When looking for the perfect brown, there are some things to keep in mind. This is one of those shades that I highly suggest actually trying on in person to decide if it’s “your brown” or not. Each one of us is toned just a little bit differently and can pull off colors better or worse than others in our own color palette. When shopping online, it can be difficult to truly see if the brown has a lot of green, or yellow, or pink, or gray, etc. just from a picture. And not all browns are created equal. This color runs the gambit from extremely deep to light and extremely cool to warm. As a soft autumn, it’s very important to steer clear of the extremes in either direction to get you closer to finding your “Goldilocks brown”. We want to pay attention to:
- Undertones: Seek brown shades that strike a balance between warm and neutral undertones. Look for hues like caramel, latte, or chestnut that have a subtle warmth without being overly golden or reddish. Avoid browns that are too cool or ashy (i.e. browns with undertones that lean towards blue, gray, or purple). Typically, anything that looks “smoky” would be a cool brown.
- Depth of Color: Opt for medium-depth browns that neither appear too light nor too dark. Medium-toned browns like toasted almond or hazelnut can complement your balanced undertones without overpowering them.
- Versatility: Aim for brown clothing pieces that can easily mix and match with other warm and neutral tones in your wardrobe. If your brown clashes with other neutrals in our palette, then chances are you need to keep looking. The idea is for our colors to blend seamlessly.
Here are some good shades to look for:
- Taupe. Soft autumn taupe is primarily composed of a balanced blend of warm and neutral hues. These hues typically include variations of brown and gray, with subtle undertones of yellow or red to enhance warmth. This color pairs beautifully with blues, pinks, and metallic accents.
- Toasted Almond. This rich, nutty brown evokes images of crackling bonfires and toasted marshmallows, bringing a sense of warmth and comfort to your wardrobe. Pair it with other soft autumn colors like olive green or rust orange for a perfectly coordinated look that’s both stylish and cozy.
- Caramel. Soft autumn caramel is primarily composed of warmer undertones. These undertones often include shades of yellow, orange, or red, reminiscent of the golden hues of autumn foliage. The warm base infuses soft autumn caramel with a sense of warmth and comfort, making it inviting and appealing. You don’t want to go too warm with this color or it could start to stand out too much next to your other soft autumn colors, so look for a shade that has a subtle touch of warmth.
- Chocolate Brown. And let’s not forget about chocolate brown. This decadent hue is like a guilty pleasure for your wardrobe, indulging your senses with its rich, velvety goodness. Whether you’re rocking a chocolate brown blazer or leather boots, this classic shade adds a touch of luxe to any outfit, making you feel like a million bucks.
While browns can often times be overlooked, these shades are endlessly versatile, timelessly elegant, and seasonally relevant. Whether it’s neutrals, earthy tones, or soft blues and muted pinks, soft autumn browns complement these colors beautifully, creating cohesive and harmonious color combinations. By incorporating soft autumn brown into your wardrobe, you can create stylish and sophisticated looks that reflect your personal style and embrace the richness of the autumn season.
Some examples of good browns. Notice the colors you see in the areas where the light is hitting the fabric. I looked for items that weren’t overly yellow, green, or gray. A hint of these colors isn’t bad.
Examples of browns where the color is too biased one direction.
