Chocolate Brown Is This Summer’s Most Versatile Neutral

Key Takeaways

• After first becoming a major color trend this past winter, chocolate brown is bringing an unexpectedly moody-luxe energy to summer, adapted for warmer weather with lightweight fabrics and statement silhouettes.
• The hue pairs well with shades like baby blue, pistachio green, and guava, creating elevated contrasts that often riff off sweet treats.

It may be summer, but that doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your beloved neutrals. While bolder shades like guava and cobalt are abundant in this summer’s top color trends, one of our favorite hues from this past winter—chocolate brown—is back for more. After rising to popularity via rich espresso boots and east-west handbags, the scrumptious shade has quietly crept into our summer wardrobes as temperatures rise, bringing “old money” glamour and a ’70s-inspired free spirit to our warm-weather ensembles. Ahead, learn about chocolate brown’s fresh character arc this summer, complete with the best ways to style this versatile, trending shade.

The Chocolate Brown Trend

The warm, deep shade of chocolate brown radiates sophistication. That’s exactly what makes this trend so delicious: When reimagined in a new silhouette or print, it’s innately unexpected. We’ve spotted fashion voices like Sofia Richie Grainge and Bella Hadid reach for richer neutrals, and content creators are following suit. While last winter’s take on the shade was luxurious and grounding, this summer’s pieces lean a bit more sultry: a molten mocha, if you will. 

@abimarvel / Instagram

Of-the-moment designers like Miu Miu and Loewe have led the pack with their spins on suede textures, warm browns, and rich neutrals. These pieces—like Miu Miu’s hot chocolate shoulder bag—read as simultaneously elevated and head-turning. In footwear, velvety brown slingbacks and textured block heels are switching up the context for rich shades of brown. 

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The magic of this color trend lies in its timelessness and true versatility. It feels like an intuitive choice for both minimalist and maximalist closets, as chocolate brown pairs easily with a range of other shades and textures.

The Rise of Unexpected Summer Neutrals

First things first: This isn’t your typical approach to summer dressing. Warm shades of mocha and walnut are usually relegated to the colder months, passed over for lightweight linens and ivory milkmaid sundresses. This palette contrasts the starkness of typical neutrals—such as classic white and obsidian—and offers a softer, more playful approach. The recent rise of butter yellow, while more typically summery thanks to its lighter shade, has also contributed to the fresh face of summer neutrals. After years full of ultra-vivid hues like Barbie pink and Brat green, fashion has found a way to chromatically pare back without losing an ounce of personality.

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Earlier this year, Pantone deemed “mocha mousse” the reigning color of 2025 in tribute to chocolate, coffee, and our collective desire for comfort. While chocolate brown will hold a lasting place in our closets, this dessert-like declaration set the stage for months of food-inspired trends—and a reignited love for this neutral.

Trending Summer Colors to Pair with Chocolate Brown

Lighthearted palettes are dominating our wardrobes this summer, and chocolate brown plays well with others. The rich, warm neutral acts as an anchor to ground dreamy pastels and high-saturated accessories, making them all the more wearable for day-to-day ensembles. Many of these color combos are also found in nature—the Mother of all styling inspo—and delicious sweet treats.

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Pistachio green, another color trend in the spotlight this year, combines with chocolate brown to make a melty mint-chip-inspired ensemble. Take this sugary-sweet combo for a spin on simmering summer nights and lazy afternoon picnics in the park. 

We likewise can’t ignore the impact of a Neapolitan sundae on a sweltering summer day. This à la mode color combo has major sartorial potential, as creamy shades of ivory and juicy guava play well with chocolate brown. On the other hand, we have also come to appreciate an icy pop of blue against an all-brown outfit. Thanks to chocolate brown’s innate versatility, the possibilities are irresistible.

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How to Style Chocolate Brown for Summer

To make chocolate brown work in the summer, choose fabrics that are lightweight, both in feel and visually. Thick trousers and busy plaid prints read as cold-wear gear, while sheers, silks, and ruching make for a sultry summer dinner outfit.

If you’re craving a print, might we suggest retro-chic polka dots? With the right combination of mixed-metal jewelry and punchy accessories, you’ll transform this classic print from a vintage staple to a striking, maximalist delight.

Byrdie

Shades of brown also fit neatly into the bohemian revival of ’70s-inspired aesthetics. Suede has been central to the past couple of fashion cycles—keeping outfits refined yet exciting—while classic cowboy boots are now a firm wardrobe staple. This color trend runs the gamut from quiet elegance to extravagant subversion, making it a sartorial chameleon that we’d feel confident keeping for the long run.

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You might also consider mesh as your shotgun rider in keeping this Western-inspired color seasonally appropriate. Jumpsuits, asymmetrical tops, and midi skirts receive a uniquely summery twist with light layers of semi-sheer chocolate brown fabric. Otherwise, explore new textures, like popcorn quilting and terry cloth, to add a playful summer spin to the neutral. 

The Best Chocolate Brown Pieces to Shop This Summer

To get you started on adding an air of moody luxe to your summer outfit, the picks below offer a wide range of inspiration. From daring sheer bodysuits and micro-minis to handbags and dresses you’ll surely wear on repeat, this selection highlights just a sliver of the possibilities you’ll unfold by integrating this unexpected hue into your warm-weather wardrobe.