Men's Fashion & Style Trends – All About Brown

Brown is a Beautiful Colour, Suiting a Change of Seasons

Oct 17, 2008

Brown is rich, distinguished, and perhaps one of the most understated colours in contemporary men's fashion.

As the leaves fall from the trees and the temperature begins to dip, it always seems that it's time for brown's perennial return to the sphere of fashion and wardrobe. Brown is a very understated and classic colour that men often overlook due to a happily fading misconception of it being particularly “old-fashioned.”

Brown as Essential, Versatile

Brown is easily one of the most versatile colours that a gentleman can add to his wardrobe. Not only will it co-ordinate with many of the colours that are offered during the autumn and winter seasons, but it will work very well with almost any shade of blue – from baby blue right down into the depths of navy.

Brown is essential in outerwear and accessories in order to draw a distinction from others – black is the standard choice for an overwhelming majority of men and wearing a great deal of brown will immediately set one apart from the pack.

Brown Suits, A Relatively New Trend

The return of the brown suit to modern style has been pleasantly received by consumers and designers alike, however unexpected it may have been. Brown pinstriped suits have been offered from designers such as Andrew Fezza and Calvin Klein – and have literally been some of the best sellers of the season – for a few great reasons.

Brown offers a very mature and professional look without the severity of black – it also co-ordinates with a variety of softer tones such as ivory or stone. Look for brown suits in two button varieties with a vented back and flat-front pants – a very slim and approachable look for both young and old!

Brown Accessories, Ties & Footwear

Brown has also made a firm return in the realm of men's neckwear – both as a base colour and as an accent. Ties that have a brown base colour pair extremely well with white, beige, ivory, blue, sage, green, orange, and rust coloured dress shirts – the latter half of that list being complimentary spring and autumn colours.

Donna Karan (DKNY) has been making excellent brown hued neckwear for men for a few years now, and is well ahead of the trend – as well as being a trusted name when it comes to quality neckwear. Paisley prints are exceedingly popular when it comes to brown shades, so be sure to pink a bold paisley as a centerpiece of your fall wardrobe.

With regards to footwear, brown is a primary recommendation when it comes to a first pair of shoes – while it may not particularly match a black suit depending on the finish, it will pair more attractively with navy, brown, taupe, and tan coloured suits than a black pair would. Brown footwear typically also looks more attractive with denim, and any other colour of khakis except for black. Once again – black matches black, brown matches nearly everything else!

With these things in mind, be sure to keep an eye out for wardrobe items in the key of brown – a natural and classic colour that is sure to bring richness and maturity to your image!