The Chicest Over-50s Proved It: Brown Is the Most Elegant Winter Shade, But Only When Paired With These Colours

When it comes to style inspiration, I cast my net wide—you never quite know when or where you’ll stumble across something brilliant. Take this morning, for example. As I scrolled through my feed, catching up on what the celebrity style set had been wearing over the weekend, I stumbled upon a true treasure trove of winter outfit ideas—courtesy of the chicest over-50s out there.

All taking the chocolate brown colour trend for a spin, I spotted Emma Thompson, Julianne Moore and Jennifer Lopez styling the rich hue with a range of sophisticated shades that made the chic neutral feel even more elevated.

If you’ve also embraced the chocolate brown trend this year but aren’t quite sure how to keep it feeling luxe and polished (rather than flat or heavy), consider this your guide. Below, I’ve broken down the colour combinations that make brown look its most refined—straight from some of the most stylish women on my radar.

1. Champagne + Dark Brown

Style Notes: I had to stop mid-scroll when this image of Emma Thompson appeared on my screen. The elegant colour pairing—champagne and chocolate brown—is one I’d never thought to try, but now I’m convinced it’s one of the chicest colour combinations out there. In a glossy satin blouse and deep brown wide-leg trousers, Emma’s look felt winter-ready without feeling too heavy. I can already tell this will be a pairing I return to all season long.

Shop the Champagne + Dark Brown Colour Trend:

Wear this with the matching trousers, otherwise pair it with a dark brown pair.

Be quick! These won't stay in stock for long.

The Sei

Draped Silk Satin Top

This elegant blouse will make jeans outfits look 10x more chic.

With Nothing Underneath

Rampling Trousers

With Nothing Underneath's Rampling Trousers are a fashion person's favourites.

2. Black + Dark Brown

Style Notes: Black and brown have long been considered a styling faux pas, but I’ve always thought of them as one of the most sophisticated pairings you can create. The two deep tones play off each other beautifully, creating a look rich in depth and dimension that feels fresher than head-to-toe black. Julianne Moore made my case—her glossy brown leather trousers and dark black knit has inspired my styling for months to come.

Shop the Black + Dark Brown Colour Trend

A Day's March

Hurston Cashmere Sweater

As we settled into the coldest season, there's really nothing I'd rather wear more than a cosy cashmere knit, and this jet black style is topping my wish list.

H&M

Off-The-Shoulder Jumper

While I love this in black, it also comes in grey, cream and pink.

Massimo Dutti

Nappa Leather Trousers

Style this with a jet black knit; otherwise, pair it with a casual, boxy tee.

Mango

Faux-Leather Pencil Skirt

Trust me—leather pencil skirts are set to be one of winter's biggest trends.

3. Mole + Dark Brown

Style Notes: Tonal dressing is, in my opinion, the epitome of chic—and that extends to brown outfits, too. Jennifer Lopez paired a deep chocolate dress with a lighter mole-brown layer to create a subtle, two-tone story that exuded elegance. Easy to emulate through the colder months, this pairing proves that playing with shades within the same colour family works every time.

Shop the Mole + Dark Brown Colour Trend:

Mango

Double-Breasted Suit Jacket

Style these with the matching trousers or layer it over a chocolate brown dress.

I'm torn—while I love this in chocolate brown, the jet black shade is tempting me, too.

& Other Stories

Asymmetric Wool Jacket

Be quick! I can't see this staying in stock for long.

Leset

Rozzi Layered Ribbed Jersey Midi Dress

This ribbed-jersey dress is perfect for daily styling.