Why Brown is the New Black: Shades of Brown for Every Skin Tone

In recent years, brown has become a staple in fashion and interior design, taking a place that once belonged almost exclusively to black. This versatile colour brings warmth, depth, and earthiness, making it ideal for anyone looking to add a touch of sophistication and grounded elegance to their wardrobe or space. Today, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of brown, exploring its different shades, their unique histories, and which tones best complement various skin undertones.

Shades of Brown: Discovering the Unique Tones

Brown is far from a single colour; it’s a spectrum with many nuanced shades, each bringing a unique personality to the palette. Here’s a breakdown of some of these captivating tones and their suitability for various skin undertones:

1. Khaki

Khaki is a light, sandy brown shade with yellow undertones, originally used for military uniforms due to its camouflage capabilities. This shade typically suits those with warmer undertones, as its golden notes harmonize beautifully with warm skin tones. As a neutral hue, khaki makes an excellent base for both workwear and casual looks.

2. Buff

Buff is a soft, creamy brown that appears almost beige, with a gentle warmth that pairs well with warm and neutral skin tones. This shade’s subtle elegance makes it ideal for wardrobe staples—think trousers, coats, or sweaters that can be easily layered with other shades.

3. Russet

Russet is a reddish-brown tone reminiscent of autumn leaves. This warm shade is well-suited to warm skin tones and brings a rich pop of earthy colour to outerwear or accessories like scarves and handbags.

4. Sepia

Sepia has a warm, reddish-brown tone, rooted in early photography, where sepia hues created a warm, nostalgic feel. This shade generally suits warmer skin tones, although certain cool-toned individuals may also pull off sepia if it’s balanced with complementary colours.

5. Umber

Umber is a deep, earthy tone, derived from natural earth pigments. It can have both warm and cool variations, though it traditionally leans warmer. Umber complements warm and neutral undertones, making it ideal for wardrobe staples like jackets and footwear that add richness.

6. Mummy Brown

Mummy brown, an intriguing warm greyish-brown, once included real ground-up mummy remains in paint mixtures used by artists. Its muted tone suits both warm and cool undertones depending on the piece, lending an air of mystery and sophistication to statement accessories.

7. Taupe

Taupe balances brown and grey, making it an especially versatile choice for cooler skin tones. This timeless, neutral shade works well across wardrobe items and offers a sophisticated, understated elegance when paired with darker hues like charcoal or navy.

Brown in Your Wardrobe: Tips for Choosing the Right Shade

1. Identify Your Undertone: Knowing your undertone is essential to selecting the best shades of brown. Warm undertones pair beautifully with golden or reddish browns like khaki, fallow, and russet. Cool undertones shine in taupe and certain sepia variations.
2. Use Brown as a Base: Brown is an adaptable base colour that pairs well with other neutrals and bold hues. Try a taupe or umber coat as your go-to outerwear, or add a touch of warmth with a russet or fallow accessory.
3. Mix and Match: Layer different shades of brown in a single outfit. Pair a khaki jacket with a taupe scarf, or mix sepia accessories with buff trousers for a cohesive, grounded look.

Why a Colour Analysis is Essential for Choosing Your Perfect Shades

Colour analysis is a transformative process that reveals the shades best suited to your unique skin tone, allowing you to build a wardrobe that highlights your features. Knowing your colour palette can simplify shopping, streamline your wardrobe, and help you feel more confident in your everyday style.

The beauty of colour analysis is that it can be done both in-person and digitally, so you can access expert guidance from anywhere. Whether you prefer an in-person experience or the convenience of a virtual session, a trained colour specialist can help you identify your ideal colours. At the end of each session, you’ll receive a custom palette that takes the guesswork out of colour choices, ensuring that every piece in your wardrobe complements your natural beauty.

Ready to discover your best shades of brown—and beyond? Book a personal colour analysis session today to see how these tones can elevate your wardrobe and your confidence.