As I type this I’m in loungewear, desperate to break free and dress up smartly again. I can’t deny that I’ve spent a fair few hours over the Christmas break thinking about 2024 trends and next year’s outfit planning while in the scruffiest of clothes, but such is the inclination of an editor! There are still some items and trends that I’m undecided upon, but one thing I feel 100 per cent certain about is that I really want to buy into the brown dress trend. I’m a dress enthusiast, and right now, IMHO, nothing strikes a chicer look than a simply-cut, brown-hued dress. There was a lot of talk in 2023 about printed styles being considered “out” and while I don’t ascribe to that notion, I do think there’s something refreshing and elegant about a plain dress in a rich colour, and perhaps that’s not a huge surprise considering how the last few months have played out. We’ve seen an increase in anything chocolate, chestnut and coffee (or any shades around this part of the spectrum) being adopted: chic brown coats, classy brown boots and the trend has even moved into the world of beauty with refined latte makeup and brown nails both proving to be popular.
Keep scrolling to see fashion lovers already investing in the brown dress trend, and my edit of the best to consider now.
Style Notes: Trust RHW to be in on the trend nice and early—this shade of caramel looks great with snake-print boots.
Style Notes: Brown dresses work effortlessly with black accessories.
Style Notes: No arguments here, a minimalistic brown dress is clearly the way forward for fashion purists next year.
Style Notes: Combining brown tones together, this outfit looks beyond cool and sophisticated.
The very same dress Marisa looks so fantastic in (pictured above).
Combined with all-brown accessories, this is the height of elegance.
The ruching here provides a comfortable, easy fit for different figures.
Saint Laurent leads the pack with this pared-back trend on the runway.
A subtle peek of shoulder gives a brown dress some sass.
Dagmar’s sculpted tube tops and dresses were a hit with influencers this summer, so it’s great to see this on sale.
Add tan knee boots and a matching belt for a simple work outfit.
Shh—don’t tell anyone, but Karen Millen has a load of chic plain dresses that pass for designer.
How divine is that gathered, sarong-like skirt?
This is the dress worn by We Are Twinset in the gallery of inspo above, and it’s discounted. Up next, the best of the January sales.