Red + Brown
A summer sartorial love story.
I’ve been known to hyper fixate on a color combination or two and make them my whole personality in the the process. After all, this book gets picked up much more frequently than the handful of unread novels that live by my bedside. I don’t know exactly when or how it happened, but I can’t get enough of red with brown right now, especially as we head into summer. Rich shades of brown from chocolate to caramel paired with red in hues of cherry and tomato. A rich combination that feels heavy in winter, yet when paired with bare legs and bronzed skin and composed of cotton, linen, silk, and suede, it feels decidedly fresh and summery.
Red may have been the pop of color for all of 2025, but it’s still going strong for summer 2026, and I’d argue, for the foreseeable future. Subconsciously or not, I’ve acquired a handful of of new pieces in these colors, with a few more things on the way. I’ve been enjoying playing with the pairing - whether going bold with large blocks of color or more subtle touches through small details and accessories - even when the weather refuses to cooperate. As we move into a heatwave in the PNW, I’m embracing tan-ish* bare legs, paired with my favorite red and brown pieces.
I’ve learned a few things from playing with color combinations, whether it’s red and brown, navy and black, red, and pink, or otherwise; tools that are easy to implement into your day-to-day outfits.
Accessories:
I recently mentioned that accessories are the easiest way to dip your toe into a new-to-you color combo or trend. Create an outfit with your Hero Pieces, in my case a white button up, jean shorts, and flats, and then add the colors via your bag, shoes, third piece, sunnies, or jewelry.
Start Small:
It really doesn’t have to be a lot, a brown striped tee that can be thrown over a tank or tied around you waist, a brown basket bag, and jelly flip flops with red straps add subtle subtle contrast when anchored with a white tee and tailored black shorts. Simple elements with special details that add up to an easy outfit with interest.
Color Blocking:
On the other end of the spectrum, use solid pieces in brown and red to create bold blocks of color. The simpler the styles the better, but choose items with variation in texture or subtle pattern to prevent them from looking flat while creating a large swath of color.
A faded graphic tee picks up the colors from the cream flats, burgundy tote, and tortoise shell sunglasses, creating cohesion and preventing the outfit from looking choppy.
Add a Third Color:
I couldn’t not bring pink into the conversation, could I??? A blush pink shirt paired with bright red shorts are anchored by brown sunnies and sandals. I love adding another shade of red-ish to this combo, and burgundy adds depth and contrast while keeping it all tonal.
Shades of blue or green could easily work as the third color here, play with hue and saturation and aim for those -ish colors rather than super bright shades.
Ed note: I sized up to a large in the Leset shorts because I wanted more volume and length, otherwise I recommend you take your true size. If you prefer a short with more structure try these.
KEEP IT SIMPLE:
Sometimes you just need to put on a sundress (with pops of red of course) and layer on all the gold jewelry you own. It’s a simple formula that screams summer.
Less is more, and more is more, you know? Add in shades of tan and brown through sunnies, shoes, and a patterned basket bag.
Silhouette:
If you’re going for it with color, try playing with silhouette too. Pair a trendy shape with sometime truly classic - a tee or tank would work just as well as a button up here - and then push it even further by really styling your accessories.
Turn a long pendant into a belt and layer it over a barely buttoned shirt, or tie a scarf around your waist. If you’re really feeling yourself, layer the shirt over a pretty and/or coordinated bra, and leave it unbuttoned and secured only with the belt or scarf. A black woven clutch lets the red mules truly pop as the only non-neutral in the look.
Distance:
Brown and red add a modern twist to a combo that leans into Lady-Who-Lunches territory. Brown stripes balance out the feminine silhouette of the jacket, and the red mules add contrast. The color pairing isn’t any less dynamic when separated, whether by neutrals, patterns, contrasting colors, or simply, distance.
I realize that this post is rather shorts heavy, ‘tis the season after all, and if that doesn’t work for you, trade them out for a pull-on pant, poplin trouser, or light weight denim.
Browsing:
A few red and brown pieces that I’m searching for out in the world include a cute little cotton lace or eyelet top in red, this one is en route after a restock, but I also like this, or this crochet number! A red button up shirt is haunting me, I ordered a stand-in on Poshmar that has yet to arrive in a size smaller than I’d prefer, so we’ll see how it works out. I’d obviously love and wear this one, but this and this seem like more affordable alternatives. I’d like a chocolate brown, not khaki, pair of pull-on pants, so I’m considering these because I really do love my Kyoto shorts. Lastly, I think I’m the last person on Substack to get a red beaded necklace, but I like the look of this one or this one.
As promised, I haven’t abandoned my Thursday newsletters completely, and thanks to Elin Strong, who kindly shared what’s in her bag(s), I had reason to hit schedule. At 4:03 AM natch. The post is full of mom hacks for all the parents who are still in the diaper trenches, but beyond the mom stuff, the insides of her bags are just as cool as she is. It’s always to fun to peek inside the bags of my friends, it’s truly the best kind of snooping.
Recently, I had the pleasure to be interviewed not once but twice! First, by my Substack turned IRL friend Katelyn Cnossen over on Spilling the Tea. She crowdsourced her friends for questions, and although I didn’t reveal how many shoes I own - I honestly couldn’t tell you1 - I had a blast answering their questions on styling, shopping, fit, and color analysis. Spoiler alert, I don’t believe in it. Katelyn and I followed it all up with lunch, wine, and a little gossip at Négociant on Friday, followed by a mini shopping spree at Rodeo. A glass of wine and a consignment shop hates to see us coming.
Then I got to chat with Natalia Herrera for her Conversations series, which features interviews with stylists, including my Internet friend and idol Kelly Klein. It was meaningful to reflect on the evolution of my own style, my history of working on sets in Los Angeles, the impact that both grief and motherhood have had on my style and my career path, and how I ended up where I am right now.
It’s been a busy week over here, because Charu kindly included me in a recent round up over on Brands and Bobs featuring the things we’re most excited to pull out for summer. The post (read parts one and two to get the full story) is full of inspo and naturally I chose my WNU seersucker set, my Alex Mill hat, and allll the sunblock.
I’m currently booking styling appointments through July with limited summer hours. If a Closet Edit feels daunting, consider a Rapid Fire styling session2 or Virtual 1:1 to get your feet wet. Thinking way far ahead, I’m traveling to Los Angeles in September and would love to work with you, let’s chat about it.
This week I’m headed to Whistler by way of Seattle, to celebrate my BFF’s 40th at a spa in the mountains. I know, right??? I don’t have a travelogue planned as we intend to relax at the hotel for most of our brief stay, but be sure to follow along on IG, I’m sure I’ll be active in Stories.
Talk soon,
xx FANNY
You can see all the items mentioned in in this newsletter here. I use affiliate links when applicable, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Gifted items are marked with an asterisk.
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I have a Closet Edit of my own planned with a coordinating newsletter, and will definitely share my findings then.
In-person only.
I *love* when you do these color story edits! I still think of you every time I see red and pink.
No one has their finger on the pulse of a great color combo quite like you.