Though Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, has dominated fashion for months, a deeper, more decadent hue is now picking up speed—enter chocolate brown, the season’s It shade. And rightfully so, as there’s something oh-so elegant about the hue. But how does one style the rich color? We’d recommend looking to French women for sartorial inspiration. After all, these tastemakers know a thing or two about putting together a très chic outfit.
Like any great neutral, chocolate brown plays well with a wide range of shades—a fact proven by fashion-forward French folks. Some are making the case for the oft-controversial black-and-brown color combo, while others are offsetting the hue with something brighter. Without further ado, scroll ahead for five shades French women are wearing with chocolate brown right now. With the trend showing no signs of slowing down, mastering these color combinations will be well worth your while.
Black
Yes, contrary to popular belief, black and brown do make for one chic color combination. And Chloé Harrouche would have to agree. Once a fashion faux pas, the mash-up gets the stamp of approval from the Loulou de Saison founder, who wore black on top and chocolate brown on the bottom.
Shop Black Pieces to Wear With Brown
COS
Slim Lightweight Long-Sleeved Top
Zara
Faux Leather Volume Jacket
Aritzia
The Effortless Pants
C by Bloomingdale’s Cashmere
100% Cashmere Travel Wrap
MANGO
Midi-Dress With Stitching
Olive Green
Any fashion person will tell you olive green is basically a neutral. So, naturally, it pairs seamlessly with chocolate brown. Take a cue from Julie Sergent Ferreri and style an olive green sweater with chocolate brown trousers—bonus points if your handbag matches your knit.
Shop Olive Green Pieces to Wear With Brown
Helsa
Claudiya Cable Turtleneck
Coach
Empire Carryall Bag
Banana Republic
The Everyday Wide-Leg Pants
Reformation
Bethany Ballet Flats
Damson Madder
Joannie Bomber Jacket
Navy
If you tend to stick to neutrals, navy and chocolate brown is a surprisingly stylish pairing to test-drive. How to wear the two colors together? Start by anchoring a navy jacket with a chocolate brown handbag, as demonstrated by Anne-Laure Mais.
Shop Navy Pieces to Wear With Brown
Avec Les Filles
Relaxed Double Breasted Coat
Simkhai
Alice Draped Satin One-Shoulder Top
Reformation
Vida Low Rise Pants
Lunya
Washable Silk Bias Slip Dress
J.Crew
Brushed Cashmere Faux-Wrap Mini Skirt
Red
Want to punch up a chocolate brown look? A vibrant red accessory will do the trick. The color combination strikes that sweet spot between classic and statement-making. Take things a step further by swiping on a red lipstick.
Shop Red Pieces to Wear With Brown
Mansur Gavriel
Gaia Shoulder Bag
Guest In Residence
Jane Cardigan
Staud
Ellie Paneled Cotton-Blend Faille Mini Dress
Jenni Kayne
Nina Slip Skirt
ZARA
ZW Collection Balloon Pants
Gray
Here’s proof that neutrals needn’t be boring. Chocolate brown lends depth and richness to gray, creating a palette that reads refined and undeniably chic.
Shop Gray Pieces to Wear With Brown
ASTR the Label
Deora Sweater Skirt
& Other Stories
Brushed Mohair-Blend Cardigan
Toteme
T-Lock Leather Clutch Shark
Reiss
Poppie Flannel Wide-Leg Trousers
Quince
Italian Wool Classic Single-Breasted Coat
