As we ease into the new season, I’ve been paying extra attention to the pieces in my wardrobe that are truly earning their keep, versus the ones I can retire in favour of something fresher. As someone who wears jeans nearly every day, denim is a category I like to keep on rotation, ensuring every pair makes me feel confident, comfortable and current. I tend to go through phases, wearing one or two styles on repeat before moving on to something new, but recently I’ve fallen into a particularly dedicated loop. Almost every morning, I reach for the same trending pair of jeans.
Not classic blue. Not moody black. This season, it’s chocolate brown denim that has captured my attention, and if my Instagram feed is anything to go by, I’m far from alone. The richest new addition to our winter wardrobes, these espresso-hued jeans have quickly become the fashion set’s favourite alternative to our usual neutrals.
Because they’re not as instinctive to style as blue or black, I carved out some time to refine my shoe pairings. Whether you’re drawn to elegant ballet flats or want to experiment with animal print, below are the five footwear styles that complement chocolate brown jeans perfectly.
1. Brown Jeans + Brown Ballet Flats:
Style Notes: I’ve never met a tonal pairing I didn’t love, and chocolate brown jeans styled with matching ballet flats might be my chicest discovery yet. Polished without feeling overly dressy, this duo offers a refined alternative to the classic blue-jeans-and-black-ballet-flats formula, while maintaining all the comfort.
Shop Brown Jeans and Brown Ballet Flats:
While I love this in the rich chocolate brown, it also comes in 11 other shades.
Style with socks to give your look a preppy finish.
COS' denim collection is a fashion person's favourite for a reason.
I have these ballerinas myself, and they're some of my most-worn shoes.
2. Brown Jeans and Glossy Loafers
Style Notes: To sharpen the inherently relaxed feel of denim, glossy leather loafers are my go-to. A sleek black pair in particular complements the warm, earthy tone of brown jeans beautifully, creating a rich, winter-ready combination that feels elevated without veering too formal.
Shop Brown Jeans and Glossy Loafers:
The relaxed cut lends these a chic, casual energy.
Void of excess embellishments, you can come back to these sleek loafers year after year.
Style these with low-profile trainers or pair them with a glossy loafer.
These sleek black shoes are so easy to slot into a capsule wardrobe.
3. Brown Jeans + Beige Heels
Style Notes: When I want to dress up brown denim, I always start with beige heels. This soft, wearable neutral harmonises effortlessly with dark brown, offering contrast without harshness.
Shop Brown Jeans + Beige Heels:
Style with a tonal top for a sleek, coordinated look.
The chocolate brown colour trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down.
Be quick! These are on their way to selling out.
The T-bar design lends these kitten heels a sleek, polished edge.
4. Brown Jeans + Sheepskin Boots:
Style Notes: This is the cosiest pairing I could possibly recommend. Sheepskin boots with chocolate brown jeans create a warm, grounded look that’s perfect for frosty mornings and relaxed plans. Style with other neutral layers for a comfortable ensemble you’ll want on repeat all winter long.
Shop Brown Jeans + Sheepskin Boots:
While I love these in the chocolate brown, they also come in 11 other shades.
I have these myself and wear them every single day.
This comes in four different leg lengths, so you can find your perfect fit.
The sheepskin finish ensures a snuggly fit.
5. Brown Jeans + Animal Print Shoes:
Style Notes: The animal-print shoe trend shows no sign of slowing down, and it happens to be one of the most natural partners for brown denim. Because many animal prints sit within the same earthy palette, the combination always feels cohesive. Leopard and the newly trending deer print look cool, but my personal favourite has to be a chic cow-print shoe for a playful yet polished finish.
Shop Brown Jeans + Animal Print Shoes:
The elasticated waist ensures a comfortable fit.
The cow print trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down.
These chocolate brown jeans are such a chic alternative to blue for winter dressing.
Style these with jeans or pair them up with tailored trousers.
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