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Yes, Black-and-White Is Chic, But This Elegant Winter Color Combination Looks Expensive Every Time

By Swedan Margen

Yes, Black-and-White Is Chic, But This Elegant Winter Color Combination Looks Expensive Every Time

Black-and-white outfits have long been the go-to for chic winter dressing; however, this season, another color combination is quietly emerging as the new hallmark of understated sophistication: navy and chocolate brown.

Navy-and-chocolate-brown outfits are classic, yet they feel richer, warmer, and more nuanced than other pairings. Alone, each hue brings a distinct kind of depth. Navy exudes a refined coolness, while brown embodies warmth and an old-world luxury. But together, navy and brown look even more elegant and tasteful.

Sylvie wears a brown coat, brown bag, blue jeans, and black kitten heels.

In the fashion world, we're seeing insiders style navy with chocolate-brown pieces—such as brown sweaters and dark-wash jeans, navy blazers and brown trousers, and even navy dresses and sheer brown tights. These pairings offer a fresh perspective on color, inviting us to explore new depths in our winter wardrobes.

Monik wears a navy sweater, brown pants, and white sneakers.

If we look at the fall/winter 2025 collections, it makes sense that this color pairing is everywhere now. Brown has always been a classic cold-weather staple hue, but navy's rise this season was more unexpected. Designers like Khaite, Tory Burch, and Miu Miu all showcased navy in rich, saturated tones throughout outerwear, pants, and knits, and many even leaned into the navy-and-brown pairing. Miu Miu, for instance, styled a navy sweaterdress with brown leather loafers on the runway.

That said, keep scrolling to shop the navy-and-brown outfit trend and see how more chic dressers from Paris to London are styling navy and brown today.

Shop the Navy-and-Brown Outfit Trend

V-Neck Cashmere Sweater

Nordstrom

V-Neck Cashmere Sweater

Don't sleep on Nordstrom's well-priced cashmere for you or someone chic in your life.

365 Low Rise Pleated Wide-Leg Trousers

Gap

365 Low Rise Pleated Wide-Leg Trousers

I own the petite version of these and love them.

Oversized Faux Leather Jacket - Women | Mango Usa

MANGO

Oversized Faux Leather Jacket

If you're asking about expensive-looking winter essentials, I'd recommend this first.

Everyday Straight Jeans

Still Here

Everyday Straight Jeans

Still Here is the It-girl denim brand that fashion people in NYC and L.A. wear.

A woman wears a brown scarf, blue blazer, blue pants, and a brown suede tote.

Style notes: I love how the navy pinstripe blazer and tailored trousers are broken up with the casual yet elegant brown poncho.

100% Wool Asymmetric Knit Cape

Massimo Dutti

100% Wool Asymmetric Knit Cape

The perfect piece to help re-create the above look.

Pinstripe Belted Pants Zw Collection

ZARA

Pinstripe Belted Pants Zw Collection

Wear these to the office with a blazer, to brunch with a sweater, or to the airport with a T-shirt and sweatshirt.

Bonnie Ponte Waisted Blazer

ALIGNE

Bonnie Ponte Waisted Blazer

I know you're a fashion insider if you own a cinch-waist blazer from Aligne.

Suede Mid-Rise Trouser

Vince

Suede Mid-Rise Trouser

These are the prettiest pants I've seen in a long time.

A woman wears a navy and brown jacket, brown pants, and brown loafers.

Style notes: Refresh your sophisticated tailored trousers with a sporty fleece and a barn jacket.

Elinda Dress

Chic dressers in NYC will be styling this with sheer tights, pumps, and a long wool coat for evening events throughout December and January.

Calzedonia, Soft Comfort 30 Denier Microfiber Tights

Calzedonia

Soft Comfort 30 Denier Microfiber Tights

Ever since my favorite fashion influencer convinced me to buy sheer brown tights instead of black ones, I haven't looked back.

Explore More:

Color Trends

Originally published by whowhatwear.com. Syndicated material does not necessarily reflect the views of Vanity Fair Fashion.

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Yes, Black-and-White Is Chic, But This Elegant Winter Color Combination Looks Expensive Every Time - Vanity Fair Fashion