How to wear chocolate brown this season

Chocolate brown does most of what black does, with more warmth. It softens tailoring, it sits easily next to colours that black can make look harsh, and it works from a Monday meeting to a Sunday walk. If you add one new shade to your wardrobe this autumn, it is a good place to start.

Start with cream

Brown and cream is the pairing that never looks forced. A chocolate coat over an ivory knit and pale trousers looks pulled together without much effort. If dark colours tend to wash you out, keep the lighter shade closest to your face and wear the brown as your outer layer or on your lower half.

Go tonal

Wearing several browns together, such as espresso, chocolate, camel and tan, looks more considered than it is difficult. The trick is texture. Mix a ribbed knit with something smooth, or a matte fabric with a little sheen, so the outfit has depth instead of reading as one flat block.

Add one deep accent

Oxblood and burgundy share brown's red undertone, which is why they sit so well beside it. One piece is enough: a satin skirt under a brown coat, or a wine-coloured knit with chocolate trousers.

What to wear it with

• Jewellery: gold and warm metals bring out the richness of brown.
• Shoes and bags: tan, cognac or a darker brown. Matching exactly is not necessary.
• Denim: ecru or mid-blue. Both keep the look relaxed.
• Black: it can work, but make it deliberate, such as black boots and a black belt, not one stray piece.

See how we have put it together in The Autumn Edit.