Style Blog/Style Tips

The Brown Suit Style Breakdown

Published on December 6, 2024

By Nathaniel Longmore
Couple on New York balcony wearing chocolate brown suits for men and women
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If you’re looking to elevate your wardrobe with a versatile and stylish option, consider adding a brown suit. Once seen as exclusively vintage or casual, brown suits have made a huge comeback and are now a go-to for formal and semi-formal looks. From timeless tweed to contemporary clay tones, brown suits offer a fresh alternative to black, gray, or navy, and their earthy tones fit in effortlessly at a range of events and seasons. Let’s explore brown suit colors, styling ideas, and key pairings to make sure you nail your brown suit style.

Classic and Trending Brown Suit Colors

Different shades and textures of brown can create distinct moods, so let’s start by breaking down some of the most popular choices in classic and trending hues.

  • Dark Brown Suits: dark brown suits are classic, refined, and great for most occasions where you’d wear black or navy. A dark brown suit, paired with a crisp white or light-colored shirt, offers an elegant look for formal events, from weddings to business meetings.
  • Tan Suits: Tan suits are ideal for warmer weather and casual events, offering a lighter, relaxed feel. Tan works wonderfully with pastels or earthy tones, making it popular for summer weddings or outdoor events. Pair a tan or light brown suit with a sage green tie or patterned pocket square to play up the color’s light warmth. If you’re feeling bold, pair it with some darker, richer colors for the fall!
  • Clay or Rust Brown Suits: clay-colored suits—those with warmer, red undertones—are becoming increasingly popular as a statement choice. This unique shade is modern, making it ideal for creative industries, daytime weddings, or casual gatherings. Consider pairing it with darker and neutral accessories to keep the look balanced.
  • Brown Tweed Suits: brown tweed suits are a textured, classic style perfect for fall and winter. This style suits rustic-themed weddings, country club events, or seasonal celebrations. Tweed suits pair well with muted tones like forest green or deep maroon, making them excellent for autumnal events. Don’t be afraid to throw in a pop of color, though.

With these shades, you have plenty of options that work for various settings, from the more formula looks to laid-back styles.

How to Style Brown Suits for Different Events

Men's brown and tan wedding suits with tweed suit for groom and light tan groomsman suits
Men's smart casual office outfit with brown tweed suit and beige sweater

A brown suit can be as versatile as any neutral, and with the right fit and accessories, you’ll always look sharp. Here are some styling tips based on what you’re suiting up for:

  • Business and office settings: For a professional environment, a dark brown or chocolate suit offers a sophisticated alternative to black or navy. Stick to a neutral shirt like light blue or white and keep accessories subtle. Classic brown or brown leather shoes and a matching belt are best. For a slightly more relaxed office lok, a tan suit paired with a white shirt can give you that fresh, modern twist.
  • Weddings: Brown suits are an excellent choice for weddings, particularly for earthy, rustic, or bohemian-themed events. For a fall wedding, a dark brown or tweed suit with a rich-colored tie or pocket square will complement the season. If you’re attending a summer wedding, try a clay or tan suit and go with sage green or champagne accents for a breezy, stylish look. Tan is also a very popular color for beach weddings!
  • Casual gatherings: A clay or lighter tan suit with a casual button-down or even a turtleneck can create a very modern, relaxed look. For shoes, you could choose loafers or clean, simple sneakers if the event allows. Brown suits lend themselves to mixing and matching, so don’t hesitate to switch up the trousers or add a patterned jacket.
Leaning on piano wearing women's tweed pant suit with neutral turtleneck layering

Women’s Brown Suits

Brown suits are a refreshing and on-trend option for women, providing a professional yet approachable look for formal events, business settings, and more casual gatherings. Here are some styling ideas for women’s brown suits that suit a variety of occasions:

  • Business and professional events: For a polished, professional look, go for a dark brown suit with a classic white or cream blouse. Accessorize with gold or neutral-toned jewelry, and pair with brown or black heeled loafers or heels. A fitted blazer with a slim or tapered trouser offers a sharp, sophisticated silhouette ideal for office settings or presentations.
  • Wedding and social events: Brown suits are an excellent choice for weddings, especially if you’re seeking something a bit more unique. A lighter tan or clay suit can bring a chic, modern vibe, particularly when paired with a complementary color like blush or sage green. For a bolder approach, accessorize with a statement necklace or earrings, and opt for nude or metallic heels to complete the look.
  • Casual gatherings: A brown suit can easily be dressed down for more relaxed settings. Try a light tan or clay suit with a tucked-in tee shirt or a turtleneck, and pair it with ankle boots or loafers. This creates a sophisticated, smart casual look that’s both comfortable and stylish.
Women wearing dark brown suit and t shirt for trendy power suit style

Gender-Neutral Brown Suit Styles

For those seeking a more androgynous vibe, brown suits offer a balanced, accessible option that works across a range of body types and style preferences. Here are some tips on how to style a gender-neutral brown suit:

  • Work and formal occasions: A dark brown suit makes for a streamlined, versatile look that works in almost any setting. Pair with a neutral, unstructured shirt for a subtle touch of style, and accessorize minimally. Black leather loafers or sleek, minimalist sneakers make a great pairing to add to the suit’s casual, polished aesthetic.
  • Casual events: For a laid-back approach, go with a tan or rust brown suit and layer with a knit sweater or a high-quality tee shirt. This look is versatile enough for creative workplaces or weekend gatherings, and it’s easy to dress up or down with the right footwear.
  • Wedding and special occasions: For weddings or other special events, consider a clay or dark brown suit with warm undertones that pair well with rich, earth-inspired colors like forest green, burgundy, or copper. Adding a touch of texture, such as a tweed blazer or herringbone trousers, can make the outfit more visually interesting. To complete the look, try a matching brown or beige pocket square and shoes that align with the formality of the event.
Smiling wearing men's light tan suit and men's brown clay suit with black dress shirts in front of Brooklyn Bridge

What Shoes to Wear with a Brown Suit

Choosing the right shoes is key to completing a brown suit. Here are some options:

  • Dark Brown Suits: For a classic dark brown suit, go for black or deep brown leather dress shoes for a polished, cohesive look. These choices are formal enough for weddings or business meetings.
  • Tan and Clay Suits: With lighter tones like tan or clay, brown shoes—especially in lighter shades—pair beautifully. Alternatively, loafers or white dress sneakers can add a modern touch for less formal events.
  • Tweed Suits: Brown tweed works well with leather shoes, boots, or oxfords in shades of brown or burgundy to accentuate the fabric’s depth and texture.

For inspiration, check out some classic and contemporary dress shoe options here!

Dressed up for cocktail hour wearing men's brown windowpane suit, accessories, and brown loafers

How to Accessorize a Brown Suit

One of the best parts of wearing a brown suit is how easy it is to add personal touches. Accessories in earthy tones or bold colors like green, navy, and burgundy complement brown and help complete the look.

  • Ties and pocket squares: Match your tie and pocket square to the season and occasion. For formal events, choose darker colors like navy or burgundy for an elegant look, while lighter tones like sage green or champagne work well for summer events.
  • Shirts: White and light blue shirts are safe bets that work for almost any occasion. For a more fashion-forward approach, a light pink or soft patterned shirt can add personality.
  • Belts and watches: With brown suits, leather accessories should be your go-to. Stick to belts and watches in shades that match or complement the suit color, like brown or dark green.

Ready to Suit Up in Brown?

Whether you’re dressing up for a wedding, stepping up your office style, or going for a smart casual look, brown suits are a versatile choice that can complement any wardrobe. Explore SuitShop’s selection to find the perfect fit, style, and shade of brown for you, whether you’re after a traditional or more modern look. With these tips, you’ll be ready to make your brown suit style your own for any occasion.

Nathaniel Longmore
Nathaniel Longmore

Nate, a former SuitShop groom, is a writer by passion and trade. When he's not typing away from a local coffee shop, you can find him hiking the trails or searching the racks of a thrift store.

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