Black and Brown and Breakdowns.

It’s about proportion and balance. They’re both neutrals, so, in theory, you could mix and match them as you wish. Also, screw rules.

I agree with geekbonchic: proportion and balance. I think black garments (dresses/skirts/tights) with brown accessories (shoes/bags/belts) are an easy fix to wear both, or you could reverse the combination.

Good advice here. But really… it’s a silly rule. Just wear this combo with conviction. If you like it, no one can tell you you’re wrong. :)

i break that rule all the time, really its not a bad combo at all.

I have to say that the new tri-blend coffee color for American Apparel goes amazing with black :) But I am actually a huge fan of black and brown when the brown is in a small dosage at the right places.

ditto to AlinaL

I mix them all the time. Just make sure that the textures work and that it’s pleasing to your eye.
Sometimes when I wear inky blacks and browns, I wear something unexpected yet neutral to keep me from looking too dark, like my bright white Tory Burch flats.
The look also looks nice with gold, it warms the black :)
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i think it’s good to mix black and brown. i wore them together couple times. i think it depends how we put them together.

definitely mix it! i have a dress that is black and brown so i don’t even have to mix it! but i think it’s a great color combination. don’t be afraid, just go for it! :)

i LOVE BLACK AND BROWN TOGETHERRR!!

i like to use black and brown prints most
like my black leather jacket has a brown lining with a flower print in black.
personally i think two blocks of the colour is too obvious. try layers of it. i.e. break up the colour combo with lines and levels etc… i think it even looks good with white.
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Hmmm, I was just about to ask a similar question.

Will I be shot on sight if I walk out of the house with my brown leather ankle boots and a black leather bag?

no lachtuin you can do it!
i think it would look weird only if you had higher boots on like a riding boot in brown. i dont even like wearing my black riding boots with my black leather jacket – too much.

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This will probably make me VERY unpopular, but I totally agree: there is nothing I loathe the sight of more than black mixed with brown! Black is a smart colour whereas brown is an earth tone: they’re from completely different families for a start. The worst is when you see all black outfits with a brown bag or shoes, or vice versa – I think it just seems as though you don’t own anything that matches what you’re wearing.

The only exception is if you have a garment that incorporates the colours in itself – then the best option is to pick a lane and stick to it, so to speak.

Urgh I just personally don’t like it at all, but yes, stick to that gut instinct of yours!

It’s okay to break the rules if you like how it looks.

I think black looks great with tan brown accessories… but mixing dark browns with black can look very unsightly :/ If you know what you’re doing.. and you think it looks good, then go for it – but be careful! :)

I never knew it was a no-no. I’v enever done it though as its not something i’m drawn to.
I’m sure its more than do-able. Just have to find a mix you’re happy with.

Really dark brown doesn’t look good with black, but medium to lighter shades look great.