Brown Just Replaced Black as Denim’s Chicest Match
Try this mash-up, and thank me later.


Most of fall’s viral color combos are boldly unapologetic. For example, burnt orange with bubblegum pink or cherry red with royal purple—both showing a maximalist style. However, this season’s popular palette also includes subtle mix-ups that tend toward minimalism. A good example: brown and denim.
Marie Claire’s style director, Sara Holzman, recently said she keeps seeing this simple combo everywhere. And honestly, I’m not surprised. During the Spring and Fall 2025 fashion week seasons, different brown and denim pairings appeared on the runways of top brands like Chloé, Gucci, and Versace. Plus, the street style scene has fully adopted this trendy duo. Some city residents have paired copper suede jackets with indigo jorts, while others have chosen mocha mousse dresses with denim jackets.
Rooted in warmth, the combination of brown and denim is perfect for any fall wardrobe. So, if you want to try out this look for the upcoming season, keep reading. Below, I’ve put together a curated list of 20 pieces that will help you do just that. From casual outfits to upscale ensembles, you’ll find everything you might need.
I decided to try the color combination for myself, with a chocolate brown blazer and a pair of wide-leg jeans.
Brown Styles
Cut from sumptuous satin, Zara’s halter top embodies an oh-so sophisticated appeal.
Embrace the early aughts boho trend with Free People’s suede jacket. Play into the retro look by styling this piece with a frilly floral top and flared jeans.
Aside from its delicious chocolate brown color, what I love most about Reformation’s Maven dress is that it boasts a dynamic drop-waist design.
I recently bought Madewell’s suede shoulder bag, and I’ve been carrying this rich-looking accessory just about everywhere. From casual weekend outings to nights on the town, this bag works well for any occasion.
These tailored trousers from Banana Republic prioritize comfort with a high waistline and a wide-leg construction.
For those temperate fall days ahead, slip into En Saison’s Eloise mini skirt alongside a denim jacket.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve worn Aritzia’s Synergy bomber jacket. As for styling, I’d say it looks best with a pair of billowing barrel jeans.
The toasted almond brown hue of this Gap sweater is absolutely delicious. It’ll fit right into your capsule wardrobe.
Boot trends come and go, but classic styles anchored in knee-high silhouettes are here to stay.
There’s no doubt that Quince’s satin slip skirt champions ‘90s minimalism.
Denim Styles
J.Crew puts a denim twist on the barn jacket trend. Coordinate this layer with a taupe sweater, slacks, and riding boots for a look that reads “English country style.”
If you’re unsure how to style this denim tailored vest, listen up. Layer this piece over a button-down and finish off your look with brown trousers and boots.
I love the deep indigo shade of Everlane’s Way-High jeans. But if you’d prefer another colorway, the brand offers eight alternative denim washes.
Call me crazy, but I’m already thinking about my Thanksgiving outfit. I can’t wait to wear this denim maxi skirt with a cozy chestnut cardigan.
Yes, you can wear Bermuda shorts for autumn. Simply pair this thigh-skimming style with fall staples, like a coffee-colored top and a beige trench coat.
Go full-on Western by wearing this denim shirt with jeans and brown cowboy boots. Don’t forget to embellish your rodeo-ready uniform with elevated accessories. Gold hoops and a glossy handbag will do the trick.
Denim mini skirts are ideal for tackling transitional style. For early fall, pair this piece with a loose-fitting sweater vest. When temperatures grow frigid, layer your look with a heavy-duty coat.
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Lauren K. Tappan is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers trend forecasting and shopping stories, highlighting runway-inspired styles and a blend of emerging and established brands. Prior to joining Marie Claire, she worked as a freelance editor for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE, specializing in e-commerce content and curating seasonal trend reports. Earlier in her career, she worked at Town & Country, developing a strong portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.
Lauren holds a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in journalism from the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn, she served as editor-in-chief of The Walk, the university's fashion magazine, and completed internships at Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.