Deep chocolate, espresso, chestnut… whatever fancy name you want to give it, dark brown is the shade to rock this summer.
If, like me, you shy away from brown when it comes to neutrals, allow me to introduce you to the 2024 version. It’s not a mud brown or a uniform Brownie brown, it’s the shade Sabrina Carpenter sings about in the ubiquitous summer hit: Espresso.
This glamorous deep chocolate hue is softer than black, pairs perfectly with gold accessories and, although considered an autumn colour, was present on all the catwalks for spring/summer 2024. Loewe, Tom Ford, Hermes and Fendi all sported a notable chocolate hue and the high streets took note.
The same was true in Hollywood, where Daisy Edgar-Jones stunned in a dark brown Vivienne Westwood gown on the red carpet last week.
Here’s our guide to adding a little espresso chic to your summer wardrobe…
Mocha is the new black
Stylish: Daisy Edgar-Jones in a Vivienne Westwood dress at the premiere of her new film Twisters in London
Dress, £178, thereformation.com
A black dress is traditionally thought of as a shortcut to glamour, but Daisy Edgar Jones made a convincing case for the dark brown dress on the red carpet last week.
The actress wore a mocha-coloured Vivienne Westwood gown with a thigh-high slit. With brown smoky eye makeup and gold jewellery, she looked like a true Hollywood celebrity.
This style has all the luxury and sophistication of a little black dress, but is softer and especially flattering for those with warm skin tones that are washed out by black.
Get inspired by Daisy and accessorize with gold jewelry.
Upgrade your style with luxury leather
Chocolate handbags were all over the spring/summer 2024 catwalks: at Tom Ford they were elegant envelopes, while Victoria Beckham offered a take on the holdall silhouette and Hermes showed brown versions of its Birkin and Arçon designs in a crescent shape.
From left to right: Bibury handbag, £295, fairfaxandfavor.com; earrings, now £38, anthropologie.com
But instead of shelling out a four-figure sum, invest in this mini suede bag from Fairfax & Favor, for £295. The Bibury comes with a detachable crossbody strap and is easily coordinated with other colours. There’s also a larger version for £345.
Add matching dark tan sandals and you’ll look polished. Gold jewellery adds just the right amount of sparkle – try these statement earrings from Anthropologie, £38.
Flirty details lighten up the look.
Elegant cuts: on the Hermes SS24 catwalk
From left to right: Top, £95, stories.com; Cami, now £45, hanro.co.uk
Designers such as Tom Ford, Loewe and Hermes sent different earthy tones down the runway for spring/summer and they work beautifully on all complexions.
Take these cropped designs on a leather skirt and lace top from the Hermes runway, delicate detailing gives these pieces a feminine edge that’s a welcome alternative to summer’s bold graphic prints.
This long-sleeved blouse from & Other Stories has an equally chic crochet effect, so it doesn’t look boxy. Or look for lace detailing, like this camisole from Hanro, now on sale for £45.
Mix and match brown tones
Elegant: Emily Ratajkowski in a Nour Hammour coat
Trench coat, now £99.49, aligne.co
Jacket, now £197, thefoldlondon.com
Model Emily Ratajkowski’s recent off-duty outfit (left) epitomised espresso chic. Mixing brown tones from her dark chocolate trousers to her mocha leather coat and espresso sunglasses proved that these shades don’t have to be exclusive to the darker months. A black leather trench coat can easily veer into Matrix territory, while brown leather is less aggressive.
Or if you’re a denim fan, why not try a bourbon-coloured jacket instead of the usual caramel colour, like this one from The Fold, or a classic trench coat from Aligne. Add tortoiseshell sunglasses, à la Emily, to complete the look.
Give it some shine
Skirt, £69, albaray.co.uk
Skirt, £119, massimodutti.com
Darker shades can have a tendency to look dull, especially in summer when we tend to opt for more vibrant pieces. Choose your fabric wisely and you’ll avoid that dull finish – silk and satin give a luxurious, subtle sheen to brown that enhances the colour and makes it look expensive.
Pair this satin lingerie skirt from Albaray (or Massimo Dutti) with a flattering top in soft cream (white is too strong a contrast) or pink, which is another perfect match for brown.
The maxi skirt is having a renaissance this summer, but it can be hard to find a flattering fit and you need to be armed with a steam iron if you plan on wearing a linen version, which is why this bias-cut satin style is perfect.
Dress down with ballet flats and switch to cowboy boots or cross-strap shoes for evening.