Can You Pull Off the Brown-With-Black Style "Faux Pas"?

News flash: Fashion rules are meant to be broken. Think about it. When was the last time you questioned seeing someone cool wearing socks with sandals, dresses over jeans, or a mix of bold prints? It’s practically become the norm to embrace traditionally “ugly” styles in favor of achieving a forward look. Clashing colors arguably have the highest misconception about being a stylistic “don’t,” but today we’re investigating the combination of black with brown, in particular, with the hopes of reversing whatever “rule” dictates against it. Whether they’re wearing brown shoes with black pants or carrying brown accessories with a black base, the following women exemplify what you can actually do when it comes to mixing the two neutrals.

Black shoes with brown pants? This look proves it does more than just “break rules.” Black patent leather boots look so cool and forward with trousers in a rich shade of amber.

In varying shades of neutral tones, this look is anything but that: neutral. Her black midi skirt pairs nicely with of-the-moment slouchy boots and her accessories are seriously covetable.

For those who consistently prefer a black color scheme over brown tones in any given outfit, try out a leopard-print piece that mixes the two in the most classic way and, quite honestly, goes with just about anything.

Tartan plaid is another go-to print that mixes brown with black effortlessly. We love how her black boots and white top equally pick up colors from her printed skirt.

Let us guess: You have a seemingly endless array of black boots in your wardrobe and probably a brown coat or two. Take notes from this chic look and mix in a few solid colors via a sweater or a bag to break up the neutrals.

Try mixing darker athleisure pieces with flirtier ones, like a floral dress, white ankle boots, and a top-handle bag.

For something subtler, try the sleeker look of a dark brown bag with a black skirt.

A smaller animal print in coat form feels flirty.

Black leather accessories and shoes ground this outfit of simple warm tones and cozy textures.

While we're not sure how we'd pull off black pants and brown shoes, we're certain a look like this, which inverts the color combo, is a winner.

In theory, we shouldn't like this combination of black boots and a brown bag as much as we do. I guess some things are better left out of practice.

Give a brown suit an easygoing feel with black flats and a black T-shirt.

If there's anything we've learned, it's that black shoes and bags are the perfect complements to a warm-toned outfit.