Chocolate brown is having a moment right now, and I’ve added quite a few pieces to my wardrobe already. I love how this rich, earthy hue captures the essence of fall. It pairs beautifully with other earth tones and light neutrals like taupe and cream; as well as with contrasting pastels, jewel tones, and brights. I also like to combine chocolate with other shades of brown, as I did here.

bpmber jacket (S) // cowl neck top (S) (option) // MOTHER Weekend Flare Jeans (30) (similar on sale) (petite option) // Schutz sandals (8) // Michael Kors suede hobo // croc belt (90) // similar hoops
This cowl neck top from Evereve is a great way to transition your wardrobe for cozy season if the weather is still warm in your neck of the woods. The deep shade of brown gives a nod to fall, but the lightweight knit and short sleeve design keeps you cool and comfortable. Plus, the subtle cowl neckline gives it a current silhouette. Michael Stars has a similar style that also comes in Chocolate Brown.


Style Tip: Combining two fashion trends in once piece (in this case, the chocolate brown color and the cowl neck) is a good way to get a lot of bang for your buck out of a purchase when updating your wardrobe.
Dark wash denim is also trending this season, and I think it pairs so well with chocolate brown. These are the MOTHER Weekend Flare Jeans in Teaming Up, a classic full-length flare leg style with a 10″ mid rise. They’re made in the USA of a comfortable stretch denim with a subtle whiskered and sanded finish to give them a comfortable lived-in look that’s also polished and sophisticated. If you prefer a raw hem, this pair has a similar wash and is on sale at Bloomingdale’s. Also, Anthro has a pair in petite.
I styled this top and jeans two ways for this post. One option is with leopard print slingback pumps and a caramel-brown shoulder bag in this gorgeous glazed leather. I love this bag and shoe pairing, and the way they provide some contrast to the dark wash jeans and chocolate brown top.


bpmber jacket (S) // cowl neck top (S) (option) // MOTHER Weekend Flare Jeans (30) (similar on sale) (petite option) // leopard slingback pumps (8.5) // croc belt (90) // similar hoops // HOBO tote // wavy bangle
When I put the bomber jacket on top, I swapped out the leopard slingbacks and caramel leather bag for a suede hobo and croc-embossed slides in a rich chocolate brown for more of a monochromatic look.


Although I will say, in retrospect, I think the slides make more sense when I’m wearing the outfit without the jacket. When I’m wearing full length jeans and sandals that bare my toes, I feel like it looks more cohesive to have a short sleeve or sleeveless top. I also think those Veronica Beard Lada Chelsea Boots in the Espresso color would be amazing with this outfit. I will definitely have to try that.

I kept my accessories simple, with chunky gold hoops and a wavy bangle bracelet. (Even when I wear a jacket, I like to have a bracelet in case I take it off or want to push up my sleeves.) And in keeping with the monochromatic theme (minus the jeans, of course), I went with a croc-embossed belt in a similar chocolate brown hue.
How about you? Will you be adding chocolate brown to your wardrobe this fall?


Stay In Touch
If you liked this post, be sure you’re signed up for my email newsletter. In addition to my most recent blog posts, you’ll receive exclusive newsletter content like special sales, my newest favorite finds, and an occasional peek behind the scenes — all delivered right to your inbox.
I would also love for you to join my JLS Fashion Insiders Facebook Group! This is a friendly place to discuss all matters of fashion and style with other women, share your outfits, get advice, and stay up to date on all the happenings in our community.
19 Responses
We love having our windows open to let the cool crisp air inside. I have a cropped chocolate brown bomber jacket that I will create outfits with. For me, chocolate brown is not as harsh against my fair skin tone and it is a rich color.
I love, love, love chocolate brown. I need to decide what to add to my wardrobe. I do love that bomber jacket…!
I love wearing chocolate brown too! I ordered the MK hobo bag to try but it was too big for me. Womp womp. Back it went but it looks so good when you style it. Thank you for the great outfit inspiration! I also think the Veronica beard Chelsea boots would look great with your outfit. I have them and love them. So comfy.
Enjoy your fall! We are “hoping” for it to be cool enough tomorrow to get out of shorts…
The first thing that came to my mind was why is she wearing sandals with that jacket. The jacket seems wintery unlike a light fabric jacket. I know people wear sandals in the winter with jackets. I see it all the time. I like the outfit better with the leopard shoes or a brown boot. I already have added chocolate brown to my wardrobe. I’m not coloring my hair anymore so not sure how brown will look on me in the future.
Terri……I stopped coloring my hair 2 yrs. ago (I’m now 63), this last June and I won’t go back. I NEVER thought I’d even think about letting my hair go grey until my late 70’s. I was becoming allergic to the dye and thought the chemicals on my head so often can NOT be good for me. Its such a freeing feeling and I always had a light color weaved into my darker hair anyway, so it transitioned nicely with now a grey weave and I use a purple shampoo twice a week to keep the grey vibrant. I found a more “Clean” one online. But…..I no longer feel I like myself in the Fall tone clothes, except burgundy. I have to look for the right shades and I’m liking the darker jewel tones more. I don’t like brown on me at all anymore. So, I know what you are saying. Enjoy the transition and don’t give up.
Chocolate brown has been in my wardrobe for decades! It’s my “black”. Glad it’s “in” right now, because I’ve been able to pick up new pieces. And when this trend passes, chocolate brown will still be in my wardrobe. 🙂
Absolutely! Stock up now while it’s plentiful.
You look so pretty!
It seems strange to see cowl necks are a trend this year when they have been around for years. I guess we’ll be seeing more of them though. Trends can be a funny one!
I can’t wear chocolate brown in a top but I do have a great purse in chocolate brown leather and a pair of suede booties. I’m still looking for the perfect pair of chocolate brown leather booties in a flat. I don’t like to wear the suede on a rainy day and we get a lot of them on the west coast.
I added dark brown full-length cords to my wardrobe last year and was surprised at how much wear I got from them. They were my denim alternative. I’ve added more color to my wardrobe and feel much more comfortable pairing it with dark brown rather than black (I’m soft, cool, and medium in the tonal color system). The cords will probably come out Dec-Feb…it’s finally cool enough (VA) to get out my denim, I’ve missed them.
I love all the brown shades trending! Chocolate is one of my favorites but I also love caramel, camel, etc. And they do look so pretty paired together! I had a lot of brown when it was on trend a decade or so ago but all those items sadly no longer fit so I’ll definitely be stocking up!
After moving to sunny southwest Florida I have had a hard time figuring out how to incorporate dark colors into my wardrobe. When it’s 85 degrees, even in December, dark colors, especially in tops and 3rd layers just don’t seem right. I’m still figuring it out and I miss my sweaters! Maybe I can find a lightweight chocolate brown skirt or pants.
Jo-Lynne! Love your photos at VF National Park. I always love going there in the Fall, especially up by the Arch! Chocolate Brown is a favorite for fall, especially with pale blue or even pink and red! Now that it’s getting chillier I can wear some of the cute jackets I have purchased over the past 2 months!
I purchased the KFTK chocolate suede jacket from Nordstrom Anniversary sale. I already had brown boots and belt and dark denim. I am trying to figure out what color shirt to wear with the jacket. I tried it with black tank and felt it was too drab. I tried it with a leopard print silky blouse I have had for years but put away when leopard wasn’t trending and that would probably work although it feels like a lot of leopard lol. What other colors would be good to wear with brown?
Hey Paula, I wore that jacket with an ivory sweater yesterday and jeans and brown boots. It did feel a little plain, tho. I jazzed it up with a mixed stone necklace that has some shades of brown and olive. It would look good with camel, an maybe blue or pink, or maybe an animal print top or this or snake. Or even maybe a lighter shade of brown, like this look. Monochrome is so popular right now.
Thanks for the ideas. The animal print top you linked to is very similar to the one I already have so maybe i should try it on again. And I do have an ivory tank. No camel and I don’t have pink or blue.
I love your chocolate brown croc belt but geez louise, can you recommend a “Save” option? $295 for a belt is a little rich for me.
Thanks and I look forward to your response.
Absolutely. J,Ctew has a nice one. https://shopstyle.it/l/chiSm