What Color Pants With A Brown Shirt? (Outfit Ideas)
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
Brown shirts offer a casual and relaxed vibe but are not as common as some other neutral colors in a men’s wardrobe. Brown is often associated with earthy tones and can complement various outfits when paired with the right pieces. So what color pants with a brown shirt?
Given the diverse spectrum of brown shades, ranging from light tan to deep chocolate, the determination to choose the right color pants becomes more significant. So let’s explore some of the best pants color combinations that beautifully complement brown shirts.
What Color Pants With A Brown Shirt?
The pants colors that best complement a brown shirt are navy, khaki, blue, white, and grey.
The various tones of brown in your shirt can impact the choice of pants color, suggesting whether light or dark hues are preferable for specific colors, while certain colors harmonize well with various brown shades.
Brown Shirt With Navy Pants
Let’s begin with the most obvious combination for a brown shirt, which is pairing it with navy pants. The well-established preference for brown shirts with navy pants highlights the natural synergy between these two versatile shades. Regarding navy slacks, I believe there are more favorable choices for shirt colors.
You can certainly match navy pants with various shades of brown shirts, but I personally find that tan or light brown are the best choices. The contrast between the light brown and dark navy creates an appealing look, enhancing the casual vibe of brown with a touch of refinement from your navy trousers.
You’ll want the rest of the ensemble to stay within the spectrum of brown and navy. Opt for brown loafers and a corresponding belt. A navy necktie and a navy watch will provide a striking contrast with the brown shirt, especially when dealing with pastel shades.
Brown Shirt With Khaki Pants
Brown and khaki are both earthy tones that complement each other harmoniously. The warm undertones of brown blend seamlessly with the subdued hue of khaki, making it an ideal ensemble for a fall/winter day.
Given the similarity between these two shades, achieving contrast is crucial. Therefore, a dark brown shirt is the ideal choice to pair with light khaki pants. If your khaki slacks are on the darker side, consider opting for a tan shirt. When it comes to green khakis, any shade of brown complements them well.
Opt for dark brown shoes and a matching belt to complement your khaki pants, while a brown watch and a brown necktie will harmonize with the brown shirt. Ensure there’s a contrast between the shades of brown in your shirt and tie for a distinct look. Consider a green olive tie as a stylish alternative, particularly if paired with a dark brown shirt.
Brown Shirt With Blue Pants
While many men typically choose to pair a brown shirt with navy slacks, opting for blue pants can create a modern and fashion-forward ensemble. If you have a pale or fair skin tone, brown shirts are more flattering for your complexion.
While it may not be my personal preference (as I lean towards brown shirts with navy slacks), selecting the right shades can make pairing brown shirts with blue pants almost as appealing. Opt for shirts in lighter shades of brown with light blue pants, or choose dark brown shirts with dark blue pants for an optimal color pairing.
While navy dress shoes are an option, I suggest opting for dark brown shoes for a more cohesive brown-blue-brown ensemble, providing a stronger contrast. Complete the look with a brown belt, a navy watch, and a navy necktie.
Brown Shirt With White Pants
Pairing a brown shirt with white pants creates a stylish and refreshing look that is perfect for various casual gatherings, especially during warm and sunny days. After all, any shades of brown in your shirt will coordinate well with any white pants. The opposite also works, and a white shirt works quite well with brown pants or a full brown suit.
Cognac or chestnut-toned brown shoes make an excellent pairing with white trousers and a brown shirt, complemented by a matching belt. Given the casual nature of this white and brown combination, skip the tie and instead, accessorize with stylish sunglasses. Enhance the ensemble with a silver watch for a striking contrast against the brown shirt.
Brown Shirt With Grey Pants
While a brown shirt wouldn’t be my first, second, or even third choice for pairing with grey pants, I must admit the combination can look acceptable with the right styling. After all, grey is a neutral color that complements almost any other color.
A tan or light brown shirt pairs well with light or dark grey pants (it lacks contrast but it works), but I prefer the contrast of a dark brown shirt with light grey slacks. Dark shades of brown may not complement dark grey as effectively due to the reduced contrast.
While you could opt for brown shoes and a matching belt, choose dark grey shoes and a matching belt for added cohesion. A brown necktie complements a brown dress shirt; just ensure the shades create contrast. Complete the look with a grey metal watch for added elegance.
How To Match Pants With A Brown Shirt?
When choosing pants to match your brown shirt, factors such as color coordination, contrast, pattern usage, and dressing according to the occasion are all crucial considerations.
Colors
Typically, when choosing the perfect pants color to complement your brown shirt, you should consider analogous colors to brown, even though brown itself is not on the color wheel. Brown is often associated with dark orange, which has red and yellow as analogous colors. However, these colors are not the most conventional color choices for men’s pants.
Being neutral, brown doesn’t have a conventional complementary color. However, if you again consider orange, its complementary color is blue. This explains the pleasant pairing of brown and blue. Additionally, you can achieve a monochromatic look by combining different shades of brown between your shirt and trousers.
Contrast And Patterns
To create an appealing visual balance, opt for a dark brown shirt with lighter-colored pants and a light brown shirt with darker pants. Achieving a contrast between light and dark hues can sometimes be the key to a pleasant look. Sometimes contrast isn’t mandatory and you can also choose harmonious dark or light shades together.
When choosing a patterned brown shirt with your pants, it’s best to pair it with plain slacks for balance. Conversely, if you opt for patterned trousers, consider pairing them with a solid-colored brown shirt. Additionally, if your brown patterned shirt includes shades like blue, complement the outfit by choosing plain navy slacks to emphasize color coordination.
Dress For The Occasion
Brown shirts are versatile and suitable for various casual occasions, like casual days out with friends or a casual business meeting with a client. For a more smart casual look, choose navy or dark grey pants. For a more relaxed outfit, go with blue, white, or khaki slacks.
BROWN COLOR GUIDES