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    1. Fashion
    2. Fall fashion

    Brown Just Replaced Black as Denim’s Chicest Match

    Try this mash-up, and thank me later.

    Lauren Tappan's avatar
    By Lauren Tappan
    Published 29 August 2025 In Buying Guides

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    collage of women wearing brown and denim
    (Image credit: Launchmetrics)
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    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.

    Latest Videos FromMarie Claire
    Watch full video here:

    Lauren Tappan wearing a brown blazer, a button-down shirt, jeans, and black boots

    I decided to try the color combination for myself, with a chocolate brown blazer and a pair of wide-leg jeans.

    (Image credit: Lauren Tappan)

    Brown Styles

    Zara, Satin Effect Halter Top

    Zara
    Satin Effect Halter Top
    $40 AT ZARA

    Cut from sumptuous satin, Zara’s halter top embodies an oh-so sophisticated appeal.

    Free People, X We the Free Blair Faux Suede Jacket

    Free People
    X We the Free Blair Faux Suede Jacket
    $168
    $168 AT REVOLVE

    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.

    Reformation, Maven Dress

    Reformation
    Maven Dress
    $278
    $278 AT REFORMATION

    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.

    Madewell, The Top-Zip Shoulder Bag

    Madewell
    The Top-Zip Shoulder Bag
    $158
    $158 AT MADEWELL

    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.

    Banana Republic, Super-Soft Soma Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Pant

    Banana Republic
    Super-Soft Soma Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Pant
    $120
    $120 AT BANANA REPUBLIC

    These tailored trousers from Banana Republic prioritize comfort with a high waistline and a wide-leg construction.

    En Saison, Eloise Miniskirt

    En Saison
    Eloise Miniskirt
    $86
    $86 AT SHOPBOP

    For those temperate fall days ahead, slip into En Saison’s Eloise mini skirt alongside a denim jacket.

    Aritzia, Synergy Bomber - UnReal Leather

    Aritzia
    Synergy Bomber - UnReal Leather
    $228 AT ARITZIA

    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.

    Gap, 100% Cotton Oversized Sweater

    Gap
    100% Cotton Oversized Sweater
    $80$63
    $63 AT GAP

    The toasted almond brown hue of this Gap sweater is absolutely delicious. It’ll fit right into your capsule wardrobe.

    Vince Camuto, Lumina Pointed Toe Boot

    Vince Camuto
    Lumina Pointed Toe Boot
    $140
    $140 AT NORDSTROM

    Boot trends come and go, but classic styles anchored in knee-high silhouettes are here to stay.

    Quince, 100% Washable Silk Maxi Skirt

    Quince
    100% Washable Silk Maxi Skirt
    $80
    $80 AT QUINCE

    There’s no doubt that Quince’s satin slip skirt champions ‘90s minimalism.

    Denim Styles

    jcrew, Relaxed Barn Jacket™ in Denim

    J.Crew
    Relaxed Barn Jacket™ in Denim
    $198
    $198 AT J.CREW

    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.”

    DL1961, Mara Straight Leg Mid Rise Instasculpt Ankle Jeans

    DL1961
    Mara Straight Leg Mid Rise Instasculpt Ankle Jeans
    $179
    $179 AT NORDSTROM

    Searching for a standard pair of straight-leg jeans? Look no further than DL1961.

    Rails, Portola Vest

    Rails
    Portola Vest
    $103
    $103 AT NORDSTROM

    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.

    Everlane, The Way-High® Jean

    Everlane
    The Way-High® Jean
    $90 AT EVERLANE

    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.

    Zara, ZW Collection Denim Midi Skirt

    Zara
    ZW Collection Denim Midi Skirt
    $100
    $100 AT ZARA

    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.

    Superdown, Kelsie Denim Dress

    Superdown
    Kelsie Denim Dress
    $92
    $92 AT REVOLVE

    Simplify your fall wardrobe with this streamlined denim dress. All you have to do is team it with auburn-colored boots, and you’ve got yourself a no-fuss outfit.

    Mango, Mid-Rise Denim Bermuda Jorts

    Mango
    Mid-Rise Denim Bermuda Jorts
    $70
    $70 AT MANGO

    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.

    Madewell, Western Oversize Denim Button-Up Shirt

    Madewell
    Western Oversize Denim Button-Up Shirt
    $108
    $108 AT NORDSTROM

    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.

    Aritzia, Barkley Lightweight Workwear Jacket

    Aritzia
    Barkley Lightweight Workwear Jacket
    $148 AT ARITZIA

    Aritzia’s workwear jacket flaunts a feminine feel with a cropped hemline and a relaxed shape.

    LEVI'S, Icon Skirt

    Levi's
    Icon Skirt
    $70
    $70 AT REVOLVE

    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.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Lauren Tappan
    Lauren Tappan
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    Fashion Editor

    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.

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