Only a few years ago – beige, and tones like ecru, stone and earth brown were perceived as the enemy of fashion. They were colours firmly associated with frump. Fashion was about black, white and bright colours. No-one into fashion wore any form of beige or earth tones. However in the last two or three years autumn-winter style has been all about these colours, in combination, paired with denim or one colour worn head to toe to create a sophisticated look.
This is good news as these colours are incredibly versatile, most people can find shades that suit them and you an easily to combine them to create multiple looks.
To put this article together I relied on items I already have in my wardrobe. While my wardrobe might be a bit more extensive than average… you will probably find you already have a few neutral and earth toned items too. This means you have the potential to combine these items in a new way to give them an up to date edge. And all without having to spend a penny – unless you want to!
Here are my suggestions and outfit ideas for some wearable and stylish autumn winter looks:
Chocolate brown
The theme of this set of outfits is using similar and complementary tones of chocolate brown. I am wearing the same boots, jumper and necklace in all the outfits but have changed out the skirt/dress, I’ve also added a coat in the same tone.
I think these outfits work well for a few reasons.
- Sticking to one colour (monochrome) is one way to be more stylish as your look will automatically be more coherent and put together
- I’ve added some interest by combining different textures, e.g. wool and faux leather, as well as adding a more unusual item, in this case a vintage necklace
- I’ve kept the outfit up to date by incorporating key trends for the season – namely faux leather, puff sleeves, and scoop necklines. You can read more about styling faux leather and the key autumn winter trends on this blog.
Get this look
If you like these looks and want to recreate them, then here are some suggestions:
The dress: The Zara faux leather dress is last season, though I found some similar ones on ebay. If you wanted to make an investment then this one from STAUD via Net-A-porter is gorgeous.
The jumper : Mine is from French Connection. I also love this one from Mango, with a gold chain detail around the neck. Both these jumpers are on sale. A basic long sleeve top would also work well and NA-KD has a chocolate brown scoop neck which seems good value.
The skirt : My skirt is a couple of seasons old. I found a similar style in black from OASIS or this brown one from Pretty Little Thing would give a similar look.
The coat: My coat was a charity shop find. To get a similar look try this one from MONKI or this one from ASOS.
The boots: Again these dark brown leather boots were from Zara the winter before and I’ve been really happy with them, quality and fit. It was surprisingly difficult to find anything very similar. However these ones from & other Stories look good as do these from Office which come in black or dark brown snake.
Camel and neutrals
Along with chocolate brown, camel has definitely been the most worn colour of the season. I really have enjoyed wearing camel, though I have to be careful about the shade as if its too pale it tends to wash me out. Here are some outfit combinations based around camel pieces that I think work well.
Ladylike Camels
These looks would work well all year round for a smarter day time look. All three outfits are combined with the same camel suede t-bar heeled sandals however, you could always experiment with different foot wear for example swapping in knee length boots or flats. The one in the centre is probably the most dressy as it pairs a mink/camel high necked blouse with a satin pleated midi skirt. The other two looks use a cream blouse instead, and the first look is with a wool skirt. The bag in the centre has a faux fur trim giving a nod to winter.
I think these looks work well as they are a wearable and more modern take on a very classic blouse-skirt outfit combination. The nigh necked blouse references this season’s equestrian trend, while the silky fabrics and voluminous sleeves are both very in this year.
Get this look
Camel/mink blouse: My blouse is a find from a vintage shop, but for a similar look then try this Lily Silk blouse in light camel. This fitted camel shirt from Hawes and Curtis is also a great piece that would go with many outfits. They also do a lovely cream version.
Camel midi skirt: My skirt is from M & S two seasons ago but Iris and Ink via the Outnet have a very similar one.
Sandals: This pair from Daniel look like a good buy for a more dressed up occasion.
Office/vintage camels
To achieve this look I have added a camel blazer and some brown toned accessories to achieve a military style/retro look.
This look is a bit more playful, and might seem on the face of it a bit old fashioned but in fact it incorporates a few current trends. The (saddle style) bag and belt both nod to the equestrian trend, while, belted blazers have been seen everywhere this season. This also looks forward to the vintage 1940’s references that we are seeing on the catwalks for the Spring/Summer 2021 collections.
Anyway its another way of styling camel and if you like this look here are some more suggestions of similar items. (Blouse, skirt and sandals are as before.)
The blazer: My blazer was from Stradivarius, last season. This one from Esprit is very similar and has stretch to add comfort.
The belt: I got this one from Amazon. This one is also from Amazon from a US supplier. Here is another option from a UK supplier this time, which has a slightly less equestrian but definitely retro style.
The bag: Also from Stradivarius. I like this version from M & S with its gold hard-wear.
Camel – day to night
I have based these outfits around a slip dress I bought in the Zara sale just before Xmas. This is a very versatile item for our current circumstances. Its soft and comfortable enough to wear around the house, and can even double up as a nightie if you wish. At the same time its easy to dress up for a luxe daytime to evening look when we are going out again. While its not actually camel but more of a mink/grey I found it toned in very well with various camel items I had in my wardrobe.
I paired it with a tie waist midi camel cardigan in the first look. In the second I added a square necked puff sleeve camel jumper, the same equestrian style boots and snake mules. Then in the final outfit I added a camel coat.
All of these looks are very comfortable and wearable. You stay relatively covered up but the slip dress gives it a more sexy up to date vibe, as do the various accessories including the faux fur bag to add some texture and interest.
If you would like to re-create any of these looks then here are some options:
The slip dress: this version from & other Stories is more of a true Camel. Zara also has this knit version which looks quite interesting, especially coming into Spring Summer.
The cardigan: There are loads of camel cardigans out there at the moment. Mine is quite old but I like the look of this one from Pretty Lavish via Silk Fred. Or for a more luxury feel then the London Cashmere Company have a nice version.
The jumper: This one from Next is quite similar to mine from H&M.
The coat: There are many belted camel coats at there to suit all budgets. Mine was from New Look, it was very affordable and its wool blend. While its last quite well so far – a camel coat is a classic item it may be worth more of an investment. For sharper tailoring try this trench from Lipsy, or this one from Studio 8 via John Lewis.
The mules: My snake mules were from a charity shop, but these ones by Charles and Keith look great, as do these from Sam Edelman (I want these!)
The bag: Mine is quite old. This one from Wish is similar.
All the browns
For this set of outfits I have brought together the two shades of the season, chocolate brown and camel. I’ve also added another enduring autumn winter trend which is darker shades of florals with this vintage blouse. I like the way the colours combine and the blouse, which has shades of both brown and camel, helps to pull together the look.
I think these outfits work as they bring together classic items like the blazer and shirt with more on trend items like the faux leather trousers. The use of the belt to cinch in the jacket also helps to update the look. I’ve also belted a cardigan in a lighter shade of brown as a variation on the look.
If you would like to recreate a similar look then here are a few options:
(The blazer, boots and belt are as before.)
Faux leather trousers: These are absolutely everywhere, and there are styles and prices to suit every shape and budget. I recommend experimenting with a few styles and find what suits you. This pair from Oliver Bonas look quite similar to the the ones I am wearing.
Brown floral blouse: As I said mine is a vintage find. Actually vintage shops can be a great place to find blouses with interesting necklines and prints. For alternatives I like this one from Boden which has a classic cut and print, this one from Shein is also very pretty.
Brown cardigan: This one from Zalando would be a versatile option
So that’s it for my journey into browns and neutrals. Here are a few final takeaways.
- If you invest in some pieces in neutral and earth tones you are unlikely to regret it. These colours are versatile and can be worn in many combinations to create an autumn winter capsule wardrobe. In fashion terms they are also likely to be going strong for a few seasons to come.
- Wearing all one colour, or combining complementary shades of brown, camel and cream is a great way to create a coherent outfit.
- Add accent accessories, like faux leather, animal print or vintage jewellery to add interest.
- If It suits your personal style then neutrals and earth tones lend themselves very well to a retro look, think 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s in particular.
