Welcome to another edition of Match Made in Seven! We are an international group of fashion bloggers who meet once a month. One of us chooses a theme in turn, and that can be anything. A book, music, a color, a movie. Then we each style an outfit based on that theme. The theme for this month is Brown Fashion. Our stylish friend from the Netherlands, Sonja from Beauty Some, picked this theme. Sonja has a great sense of style and loves a challenge as reflected in this theme!
Read on to see how I interpret this theme…
Basic Brown Fashion
Oftentimes, when we think of brown, we think drab, basic or boring. But it doesn’t have to be that way! There are many rich brown shades to choose from so it’s easy to find just the right shade for you. For me, browns with a bit of orange in them work best. And camel shades work for almost everyone.
Since brown itself is a neutral, it’s a great fit with other neutrals like beige, olive, camel, and greige. It pairs beautifully with fall colors in shades like navy blue, mustard yellow, rust, and dusty rose.
Like all neutrals, texture is key with styling an outfit in shades of brown. The variations in fabric and weaves is what gives this neutral color its character and style.
My Take on Basic Brown Fashion
When you think of brown fashion, what image do you see? The color brown runs the gamut from a light tannish-brown to deep chocolate with hundreds of shades in between. I tend to wear browns on the lighter end of the spectrum.
A basic turtleneck is an easy choice and I’ll bet almost all of you have at least one. Mine is a lighter weight that works for my climate. The color is described as “driftwood heather” and is a light brown shade that goes with almost anything. The tunic length gives lots of options for styling, including tucked into a skirt.
The camel-ish color jeans are from Universal Threads at Target. I love the fit of their jeans and if you haven’t tried them, be sure to check them out. The price is incredible and they come in short and plus sized in addition to misses. Gotta love that! I know I do.
For texture, you can’t beat suede boots, and these mid-calf boots have become my favorites. They are super easy to layer over fitted ankle jeans, jeggings, or leggings. The calf-hair belt ties all the brown shades together.
We took these photos in our local park and it was chilly in the shade. So, a brown teddy coat was a nice warm layer.
Sergeant taking a walk!
Brown resin earrings from Sole Society kept a natural look for the outfit.
The Photo Shoot
Doesn’t that subtitle make it sound official? Lol! In any case, we took these photos at a nearby park. You can see that even in Southern California we DO have seasonal changes, though they may not be as visible as in your climate. Along the coast here, it’s been in the 60s during the day and low 50’s at night. Yes, it’s our almost-winter season!
My Photographer (i.e. husband!) getting creative!
SHOP THE POST
Be sure to check out how my favorite fashionistas have styled this month’s theme. I can’t wait to see their versions of “basic brown fashion.”
What a wonderfully creative group of women!
Debbie of https://www.debbiestyleslife.
Darlene of https://aquamarinastyle.com/
Sonja of https://www.yustsome.nl/
Bettye of https://fashionschlub.com/
Anna of https://www.muttonstyle.com/
Emma of http://www.style-splash.com/
Nancy of https://www.
Darlene, this is such a great take on the basic brown theme! I love these lighter shades of tan on you. They are very flattering with your complexion. And all of the wonderful elements that you have combined from the turtleneck to the leopard belt. Great job! Thanks for linking up.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thanks, sweet Shelbee! To be honest, this was a challenge for me. When I first thought of brown for our Match Made in Seven group, I discovered I don’t have much! Once I figured out brown runs the gamut from tan to near-black, it was easier. Those ladies do a good job of stretching me! Lol!
I hope you are TRULY taking some time this holiday season. You work so hard on your blog–I’m always impressed!
xx Darlene
I love how you interpreted the brown theme! If they wanted dark, they should have been more specific 😛 You’re so right and I actually have some beige boots that I need to dig out of my closet and put to use this winter. And I love those pants from Target! Is that leopard-print belt from Target, too? I see you have a little shadow that follows you when you’re getting your picture taken. What a cutie! And it’s great to have a creative mind behind the camera with those helpful photo tips (cute idea!).
Ruth
http://www.VogueFauxReal.com
Hi, Ruth. Yes, the belt is from Target, too. I just discovered my Shop the Post widget wasn’t working, but have it up now. Don’t you just love tech sometimes?! Yes, I typically have an entourage for photo taking–my two doggies and my husband. It’s always an adventure, right? Lol!
Thanks for the nice comments and have a lovely holiday!
xx Darlene
Hi Darlene
I love this soft, neutral look with these warm brown pieces! I styled a monochromatic brown look a few weeks back and as you said, add texture – love those slouchy boots! The addition of the teddy coat is perfect and looks oh so cozy! I need to wear mine on the blog soon. A lovely look, I have always been a fan of browns-, especially camel, and a rich espresso brown.
thanks for linking!
Merry Christmas!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
You are so good with neutrals and the rich Autumn shades, Jess! The slouchy boots are my new favorites.–I’m really loving the mid-calf length. I will look for your teddy on your blog!
Merry Christmas to you, too!
xx Darlene
Monochrome Brown! Wow, looking good. Those schades of Brown look very good on you. Love the boots and the coat!
Thanks, Nancy. This one was another challenge, but once I determined brown didn’t have to be dark, I figured it out! I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season, my friend.
xx Darlene
I love these lighter shades of brown, they work really well for your warmer climate (just slightly envious!). Your jacket looks lovely and cosy.
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thanks, Emma. Yes, they are definitely not for super cold weather! Aren’t these faux shearling pieces just so cozy?
Happiest of holidays, Emma!
xx Darlene
Lovely! I like your “shades of cream” look!
My family in Southern California sometimes complain about “the cold,” and how they’re going to need their down coats, and I’m like, “REALLY”?? They’re layering up at 60…and I’m stripping down!
Is that your dog? Is he wearing brown, too?? 🙂
Bettye
https://fashionschlub.com
Hah! I have to laugh at the Southern California people comment! It’s so true! We’ve had weather in the 50s and have been whining about it! Lol! And yes, we do wear our puffy coats to walk the dogs in the evening. Cold wimps, to be sure! Yes, that was Sergeant, our Schnauzer mix. Both our dogs are shelter dogs. He is actually black with a white cravat but starting to turn grey on his feathers.
I think you are in charge of the next theme–is that right? Can’t wait. Maybe. Lol!
Happy holidays,
xx Darlene
I love it how you styled this brown theme! That furry coat is so lovely ❤️
Thanks, Sonja! You are so good at challenging us, girl!! Lol! Thanks for stretching us all.
xx Darlene
Beautiful Darlene! I love all the different shades you used and textures! Nailed it!
It was another interesting challenge for our Match Made in Seven group. The challenges are always a way to stretch us, which is good!
Thanks, Laura, and Merry Christmas,
xx Darlene
Beautiful! A neutral look can be as striking as a colorful outfit. Your dog Sergeant is posing for the photos, how cute!
Haha! Yes, he is very aware and always watching things! Thank you, Mercy, and happy holidays!
xx Darlene
You look great wearing brown, Darlene! Love all of your stylings! Merry Christmas!
Thanks, Debbie. I’m headed to check out what the rest of the Match Made in Seven is styling for this theme!
Merry Christmas to you, too.
xx Darlene