One of the first faux pas I learned was when I was attending the Fashion Institute of Technology: Never combine black with brown in the same outfit, it will absolutely be the death of you! OK, well maybe I’m exaggerating, not the death of you per say but of your fashion reputation yes! The reason being that black and brown should not be worn together is because they are both competing neutrals and way to harsh next to each other. Typically black or brown is worn with another color to accent it or bring out the solid and together it just looks like too much of the same thing. It is just as bad as a denim jacket with denim jeans, another faux pas to avoid. You need a pattern or bright color to break up the dark neutral. If a printed top has black and brown in it that is OK, but do not pair it with black pants and a brown belt or vice versa – that is just a no, no. As for purses, they do not have to match with the belt and shoes, too matchy matchy. Let your purse be a statement piece a contrasting bright color perhaps. Remember, whatever you do have fun with it, just do so following these rules!
