While neutrals (particularly black) will never go out of style, the fashion world occasionally falls in love with a basic yet innovative color, giving it a fresh life. That’s exactly what we’re witnessing with chocolate brown, which has skyrocketed in popularity due to its adaptability and instant quiet luxury vibes. Also known as coffee or espresso, it has immediately gained significant street style appeal, but the greatest part is that it is ageless enough to survive the trend cycle and stay a wardrobe essential for years to come. Pantone has named “Mocha Mousse” as its 2025 color of the year, so we can expect to see more of this shade in the following months.
About the Trend
In case you missed it, 2023 was the year of quiet luxury, with neutrals, elevated tailoring, and expensive-looking embellishments leading the way, thanks to Sofia Richie Grainge, Jasmine Tookes, and the cast of Succession. While 2024 has witnessed a shift toward increased maximalism through the mob wife aesthetic, indie sleaze, and the louder-luxury “old money” style, neutral hues have maintained a strong position—particularly as inspired alternatives to perennial favorites like black and gray. From denim to burgundy to butter yellow, fresh fundamental hues are everywhere, with chocolate brown being the most recent to take over.
The 12 Best Chocolate Brown Pieces to Shop
Longline Opulence: Chocolate Brown Loulou Studio Borneo Coat
A longline coat is a necessary winter necessity that also serves as a fashion accessory. If you’re seeking to buy a new one this year, a chocolate brown color may appear pricey, but it will remain fashionable for years to come.
Modern Cool: Chocolate Brown Tove Yeal Leather Trouser
Leather trousers are a winter wardrobe must-have, combining utility with an air of effortless sophistication. Chocolate brown adds an unexpected twist to the traditionally black piece: everyone will undoubtedly ask you where you obtained those pants.
Cozy in Cashmere: Chocolate Brown Veronica Beard Andi Wool-Cashmere Sweater
Every winter capsule wardrobe needs a good cashmere sweater for an elevated way to stay cozy all season long, and a comforting shade like chocolate brown feels like sartorial self-care. This wool-cashmere blend will keep you extra warm on days when the wind chill feels almost insulting.
Effortless Magnetism: Chocolate Brown Paris Georgia Raf Draped Jersey Maxi Dress
Easygoing yet elevated, this square-neck maxi dress is made for chic cocktails at a vintage-inspired yet decidedly modern spot. The abstract ruching cuts out any stuffiness to ensure you’re the coolest one in the room.
Pointed-Toe Power: Jeffrey Campbell Daring Boots
Few things boost your confidence like the click of a sophisticated pair of heels, and these coffee-colored ankle booties more than deliver. Pair it with a knit dress for a fashion-oriented winter moment, or try a monochromatic look to switch it up from your go-to all-black.
Peak Performance: Re Ona Signature Biker Shorts
Chocolate brown is a less expected color when it comes to activewear, so it may just be exactly what you need to refresh your pilates routine or day off. Pair the shorts with matching athleisure to move comfortably and look instantly coordinated, or try a button-down for a street style-ready moment.
Sculptural Statement: Freja New York Mercer Bag
Embrace two trends at once by opting for it-bag band Freja’s new east-west style. The elongated, structured silhouette feels both timely and timeless, plus it has two interior slip pockets to help you keep your essentials organized.
Old Money Icon: Veronica Beard Orlane Scuba Dickey Jacket
For office days and any other time you want to feel put-together, you can’t go wrong with a chocolate brown blazer. This one has major “old money” energy with its cinched waist and gold buttons.
Buckled Up: Alohas Luke Onix Leather Ballet Flats
This shade of chocolate brown leather is so dark that it’s almost black—which just may be ideal if you’re not yet totally sold on the trend. The four straps with gold buckles create a unique look that feels slightly edgier than many other ballet flats.
Timeless Chic: Babaton Slip Satin Maxi Skirt
For holiday parties, work days, or any other occasion when you want to feel unmistakably stylish, a slip skirt is a foolproof answer—especially in a rich chocolatey shade. It’s up to you whether you belt it or not: Either way, the bias cut is as put-together as it gets.
Pour-Over Delights: Apparis Amara Bucket Hat
The coldest days call for an elegant hat, and Apparis’ deep brown fake fur style feels even cozier. The fake suede interior strikes the ideal blend of warmth, grip, and smoothness.
Chocolate-tinted lenses: Ferragamo Classic Logo Acetate Oval Sunglasses.
A few months ago, I purchased a pair of deep brown Ferragamo sunglasses—they’ve been the right subtle change from black and have been a highlight in my rotation. While mine pander to my insatiable desire for big frames, these ones incorporate the oval shapes that have become a street style classic while achieving the same color scheme.
Image By Google
Recommend0 recommendationsPublished in apparel
