Outfit Inspiration: “Caramel”
November 7, 2012 in Fashion, Sarah Hulbert Style
Occasion: Community women’s event
Dress: Apt. 9 via Kohl’s (previously styled here)
Jacket: ModCloth (previously styled here)
Necklaces: Vintage
Bracelet: Vintage
Tights: Target
Boots: Target
Bag: TJ Maxx
Umbrella: H&M (previously seen here)
I’ve been talking a lot lately about “fashion rules”.
And, more importantly, I’ve been talking about how you can break them!
(Read here about how to break the rule: ‘Never wear horizontal stripes!‘
and here about throwing ‘Never mix your patterns!‘ out that wardrobe window!!!)
Today, let’s look at how to wear black and brown together. I know what you’re thinking -black and brown? Blech!!! And let me be honest, not that long ago, I might have agreed with you. But over the years, I have learned that pairing any two colors together is not about hue (the color), but rather about the tone (how warm or cool the color is). Two things you need to know to make your black-brown pairing too perfect:
- Look for contrast! If you put dark brown against black, it will get lost. So pick a lighter shade and it will pop!
- Watch your tone! Above I said to look at how warm or cool the tone is. A good way to think of this is -how yellow or blue are the undertones are in the brown? If the brown looks warm, or a little yellowish, it will nicely complement a crisp blue-black. Red browns will also look lovely, so long as they are vivid enough to not get lost against black. Look for yummy color names like “caramel”(my fave), “tawny”, and cognac. Steer clear of “espressos” and “chocolates” (tho they are delicious!). Here’s little visual for ya:
Do you ever wear black and brown together?
How do you make tricky color combos look great?
Linking up today with my lovelies:
Transatlantic Blonde The Pleated Poppy Wardrobe Wednesdays Rolled Up Pretty
Your Whims Wednesday Show and Share Rae Gun Ramblings
Follow Me Wednesday Weekly Wednesday Blog Hop Ta-Dah Tuesday
Dress for the Day Little Things Fave Frock Fridays Casual Fridays Friday Finds & Faves Fashion Fridays (Chic) Fashion Fridays (Episodes)
23 Comments
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Lovely look! Especially the boots and jacket! Thanks for partying with us at Show & Share girl!
I love that umbrella!
Xo Megan
love that trench Sarah!
Chioma
C’s Evolution of Style
This is a GREAT visual. I agree 100%
You look amazing as usual and you always find the most fun spots for pics. I just use my backyard bc it’s easy haha
lovely colors! You look terrific and ready for rainy weather. Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things hop. Wishing you a happy weekend. xo
I’ve always had trouble mixing black and brown together! I don’t know why! It looks great on you!
~Jessica
http://jeansandateacup.blogspot.com/
thanks for joining us in dressing for the day! i love this color combo and your pop of red lipstick!
Great color combination~you look fabulous!
I really love black and brown together. It feels utterly classic and sophisticated – you did such a wonderful job of putting the combination together! Thank you so much for linking up for Thrifter Thursday!
Callie
http://www.coffeeandcardigans.com
You’re looking sweet in caramel! I pair all kinds of browns and black together pretty regularly. They’re both neutrals so I don’t worry about it!
Cute. I’ve seen these colors paired together with red as well. I have some red jeans that I’m still looking to pair with something.
So trendy! Love the umbrella!
You are right! Great minds do think alike. You look gorgeous. Love, love this combo!
I’ve always loved black and khaki together, such a classic feeling color combo. Now I am really loving cognac/tan with black and even light grey. Gasp.
I am still not crazy about khaki and light grey together (lack of contrast), but you’re absolutely right, as long as the contrast is there pretty much anything goes. 
Also, love your classy outfit! You look so pretty and fresh.
Well, I love black and brown!! By the way, I love your ring! x
Love the way you have pulled this colour combo off and how you break it down!
) What a stunning setting for photos too. You look beautiful – as always. Thanks for joining in with WW 
)
Love this! Simple but chic. And I want to steal your umbrella.
And you do it once again! Inspirational…..love this and realized I did the expresso and black the other day! The cut of the outfit went together…..but now I know!
I’m really coming around on this too and have enjoyed wearing my cognac boots with black leggings. I love how your accessories really tie together your look today. And you must have the prettiest lips on earth, I swear.
Funny you should say…:) I am wearing black leggings today and my caramelly knee high boots. Yes!
Thanks for such a great explanation! I don’t wear black and brown very often – when I quit dying my hair I pretty much quit wearing browns because they don’t work well with gray hair (I think). But I have a black and tan skirt that I love to pair with colored tops. And the stripes are horizontal – another rule-breaker!
Love your outfit!
You look very pretty and all your pieces work together extremely well. The umbrella is fun too.
~FringeGirl
Black and brown together used to scare me, but like you said, once you find the right “tones” it totally works!