This was published 11 months ago
From latte to espresso, how to wear the colour of the season
Brown. It’s a colour that has so many connotations, both positive and negative. Fashionably speaking, it’s a hue that can be divisive, and also intimidating, to wear. But, with the colour gaining serious style cred, it needn’t be – if you have the right tools.
Fella “Hunter” swim top, $150. Faithfull the Brand “Heba” skirt, $269. A.Emery “Kinto” sandals, $170.Credit: Jamie Green
Unlike other neutrals such as black and cream, brown’s many shades can mean one person’s vivacious is another person’s sallow; it’s all about choosing the perfect tone, with a little help from old-fashioned (though revived, thanks to TikTok) colour therapy.
Sydney-based personal stylist Sally Cummins, who offers colour analysis to her clients, says it’s important to establish whether you have warm or cool colouring. Without an expert to guide you, holding different tones near your face is a good method for experimenting before you commit at the cash register.
“The right colour [brown] will make you look ‘well’ and ‘healthy’,” Cummins says. “It will bring out your [natural] lip colour.”
Brown is also establishing itself as a new staple for swimwear. Getting the shade right allows you to coordinate your bikinis with other pieces, such as coveralls and hats.
Bondi Born “Agnes” one-piece, $250. Helen Kaminski “Zandar” hat, $495. Baina “Roman” pool towels, $130 each.Credit: Jamie Green
And what’s the consensus on wearing accents that mimic your skin tone, a look made famous by Kim Kardashian? Cummins isn’t a personal fan, but says there are no hard rules. “Maybe go for a little contrast — if you are someone with a lot of pigment or a mid-range skin tone, go deeper chocolate for richness, or go [for a lighter tone in the outfit].”
Not only is chocolate the colour of summer for lazy days at the beach – and makes the perfect match for an iced latte – it is also offering a fresh take on more formal looks, thanks to runway appearances at Brandon Maxwell, Prada and The Row. Actor Jessica Chastain and models Emily Ratajkowski and Hailey Bieber have also given the colour the celebrity stamp of approval, so we are sure to see at least a dusting of cocoa or a shot of espresso come awards season, kicking off with the Golden Globes on January 7.
Faithfull the Brand “Inca” shirt, $189, “Savai” bikini top, $110, and “Amreli” bikini bottom, $110. Chloe sunglasses, $655, from Eyewear Index.Credit: Jamie Green
Stylist Nichhia Wippell, who works with singer Troye Sivan, is a big fan of brown on the red carpet. “The key is finding the right shade to complement the skin and hair tone, but there’s more to consider [when styling an outfit] … the fabric and texture, the shape and fit. When a brown look is done well, it is incredibly chic.”
The same goes for swimwear, so it’s no surprise that several Australian labels have dived in, including Bondi Born, which offers a strapless maillot in copper, and Scanlan Theodore, which has a flattering v-neck one-piece in a fudgy brownie. Hot chocolate, indeed.
Eres “Show” bikini top, $480, and “Gredin” briefs, $395.Credit: Jamie Green
Shot on location at Sun Ranch, Byron Bay.
Fashion editor, Penny McCarthy; Hair and make-up, Amanda Reardon; Fashion assistant, Allegra Cole; Model Michelle, at Priscillas.
STOCKISTS A.Emery; Baina; Bondi Born; Eres; Eyewear Index; Faithfull the Brand; Fella; Helen Kaminski.
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