Much has been harked on about the importance of wardrobe neutrals, yet one basic item that often gets overlooked in this conversation is brown trousers.
In the late 20th Century, brown trouser outfits were everywhere, but none more apparent than in the costuming of fictionalised New York fashion people like Sex And The City's Carrie Bradshaw and Rachel Green from Friends.
And while many '90s fashion styles have fallen out of favour in the past decades, this unsung staple has quietly remained a firm favourite because of how effortless it is to create a brown trouser outfit around existing pieces you already own.
Of course, if you weren't aware of these trousers before hand, you might not be across their recent resurgence. These days, you'll notice brown trousers often sprouting up in collections of some of the best minimalist brands like The Row, Toteme, St. Agni and Massimo Dutti, proving exactly why it's a worthy capsule wardrobe addition. Indeed, you need only look to the plethora of designers and expensive-looking high street pieces offering up contemporary versions of this earthy fundamental to understand its appeal. (Think: Rosie Huntington-Whitely in new season Saint Laurent for Paris Fashion Week.)
As it's an in-between hue, the piece lends itself to transitional dressing. While on the darker end of the colour spectrum, it feels a bit more modern when compared to stark black, navy and grey, given its current popularity.
Indeed, if you haven't noticed already, brown trouser outfits are everywhere. From the deep chocolate textures chic Parisians are wearing to bring a touch of glamour to the brighter latte shades Londoners are embracing to bring a touch of polish to understated outfits, it's hard to escape their prevalence.
Bridging the gap between trendy and timeless, brown trouser outfits prove to be a true staple that can be depended on for elegance and sophistication when compiling a look. As there are so many ways to wear them—from full monochrome to being a focal accent against a sea of other toned-down fabrics—I've helped kickstart your fixation with the piece by compiling your definitive guide to the best brown trouser outfits. Uncover them all ahead.
The 7 Best Brown Trouser Outfits You Can Always Rely On
1. Strapless Top + Low-Rise Trousers + Kitten Heels
Style Notes: The brown trouser renaissance is partly owed to their simplicity and endless styling possibilities—one of the many things I adore about muted colours myself—but also in part to the many luxury brands who co-signed their return. Miu Miu is one such label, with their recent runways littered with iterations of brown trouser outfits.
Shop the Outfit:
Mix vintage fashion pieces with your '90s-esque brown trousers and the 2000s fashion-approved handkerchief scarf.
Invest in the trend with this investment style.
Take cues from the catwalk and street style set with by completing your brown trouser outfit with slingback heels.
2. Oversized Shirt + Tank Top + Wide-Leg Trousers
Style Notes: Where black bottoms can feel quite stiff and formal, brown trouser outfits leave your looks with an effortless quality. Double down on this airiness with breezy linen pants and an oversized shirt.
Shop the Outfit:
Ideal for both brunch and the boardroom.
I'm taking styling cues from this look and levelling up my white tank tops and brown trouser outfits with organic-shaped silver jewellery.
This fresh style is comes in size XS to 4XL.
3. Crochet Top + Cutout Pants + Animal Print Shoes
Style Notes: Though they're synonymous with winter and autumn dressing, brown trousers are also suited to spring and summer wardrobes. Consider them an antidote to blue jeans and black pants on balmier days. I also love how this style takes the '90s cut-out trend and elevates it ever so slightly through the delicate floral detailing along the legs. Talk about an enduring vacation look.
Shop the Outfit:
We're not at the point of wearing our dream holiday outfits, so we'll be wearing this cotton crochet polo version instead.
I love the fit and flare shape of these flares.
These leopard-print boat shoes are so reasonably priced.
4. Cashmere Sweater + Silk Trousers + Kitten Heels
Style Notes: Brown satin trousers have already emerged as one of the leading trends of 2025, making them a perfect starting place if you're unsure where to invest. The combination of the soft fabric and deep mocha finish strikes that sweet balance between sleek and bold.
Shop the Outfit:
It's hard to pass up this ivory-hued affordable cashmere knit.
Not only is the colour gorgeous, but this Reformation essential falls so gracefully down the leg, too.
From Paris Georgia to Jacquemus, zebra patterns are the animal pattern du jour.
5. Trench Coat + Tailored Trousers + Suede Loafers
Style Notes: There's no garment as surreptitiously rich-looking as tailored trousers. They're a classic for a reason and only enhanced when worn with other brown shades. Make sure you choose from the same family of tones for a more cohesive and classy silhouette.
Shop the Outfit:
While a wool blend coat is crucial for winter weather, the waisted belt brings a nice shape that complements spring and summer styling as well.
Pairs back so gracefully with black and white shades.
This high-street pair is one of the best suede loafers on the market.
6. Turtleneck Knit + Jeans + Studded Flats
Style Notes: Cappuccino denim is a celebrity-approved way of wearing brown pants, with the likes of Dakota Johnson, Emily Ratajkowski, Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner all adherents of this style of jeans. Bring in another fashion-forward element through metallic-speckled shoes, the footwear version of the viral studded bag trend.
Shop the Outfit:
Perfect for colour blocking.
Don't be afraid to mix this washed soil-coloured pair with both pastel and saturated colours.
Like Mary Jane trainers, these studded strappy flats are a footwear hybrid fashion-people can't stop wearing.
7. Scarf Coat + Pleated Trousers + Leather Loafers
Style Notes: Scarf blouses are one of the most widespread trends of 2025. But before we're this top was popular, we had the scarf coat. Not only is the wrap-around accent the finishing touch on colder days, it also bolsters the sumptuousness of brown trousers and adds a wink of refinement to an otherwise downplayed look.
Shop the Outfit:
Pair with a black mini skirt and heeled knee-high boots for a more seasonal take.
COS makes some of the best wide-leg pants on the market and this brown version is no exception.
I love the structured ruching on this glossy black pair.
-
9 Outfit Trends That Look Just as Cool Now as They Did in the '90sOur obsession with the decade continues.
-
Craving Easy Outfits? They All Start With This Pant TrendA crowd favorite.
-
The 22 Skirts Fashion People Will Be Wearing Daily This SummerSorry, dresses.
-
If You Run Into Me This Summer, There's a Good Chance I'll Be Wearing One of These 7 Incredibly Cool Sneaker OutfitsBalancing comfort and style.
-
Stylish Women in L.A., London, and Lisbon Agree: This Is How to Wear Sandals With Trousers in 2025Free your toes.
-
6 On-Trend Outfit Ideas That Will Make Anyone Think You Hired a Personal StylistFashionable looks ahead.
-
The Offbeat Styling Trick That Makes T-Shirts and Tanks Look So ElegantPrepare to see this everywhere.
-
True Story: Everyone's Swapping Their Sambas With This Controversial AltIYKYK.
