by Clutched.
Shades of Brown for Autumn
Brown has emerged as the defining colour of autumn, reshaping how designers are building their collections. What once sat quietly behind black, navy or camel has become the dominant mood across autumn, reshaping how wardrobes are being built.
The signal came first from handbags. Major fashion houses lined their new season drops with espresso, chestnut, and earth-toned leathers, pushing black and tan into the background. These shades are rich and deliberate, with grainy and glossy finishes providing depth. It’s rare for a colour to feel like such a clear marker of the season, but this is one of those times.
Brown coats in wool and cashmere were some of the strongest looks on recent runways, styled head-to-toe with tonal accessories. There’s an authority in the way these shades photograph, which is why you’ll see them dominating street style shots as the weather turns.
Knitwear and tailoring complete the picture. Designers are placing brown in the same space that grey once held, confident it will ground whatever you wear with it. Wide-leg trousers, double-breasted jackets, and heavy knits all make the case for brown as the defining base colour for autumn.
Brown has moved from accent to anchor, and it is shaping the way collections are being put together this year. One considered addition in the right tone is enough to place your wardrobe firmly in step with the season.
*Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
Editor’s Bag Picks
Nili Lotan
Lou Brown Suede Tote Bag – £2,150
The Row
Bourse XL Gathered Brown Leather Shoulder Bag – £1,540
Toteme
T-Lock Dark Brown Leather Shoulder Bag – £1,100
Bottega Veneta
Andiamo Fondant Leather Bucket Bag – £3,990
Valentino Garavani
Nellcôte Embellished Dark Brown Suede Shoulder Bag – £1,750
Staud
Maude Mini Espresso Top Handle Carryall – £380
Alaïa
Le Teckel Medium Brown Nubuck Shoulder Bag – £1,900
Métier
Twist 18 Nubuck Chocolate Shoulder Bag – £1,850
Coach
Bleecker Maple Leather Bucket Bag – £450
Liffner
Buckled Dark Brown Leather Bucket Bag – £545
Jacquemus
Le Bisou Perle Embellished Croc-effect Brown Suede Shoulder Bag – £655
Jimmy Choo
Bar Hobo Small Chocolate Biker Leather Shoulder Bag – £725
Saint Laurent
Y Brown Leather Tote Bag – £3,105
Khaite
Lotus Small Textured Dark Brown Leather Tote – £2,190
Gucci
Jackie 1961 Smal Dark Brown Leather Shoulder Bag – £2,820
Editor’s Clothing Picks
Bottega Veneta
Wool English Rib Fondant Jumper – £1,420
Loewe
Cropped Belted Coffee Cotton Silk Blend Trousers – £1,000
Saint Laurent
Ribbed Knit Brown Midi Dress – £1,460
Proenza Schouler
Tasa Draped Crepe de Chine Brown Midi Dress – £870
Staud
Davina Dress Earth – £475
Maje
Dark Brown Wool Blend Jacket – £479
Sandro Paris
Brown Wide Leg Trousers – £299
Altuzarra
Milda Dress Saddle – £1,125
Zimmermann
Lucky Metallic Ribbed Stretch Knit Chocolate Maxi Dress – £850
Khaite
Vin Ribbed Knit Dark Brown Polo Shirt – £1,450
Max Mara
Ponza Glen Plaid Print Chocolate Cotton Blend Trousers – £625
Arch4
Ariana Ribbed Turtleneck Brown Cashmere Sweater – £350
Stouls
Astrid Brown Suede Cardigan – £1,434
How to Wear Brown This Season
Start with one key brown piece and let it anchor your look. A leather tote or shoulder bag in chestnut, espresso, or dark brown provides instant seasonal grounding, pairing naturally with autumnal textures like wool, cashmere, and suede.
Layering is key. Match a chunky knit with wide-leg trousers in complementary brown tones, or balance a brown midi dress with tailored outerwear. Mixing textures, suede with smooth leather, ribbed knit with silk.
Footwear and accessories in brown complete the story. Ankle boots, loafers, or heeled sandals in chocolate or fondant harmonise with bags and outerwear. Small details such as a belt or scarf in a warm brown accentuate tonal cohesion across the outfit.
Finally, don’t shy from full tonal dressing. Head-to-toe brown can feel modern when shapes remain clean and the focus is on material and finish. For a twist, layer lighter and darker browns together to give subtle dimension.
Get inspired and find your perfect East-West Bag or some trendy blue jeans to go with your new brown bag!
