgundy Leather Tote Bag 
7. Air & Grace Charli: Burgundy Suede Trainers

BROWN & ORANGE

A classic October colour combo. Blend in with all the autumn leaves… and the pumpkins. Speaking of which, we managed to grow five this year on our tiny allotment. No one in our house actually likes to eat them, but our Halloween game will be on point with so many to carve.

1. Toast Stripe Wool Cashmere Half Sleeve Sweater 
2. Aligne Orson Double Faced Wool Blazer
3. Sezane Taylor Leather Belt 
4. Boden Navy Belgravia Cord Trousers
5. Sezane Gabin Snake effect Tote Bag 
6. Veja Rio Branco Trainers 

I hope this has given you the push to go for a bit of espresso, toffee, caramel and chocolate in your outfits this week.

K x