Two Ways: Wearing Black with Brown

If you grew up in the 1980s, you were indoctrinated to follow certain fashion rules. No white after Labor Day. No bare legs in winter. Flats are not professional footwear for women. The belt must be identical to the shoes. Never wear navy with black or brown with black.

Well, today we are breaking that last one and mixing black with brown.  Contrary to the rules of the 1980s, black and brown look sharp together when styled correctly.  Here’s how.

For the Office // J.Crew Camel Cardigan // Donna Karan Sheath Dress // J.Crew Factory Flats // Veronica Beard Bag // Missoma Chunky Hoops //

Camel and black is an elegant and sophisticated color palette.  Mixing a chic, feminine cardigan is a lovely way to layer a simple sleeveless sheath dress for fall.  I love the gold details on this J.Crew cardigan.  The varied cable knit is also a nice detail.  For something less expensive, I like this Amazon option, which is also a little longer.

The dress is Donna Karan, currently on sale for an almost unbelievable price.  If you want a longer option, J.Crew has one that runs more of a midi-length and comes in petite and tall. 

Let’s just have a round of applause for these flats.  This D’orsay style from J.Crew Factory give you a chic flat with incredible, angular styling.  I can’t believe they’re less than $40.

Finish off the look with this intensely beloved Veronica Beard tote and these awesome chunky hoops from Missoma.  If you want the earrings for less, I own this Amazon pair and they’re fabulous.

To style this, I would recommend wearing your hair down.  Up might feel a bit school marm.  Also, because this is a neutral palette, you’ll want to add a bit of cheek and lip color to warm up your complexion.

Work from Home // Ann Taylor Mixed Media Cardigan // Madewell Button Up // Spanx Ponte Pants // New Balance Sneakers // Missoma Hoops

This outfit is meant to be a good look for hybrid work.  It’s comfortable enough to wear at home, chic enough to go to the office.  These ponte pants (which you might remember from last week) and this cardigan (same, same) are both fantastic options for the office whether it’s in your basement or downtown.  

I chose this Ann Taylor cardigan because it perfectly blends comfort and professionalism.  It’s a softer fabric, but the cut wears very well in a sleek office look.  Spanx makes a more cropped look, if you need a shorter style.  Or if you want to go for the luxe option, Jenni Kayne has you covered.

Ponte pants are a great option because they’re comfortable like sweats or leggings, but if you buy a thicker material, they wear like work pants.  Spanx makes every style you can think of from wide leg to skinny.  I own the wide legs, and I adore them.  I even bought the matching blazer so I can wear them to the office.

As for the shirt, I chose this Madewell shirt that is everywhere right now.  For something silkier, choose this H&M option.  

For the shoes, I chose these sneakers which are my favorite purchase of 2024.  I love them so.  If you need a stronger shoe, these Kelsi Dagger loafers are sleek and professional, but also comfortable.

I finished off the look with these very cool enamel-accented hoops from Missoma.  And for home, I’d add this face cream that just evens out my skin tone a bit.

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