How To Wear Chocolate Brown This Summer
Chocolate brown is the “new black”, especially this summer. From warm chocolate to deep dark chocolate, this is the shade of brown to wear right now. Here’s how to wear it in fresh styles and color combinations…
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Chocolate Brown + Trending Summer Colors
White, ivory, and tan are obvious choices to wear with chocolate brown. If you’re looking for fresh new combinations, chocolate brown looks gorgeous with these trending colors.
If you know your seasonal color analysis, you’ll see that the colors in this chart are divided up into warm and cool color combinations. I’ve used a dark chocolate brown in this chart, but if you are, say, a Light Summer, you’ll want a warmer, softer shade of brown.
As a Winter, I’m wearing brown with white, cool light pink, light and medium blues, and lemon yellow. I’m avoiding brown with other heavy, dark colors such as navy and gray, which I’ll save for fall and winter outfits.
Brown Summer Dresses
I’m wearing a Tiered Poplin Maxi Dress in a medium brown/ivory abstract print. I sized down to an XS (the Nordstrom brand tends to run large). Though I’m technically petite (I’m just under 5’4″), this regular size works for me because the V-neck is shallow and the dress is mid-length. I also like the drop sleeve, as longer sleeves can look frumpy on my shorter arms. The color is a cool, soft chocolate brown.
Whether they’re printed or solid, chocolate brown dresses are trending this summer. (If you are under 5’4″, these dresses are available in petite sizes).
Brown Summer Tops
If you’re looking for a new summer top, consider these trending styles: tie-waist tees, block prints, and bubble-hem tops. Wear these with your favorite white/ecru jeans or shorts. Denim and chocolate brown are a classic combination. And chocolate looks beautiful with tropical colors like turquoise, burnt orange, and yellow.
Brown Summer Skirts, Pants And Shorts
Because I carry most of my weight below my waist, I like to wear my dark colors on the bottom (dark colors appear smaller). I find that black and navy look heavy in the summer, especially in longer styles, so I’ve bought a few pieces in chocolate brown this summer.
I just bought Athleta’s Retreat Shorts and Pants from Athleta. This is my 4th pair of Retreat shorts and my 3rd pair of Retreat pants! (In my defense, I bought the first ones over five years ago when they didn’t have zippered pockets). I’m wearing the XS in both as Athleta tends to run a little large. I’ve also tried on these pants in the Petite Small, but the rise on those felt a little short on me, so I’m going to hem these XS ones. This color (Woodland) is a warm, medium shade of brown.
I also bought this 90s-style linen midi skirt, which I thought was a refreshing change from the voluminous midi and maxi skirts that we’ve been seeing in the past few years. It’s 100% linen and machine washable, with a side zip and a touch of stretch from the elastic waist. If you’re looking for a deep, dark chocolate color, this is the skirt for you. (My top is this Tank Top made in a very lightweight cotton).
If you really want to be on-trend, balloon pants are having a moment. And if they’re not your style, there are plenty of slimmer options available too.
Brown Summer Accessories
If you’re not sure if chocolate brown works for you, try some brown accessories like shoes, handbags, or scarves. Textured accessories such as brown straw and raffia are currently very popular. Also consider woven leather accessories.
Earlier this summer, I bought this Open-Weave Belt that I’ve been wearing with jeans and shorts. I also couldn’t resist another pair of Birkensocks in this Brown Raffia Texture. And I’m on the lookout for a chocolate straw or raffia cross-body bag.
Are you wearing chocolate brown this summer? Tell me about your favorite pieces!
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