Photos: Instagram/bellacampen, nicolewarne, jessica.syj
The colour brown is not usually an obvious first choice. While the shade can be earthy and comforting, it can sometimes seem drab and dull, taking a back seat to popular tones like millennial pink and living coral. Thankfully, the understated autumnal hue is fast becoming a favourite among fashionistas and celebrities for its versatility.
In fact, from terracotta to camel and brown granite to its lighter cousins of beige and taupe, these colours dominated the runways of S/S’19. 3.1 Phillip Lim, Roksanda and Jil Sander were some of the fashion houses that brought this colour back in vogue.
Here’s a look at how Asian celebs and influencers from around the world style the colour to perfection, as well as some must-have items to make sure you stay on-trend.
1. Take it to the tailors
Photo: Instagram/bellacampen
Scroll through Thai actress Bella Campen’s Instagram feed and you will find many examples of style #inspo. Here, she rocks a killer taupe pant suit combination that makes her look sharp and spiffy while strolling along the streets of Shinjuku.
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Tom Ford light mikado tailored jacket, US$3,490 (S$4,737)
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If going all deep brown like Bella is not something you’re keen on, you can go with a lighter hue like beige.
Photo: Tom Ford
Tom Ford linen straight fit trouser, US$1,090 (S$1,479)
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Wear this combination from Tom Ford with a pair of studded heels and a handbag.
Photo: Tom Ford
Zara blazer with flap pockets, S$159
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Going matchy-matchy with your blazer and pants will make you look cohesive, but you definitely need accessories to add dimension to the style.
Photo: Zara
Zara darted trousers with belt, S$99.90
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Here’s another method — Pairing a lighter coloured blazer with darker pants not only creates contrast, but also helps elongate your stature. Finish with your favourite nude pumps and you’ve got a #girlboss outfit down pat.
Photo: Zara
2. Play with textures
Photo: Instagram/songofstyle
Whether it’s a woven jumper or shearling-trimmed jacket, you can easily find 50 shades of brown in these dependable outerwear categories across various fashion seasons. You can start with Aimee Song’s favourite shade, camel.
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Natasha Zinko striped sleeve crochet jumper, S$1,276, from Farfetch
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Made with a blend of wool, alpaca wool and cashmere, this thin beige jumper from Natasha Zinko is suitable for Singapore’s hot weather as well as in your freezing office. The techni-coloured sleeves add a quirky touch to the dependable jumper. Wear this with a pair of wide-leg pants for a slouchy weekend look.
Photo: Farfetch
P.A.R.O.S.H. shearling trim jacket, S$1,808, from Farfetch
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P.A.R.O.S.H., which stands for Paolo Rossello Second Hand, draws inspiration from vintage and military clothing that can be clearly seen in the jacket’s boxy silhouette and rugged construction. Pair this with a simple t-shirt, black skinnies and strappy heels for that model off-duty look.
Photo: Farfetch
Bershka turtleneck sweater, S$29.90
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While basic, this brick red piece from Bershka is easy to incorporate into your office wardrobe — wear it with a pencil skirt or tailored stripe trousers. You can even layer it over a slip dress to keep cool when you’re outdoors.
Photo: Bershka
Mango linen cardigan, S$59.90
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Made with lightweight linen, this Mango coat channels slouchy, weekend chill vibes — especially when you’re wearing it while having a cup of hot chocolate at a bookstore cafe in Europe. Pair this casual oversized piece with skinny denim and black boots.
Photo: Mango
ALSO READ: HW’S GUIDE TO COLOUR COORDINATING YOUR OUTFIT
3. Embrace the colour as an overall
Photo: Instagram/nicolewarne
Utilitarian outfits are another big trend in S/S’19. Take a leaf from the book of Nicole Warne, who is better known by her online moniker @garypeppergirl, and dive into the brown end with jumpsuits and factory overalls.
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Hatch belted crinkled-jersey jumpsuit, US$382.04 (S$515.10), from Net-a-Porter
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Hatch founder Ariane Goldman purposefully chose crinkled-jersey as its stretchable quality allows room for a typically unforgiving jumpsuit silhouette. Great for expecting mothers as it can accommodate growing bumps. The metallic bronze finish would work well against white flats for a weekend yacht party.
Photo: Net-a-Porter
Iro belted embellished linen and cotton-blend jumpsuit, US$746.42 (S$1,006.40), from Net-a-Porter
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Western-style gold studding gives this Iro jumpsuit a rugged Americana look. Pair it with a fringed bag and gladiator sandals to bring the ensemble to greater heights.
Photo: Net-a-Porter
Zara loose-fitting belted jumpsuit, S$139
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While you can use the rope belt that comes accompanied with this Zara jumpsuit, we recommend a chunky statement leather belt and heel booties to jazz up the outfit.
Photo: Zara
Zara faux suede jumpsuit dress, S$69.90
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A jumpsuit can be difficult to be get in and out of, especially when, ahem, nature calls. But if you love the convenience of a one-piece, go with this stylish faux suede playsuit that looks like a dress from the front. Pair with brown wedges, which will elongate your figure further.
Photo: Zara
4. Make it printed
Photo: Instagram/jessica.syj
If solid blocks of brown is too off-putting for you, consider breaking up the colour by going for pieces with prints, like Jessica Jung. Checkered and plaid prints are easy starting points.
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Monse plaid asymmetric off shoulder blazer, S$2,699, from Farfetch
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Show off a lil’ sexiness with this off-shoulder take on a regular blazer from Monse. Best paired with a pair of sleek black cigarette trousers to contrast against the asymmetric and shoulder-baring quality.
Photo: Farfetch
Coach teddy bomber jacket, S$3,226, from Farfetch
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Stuart Vevers’ masterful design is exemplified in this cross between a varsity jacket and a shearling coat. The leopard print adds class, while the whimsical embroidery keeps the piece fun and young. Get ready for school by wearing this with navy palazzo pants and slinging a backpack over your shoulders.
Photo: Farfetch
Pull and Bear printed shirt with ruffle trim, S$45.90
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Puffed sleeves, cropped hem and a v-neckline — what’s not to like? Match the bohemian vibes of this empire shirt with a pair of denim bell-bottoms and brown boots.
Photo: Pull and Bear
Zara horse coin shirt, S$79.90
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This soft shirt sports a unique horse coin print. To fake the illusion of longer legs, French tuck this piece into a sleek pair of black trousers and finish the look with strappy heels.
Photo: Zara
5. Get in on the logomania trend
Photo: Instagram/jeanetteaw
Logomania, a trend that was hot in the ’80s and ’90s, is back with a vengeance. Many luxury brands emblazon their logos all over their products as a symbol of their identity and status, such as the Coach piece that Jeanette Aw is wearing. It’s a loud, vibrant and fun way to introduce a particular shade into your ensemble.
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Fendi off-shoulder printed cotton-blend mini dress, US$1,818 (S$2,451.21), from Net-a-Porter
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Fendi’s monogram is so popular it has been spotted on the likes of Jolin Tsai and Bella Hadid. Go bold with this in-your-face dress that sports a quirky Fendi and FILA logo mashup trim on the neckline and cuffs. Match with a simple clutch and silver slingbacks for a night out.
Photo: Net-a-Porter
Louis Vuitton Vintage monogram ellipse tote, S$3,232, from Farfetch
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This unique vintage seashell-shaped bag from Louis Vuitton is pure elegance. Great for work, wear it with a dark navy blazer and pants combination and slip into some pointed yellow shoes for a funky contrast.
Photo: Farfetch
Bonia red aria monogram bucket bag M, S$360
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Bonia, which is currently helmed by former Burberry and Loewe designer Pepe Torres, prides itself on creating quality leather goods at accessible prices. We love this classic piece that sports a fun red leather handle that can add colour to your work or weekend outfits.
Photo: Bonia
River Island brown RI monogram ruched sleeve blouse, US$70 (S$95)
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Featuring three-quarter-length sleeves, this vintage-looking monogrammed piece from River Island can be worn french tucked over black cigarette trousers for work or dark indigo jeans for the weekends.
Photo: River Island
ALSO READ: HOW TO WEAR RED ACCORDING TO YOUR SKIN TONE