Brown is the new black: How to wear the 70s-inspired hue

The divisive hue is back

Brown gets a pretty bad reputation when it comes to clothing. It’s drab, ugly and the reserve of librarians and girl scouts.

But, despite being shunned by the masses for some years, this season the fashion world has declared it a must-have hue.

This is partly due to fashions enduring love affair with all things Seventies, of course.

An era when things never looked so brown, this isn’t the first time the decade has made a comeback, but up until now, its return has been signalled by more wearable trends like fringing, checked blazers and corduroy.

For 2018 however, the retro mood is taking itself through sepia-tinged glasses with shades of camel, toasty burnished brown and haute hazels.

At Fendi, the under-appreciated shades covered everything from PVC coats to suede midi skirts and monogrammed sweaters, while Chloe offered an ode to every shade in the spectrum with a cast of autumnal colours on riding skirts, plunging shirt dresses and bohemian dresses.

Double-Breasted Blazer, £119, Pleated Trousers, £79.99, Zara

With September fast approaching, now is the time to ditch those sorbet shades. Brown-on-brown styling is the perfect antidote, but just how should you wear it?

From tan to taupe, beige and chocolate, all you need to do is find the right hue for you and it promises to make your wardrobe work twice as hard.

Hattie Ankle Boots, £89, Topshop

If you want to broach the trend tentatively, don’t believe the myth that brown can’t be worn with black. In fact, it’s one of the easiest ways to wear it; simply layer a shirt or jacket over a fine black roll-neck and you’ve nailed it.

Alternatively, corduroy is one of the few fabrics everyone agrees looks better in brown. So if you want to go all-out Seventies, this is your best option.

Satin Long Sleeve Shirt, £27.50, Marks & Spencer

If you were around to experience the fashion first time round, be careful to avoid anything too fussy or bohemian. Instead, stick to foolproof staples that you can blend into your wardrobe like tan boots, a leather bag or a trusty trench coat.

Croc-Effect Tote Bag, £35.99, Mango

Corduroy Blazer, £89, & Other Stories