The Color of the Season Also Happens to Be a Chic Alternative to Black

I used to scoff at the idea of brown as a hot, “It” color—I mean, it’s brown. But, in the past year or so, it’s become one of the primary colors I want in my wardrobe. Not just any shade of brown, though. No, more specifically, I wanted a deep, rich, almost velvety, and outright delicious chocolate shade. (Blame it on my undying love for flourless chocolate cake.)

Well, it wasn’t tough for me to find pieces that fit the bill, because all of a sudden, “chocolate,” is the word I was hearing at press previews, seeing on linesheets for the fall season—along with “mocha” and “espresso”…I guess we can thank Sabrina Carpenter for that one? Then, all of a sudden, these deep shades of brown were everywhere—from cloud-like cashmere sweaters and slouchy brown suede bags to investment-worthy wool coats and more. Plus, Kendall Jenner wore the trend at Milan Fashion Week when she was attending the Bottega Veneta spring/summer 2025 show. So, I’m calling it: Brown is the color of the season, and it’s very much worth a spot in your wardrobe.

To give you an idea of what I’m talking about, I found the best chocolate brown wardrobe pieces across categories to shop now. Find your favorites, below.

If I’m being 100 percent honest, this is where you should start when it comes to investing in a chic piece. Diamonds may be forever, but classic handbags are, too. Also…who could say no to that type of combination? I know I couldn’t—and these gorgeous styles, paired with beautiful fine jewelry—are hard to resist.

Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28

Prada Medium Buckle Suede Bag with Belt

Freja Chrystie Bag Espresso

Another great way to incorporate this color trend—especially if you’re not ready to douse your wardrobe in the perfect shade of chocolate fondue—is with your footwear. ’Tis the season to wear your best leather boots, and of course that includes some amazing styles in this timeless hue. That said, you don’t have to have brown suede or leather shoes to pull off the trend—it looks just as good in a sneaker or loafer, too.

Adidas Samba OG Shoes

Proenza Schouler Trap Faux Suede Over-The-Knee Boots

Sebago Classic Dan Leather Penny Loafers

When I think of what’s worth investing in for the colder months of the year, my mind naturally goes straight to outerwear. And honestly, I’m loving a good coat these days—and a beautiful design can solidify a winning outfit with a single step. Wrap yourself up in one of these beauties and call it a day. These are my current favorites.

Toteme Oversized Double-Breasted Wool Coat

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Sea Sea Viv Scarf Wool Coat

Coach Heritage C Double Breasted Leather Trench

Of course, when you already have yourself an investment coat, the next major piece is a chic jacket to keep as a go-to layering piece. I love the idea of a cool, brown leather jacket to break up the monotony of standard (albeit timeless) blacks without compromising on the cool. If that’s not your thing, even a pretty quilted number to some New England charm styled with a great pair of jeans will look great this season.

Hill House Home The Thayer Jacket

Mango Leather-Effect Jacket with Contrast Stitching

Saks Potts Moss Jacket

My favorite part of the fall season is being able to pull out all of my beloved knitwear from storage once again. Cozy, chic, and just oh-so touchable, the right sweater can change your life—and I stand by that statement. Yeah, it’s fine to bundle up in a classic black turtleneck or a heather gray crewneck, a chocolate brown sweater will bring a touch of warmth to your ensembles without having to lean into the jewel tones or other vibrant hues. In other words, these will go with everything you wear, no matter what you style them with.

Jenni Kayne Cooper Cardigan

Banana Republic Cashmere Cropped Sweater Polo

Lisa Yang Brown Sandy Turtleneck

Once I started going down the rabbit hole of chocolate brown, I couldn’t ignore the downright stunning tops that brands are putting out this season. Style these with a classic pencil skirt or trousers to instantly level up your ensembles for fall.

Éterne High Neck Tank Top

Rails Kaleen Top

The Line by K Zane Top

Yes, you’re going to want a stylish alternative to those classic black trousers. In wool, satin, denim, or any other type of material, this color just adds another layer that makes everything look so much more expensive than it is. It’s the only shade I want my wardrobe in this season, so why shouldn’t that apply to my pants?

Madewell Slouchy Straight Pants

DONNI The Silk Stripe Crop Pant

Gap Mid Rise UltraSoft Baggy Jeans

Okay, maybe you’re not a pants person—or you just love good skirts. Either way, I guarantee these will look and feel amazing every time you wear them. I love the idea of wearing this color with a pretty lavender or deep green. That said, brown is a neutral, which means you could also pair it with other colors (or perhaps a leopard print, even!). The choice is yours.

JAAF Pleated Midi Skirt In Chocolate Brown

Ba&sh Cyla Skirt

Citizens of Humanity Cassia Leather Skirt

Finally, there are the dresses. Whether it’s a sleek work dress for the office or a fall wedding guest option for any ceremonies you’re attending, there’s no doubt this shade is a winner. Perhaps you want to style one with one of the aforementioned sweaters or coats for a monochromatic look? I wouldn’t blame you if you did.

Bottega Veneta Leather Strapless Bustier Midi-Dress

Reformation Aara Silk Dress

STAUD Callum Dress

Dale Arden Chong is the senior fashion commerce editor at ELLE.com, where she edits and reports on the latest trends, labels, and designers in the fashion space to bring you the best items that will elevate your wardrobe. With a passion for great sartorial stories and getting dressed (as well as a knack for nerding out over the details), she has a robust knowledge of high-quality design, construction, and materials based on testing hundreds of products over her eight-plus years in the industry, writing stories for Glamour, Who What Wear, Entertainment Tonight, and others. So, if you ask her for a shopping recommendation, she’ll give you five picks plus her honest, unfiltered opinions. Dale graduated magna cum laude from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Communication Design. In 2015, she was a finalist for the National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Award in the Online category of “Commentary/Analysis/Trend” for her article “Calvin Klein Underwear: What Is Plus Size?” Outside of the style world, her hobbies include cooking, playing tennis, ceramics, and watching BTS dance videos on YouTube, among other things. Follow her on Instagram at @dalearden.