Autumn’s best colour combination: Navy blue and conker brown
Photo: Sarah Brick
This isn’t a dominant catwalk trend for the coming season, but who cares? Do trends even matter, today? (Sequinned knickers, anyone…) That’s Not My Age is about fashion sense and finding the clothes you love to wear. Beautiful, gentlewomanly pieces to take you from one year to the next. And conker brown is a lovely warm colour that evokes nostalgia over autumns past: Catherine Wheels spinning off the shed door, freezing cold, welly-clad feet and bonfire toffee to make your jaw ache. Those were the days.
Some people think brown is boring but I have an untested theory that any colour with scrumptious culinary associations is bound to make you feel good: caramel, toffee, gingerbread, cinnamon, chestnut (conker), coffee…
And who doesn’t love corduroy? Conker brown cord looks great with neutral colours, such as cream and ecru, gorgeous with denim, and superb with navy. This perfect combination plays well with everyone. Classic navy jumper and mid-brown cord trousers? You bet. Dark denim jeans with a chestnut-coloured jacket and sensible lace-ups. That’ll be a ‘yes’ from me.
Adding a splash of conker brown brings warmth to a deep blue winter outfit and offsets grey hair beautifully.
Keep it chic in navy and conker. More autumn style updates over in the SHOP.
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STYLE NOTES:
Leather lace-up Derby shoes from Grenson (loaned for the shoot)
Fine cord tapered trousers loaned from Me+Em
Classic Crew Jumper, gift from Navy Grey
My own Dot Print Scarf is from Universal Works.
Discussion (18 Comments)
GILLIAN GUSTAR says:
Actually love that colour combination and not one I’d considered…..so thank you.
Kathryn Maclean says:
Thanks for drawing these two colours together as I wouldn’t have tried it. I cannot put any chestnut shades or brown next to my silver hair it drains me but the navy up top would suit me well. Love the trousers too.
bev says:
Oof! Conker brown cord – ultimate yumminess! Comfort fabric in such a warm, cosy shade of brown. I’m not a brown fan per se but rich conker is DIFFERENT. Bit like denim isn’t blue, it’s denim?? Paired with navy, conker looks so opulent and snuggly at the same time. Me&Em’s offerings are gorgeous this season but unfortunately too expensive for me. I understand investment dressing/cost per wear etc but out of my range sadly.
Tracy R says:
Years ago I worked with someone who loved to wear chocolate and navy together. It always looked stunning.
Elaine Inglis says:
Thank you Alyson, you have made my day. This is one of my favourite colour combinations and one I have worn for years. Not always easy to get lovely brown clothes but this year is different. Just bought nice relaxed Billie Cords from Lucy & Yak in lovely Oak Brown. The ones you are wearing are gorgeous but more expensive and the fitted waist not suitable for me in my late 70s. Nice things by Paloma S have a great selection of the colours combined. I have the checked skirt in navy & brown.
Thanks for the tip, Elaine. I’ll take a look at Lucy & Yak’s cords ( I do like their jumpsuits!)
Rach with an E says:
Just gorgeous! But how do you wear shoe socks without them rolling off under your foot as you walk? They just don’t work for me so I’m in long socks already.
Thanks, Rachel. I never wear those shoe sock thingies because it is annoying when they slide down your feet! Though I do like a trainer sock (they seem to stay put). In this photo I have bare feet with lace-ups – I think it’s the tongue of the shoe you can see (?)
Jane Wilson says:
Love this Alyson as a cool toned preferer I was getting a bit bored with navy, grey, black, blue and berry – planning to sprinkle in some chestnut, walnut and conker…..I love Autumn!
Jackie Callan says:
The colours are lovely on you Alyson. I love navy and it suits my skin tones better I think particularly at this time of year. Never thought about wearing navy with ‘conker’ brown….a great colour-way.
I love brown too but have found it difficult to find a mid to dark brown wool/knit top for autumn/winter. Lots of cream and taupe etc. Any suggestions would be very welcomeI have always loved warm browns, but the word “conker” was brand new to me. You’ve inspired me to try a new colour combination with pieces that are already in my closet though! Thank you!
Jax says:
Love this sentence: “That’s Not My Age is about fashion sense and finding the clothes you love to wear. Beautiful, gentlewomanly pieces to take you from one year to the next.” I’d been trying to define my dressing goals longer-term, and you’ve hit it on the nail!
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This outfit looks good in autumnal colour range. Ditto the clothes you show below. I’ve got tawny and conker coloured garments and handbags. Should get them out and play around with colour combinations for a change from greens. Oranges good with browns as well as with blues apart from navy. Thanks for useful heads up on being creative with one’s wardrobe.