You would have thought I was writing about politics, because people had a lot to say!
I might hate her for being such a know-it-all if I didn’t love her so much.
So the picture below (taken last October) was the first time I mixed black and brown together.
A black tank, with a camel colored cardigan, skinny jeans, and brown boots.
Simple.
And I loved the look.
A couple of years ago I would have FOR SURE worn black boots with this outfit, but
the brown boots made the outfit so much better!
If the lighting would have been better in these pics, I would have proven my point better!
#bloggerproblems
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short version HERE and long version HERE
*I feel like a camel colored cardigan is a wardrobe essential. I find myself grabbing this all the time because it goes with everything.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOh!
And look at this long hooded cardi HERE.
How cute would this be with skinny jeans and leggings?!?
I die.
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YOU GUYS!
I am sooo excited about this! These are my go to earrings, and I wear them probably 3 days per week every week. I bought them a couple of years ago, and I could never find similar ones to link to. I looked again today, and they are back in stock at The Limited! WooHoo!
So, that was my first black and brown outfit. It wasn’t bad, but I’ve got a tip
to share with you that I learned this year from all the other times I mixed black and brown together.
Choose lighter shades of brown for more contrast.
If I could make the above sentence blink, I would. It’s that important.
I’ve found that it’s actually better to mix
a cognac brown, a camel, or a taupe (vs. a chocolate brown like I did in the above picture) with black
for even more contrast and interest!
MORE CONTRAST = BETTER
It’s that simple.
Case and Point.
With black boots, this outfit would have been boring.
But the cognac boots and belt brighten it up and make it way more fun!
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I think this classic denim shirt outfit proves my point quite nicely too.
Imagine this outfit with black boots and a black purse. EH. (shrug and tilt)
But with the cognac boots and purse….DARLING!
(And notice how the leopard scarf pulls the black and brown together.)
Another great example here from my friend Carly over at C Style!
Carly is one of the first bloggy friends I made, and I just love her.
She is SO chic and takes the most gorgeous pictures.
Her fab brown boots were the perfect companion to this graphic black and white sweater.
So, in the interest of helping you embrace this look with ease,
I’ve pulled together my favorite cognac pieces (bags, boots, belts, and flats) out there right now.
I looked ALL OVER internet land. And of course Nordstrom came thru for me, just like it always does. I have a couple of options from Zappos and one option from TOMS,
but most were found at Nordstrom. At least that makes ordering easy!
And oh yeah, I’ve made some collages to hopefully make it easy for you ladies to compare items and find your favorites.
#ithinki’veseriouslysteppedupmycollagegame
#atleastihopeihavebecausetheytookmeasweetforever
#evenifyoudon’tagreejustactlikeyoudo
#thanks
*Remember that if you hover over the collages that the little Pinterest “P” pops up and you can pin them directly to Pinterest! I would love these babies to show up all over Pinterest!*
COGNAC BAGS
1) Big Buddha bag HERE (LOVING this one A LOT! It’s a PERFECT cognac brown!),
2) Phoebe satchel HERE,3) crossbody HERE, 4) Buckle trim HERE ,
5) convertible shopper HERE
The above bags are easy on your wallet being that they are all under $100, but if you are wanting to invest in a really great cognac bag, here are some options:
*Coach mini leather satchel HERE
*Michael Kors large leather satchel with gold MK logo HERE
*Michael Kors Bedford shoulder bag HERE
*GORGEOUS Coach shoulder bag with tassel HERE
LOVE.
I kinda want to marry this bag.
Love the structure.
Adore the tassel.
The color is gorgeous.
Or check out THIS MK option. It makes pairing black with brown a total no brainer!
This bag makes a statement!
I think it says “Look how cool I am.”
COGNAC BOOTS
1) Vera Cruz over the knee boots HERE
(These are SOOOO affordable! Love the wedge. Love the flap.)
2) Steve Madden Intyce boot HERE
3) My Miz Mooz wedge boots HERE,
4) Set in Stone boot HERE (Again, SO affordable!)
5) Frye riding boots HERE, 6)Frye heeled boots HERE
If you want a cognac boot, but you don’t want a wedge,
I THINK THIS IS YOUR BOOT PEOPLE! And they are affordable!
I sent a pic to Erika, and she bought them last week. She says they are SO CUTE on.
Fyi: the picture on the website looks like a standard brown, but in real-life they are cognac (which is why I didn’t include them in the above collage).

And just in case you needed another up close look at my cognac boots this year. Click HERE.
Ooooh!
And I just got a blog comment this morning telling me about THESE Sam Edelman Penny boots.
Gorgeous! And not a bad price for such a nice boot!
And I wanted to give some Cognac bootie options too!
1) Steve Madden Ryddlle bootie HERE, 2) DV cognac bootie HERE
3) Vince Camuto Holden HERE, 4) Steve Madden ankle boot HERE
And I’m so excited that I just found THESE online at TOMS.com (this color sold out at Nordstrom).
Click HERE for the chestnut suede TOMS.
OOOH! Just got a comment from a reader:
I found a coupon code online for $5 off and the shipping on the TOMS website is free for a limited time. The coupon code is “TOMSFALL5”.
Thanks Katie!!!
(These are the same boots I just got in taupe. And I cannot put into words how comfortable they are. And they look FANTASTIC with my Vigoss cuffed jeans!)
COGNAC BELTS
options HERE and HERE
I love both of these belts. I currently own 3 belts and I wear them all the time.
And a cognac belt does a great job breaking up dark colors and defining your waist.
COGNAC FLATS
1) Sam Edelman cognac flats HERE, 2) Lucky cognac flats HERE 3) BP cognac flats HERE
All 3 of these are totally affordable and priced between $49.95 and $89.95!
So, here is my advice to you.
THROW CAUTION TO THE WIND,
PUT ON YOUR BIG GIRL PANTIES,
and
TOSS ALL PRE-CONCEIVED NOTIONS OF WHAT YOU WERE PREVIOUSLY TAUGHT ABOUT WEARING BLACK AND BROWN TOGETHER OUT THE WINDOW.
Sorry to yell, but I felt like the situation called for it. 😉
You’re gonna like the result.
Pinky swear.
ESPECIALLY if you pair the black with COGNAC.
It’s just simple math really.
COGNAC + Black = LOVE FOREVER
You can’t argue with math.
And if you remember….cognac boots were 2nd from the top on my Fall Style Staples list
(original post found HERE).
I would like to amend that and just say “COGNAC ANYTHING”.
You need cognac in your life.
In closing, a Pinterest collage to further prove my point.
JUST TRY and argue with it. I dare you.
(And remember, you can “pin it”. Just hover and click!)
Yeah.
I didn’t think so.
😉
xoxo,
Sheaffer
p.s.
If you haven’t checked the blog since Friday morning, then you might not have seen the shirt dress from LOFT that I added to the post on Friday afternoon.
It went 40% off last night!
Click HERE for the dress and use the code SHOP40!
Or you can shop the FLASH SALE that ends at 10:00 am Eastern Monday morning.
An additional 60% off of items already on sale, no code needed.
Click HERE for the FLASH SALE.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness!!! I seriously have a major love affair with anything cognac! This post made my heart skip a beat!! Those boots…those bags…the black mixed in…I'm happy at 5:30 AM on a Monday…thanks to YOU!
Slightly Askew Designs says
LOVE black and brown together and this post is making me soooooooooooo made that it's going to be a flippin' 95 degrees here again today! UGH! Can Pinterest please tell the weather that it's time for Fall?!?!?! Loved your collage pics too – so cute! 🙂
Alison @ Get Your Pretty On says
Hmm, this makes me think I need to bust out my black and cognac color block heels today. Of course, I'd take any excuse to wear them. Incredible options and you know how I feel about my cognac Frye's. They had a whole ode to them on Friday. 🙂
Rachel says
you definitely proved your point–
the photos of black and cognac are all stunning outfits!
maybe I still have some birthday money left for some cognac boots! 🙂
http://www.floralandfudge.blogspot.com
Tab & Erika says
I LOVE this color!!! I was getting super pumped about wearing my new boots UNTIL I looked at the weather…the end in sight is STILL 89 degrees-next weekend?? But…if it dips below 90, I might just have to bust them out! Have a great day!!
Crystal @EatDrinkClev says
Black and brown is my favorite combo! I haven't really been a cognac girl though so I might try to expand my brown palette. Thanks!
Becky Norton says
LOVE the black and cognac, and really love your blog. It's a favorite for sure. I have the Toms boot in the taupe color. But I keep thinking maybe I should get it in this cognac/chestnut color instead. You bought the taupe, which do you like better? I am thinking they both can match lots! Also I couldn't link up to the necklace from Target. It linked back to that tank… thanks LOVE your suggestions! I tried changing my settings off of no reply, but am not sure if I did it correct. 🙂
Hayley Chandler says
Hi Sheaffer! I just love your blog! I have a question. Do you have multiple handbags that you switch out all the time? I am so not one of those girls. I get a handbag about September and carry it through mid March. Then, in March I start carrying another one until about now. Sometimes during the summer, I might carry a fun bag that I travel with, but other than that. I am pretty boring. I just carry the same bag. I was just wondering if you did that, too. I'll be honest I usually get a fun colored bag in the fall like an olive or deep purple because it goes with black and brown boots. I am now thinking I might need a cognac one instead.
Kimberly says
I think it was that exact picture (the far left in your collage of brown and black) that inspired me to wear a black pencil skirt with a black sweater, brown belt and brown boots to work two years ago. All the office ladies at my school said I looked like a model. Now if only I can lose enough baby weight to pull it off again this fall. . . Thanks for the reminder 🙂
Liz/happymommy says
Your point was proven for sure…those brown boots with the black outfits…i die, they are so cute and put together! LOVE!!!
aprilparrish says
I totally agree that black & brown look great together. Loved all your pics, my favorite is of Carly in that sweater and those cognac boots–absolute perfection!!!
Have a great day!!
Anonymous says
I just got the Nordstrom catalog this weekend and there was a pair of Sam Edelman boots called the "Penny" boot and the color is whiskey. I just ordered them so I thought I would pass it on since I know you tend to feature a lot of Sam Edelman shoes. They were only $169 which I think is a great price for a boot!
Sheaffer says
Thanks so much for the heads up! I just added them to the post!
xoxo,
Sheaffer 🙂
Sarah E @ theteacherswife.com says
You are spot on (as usual). I so need some cognac boots! I am wishing I had bought some at the end of the season last year! 🙂
Meggie Honeycutt says
I love this color combo! Thanks for the additional styling ideas 🙂
Kelly Wilson says
I have a pair of cognac tall boots that I purchased last year and absolutely love. My favorite thing to wear them with? Black leggings! I can truly vouch that black and brown work great together!
Anonymous says
I'm a chunky monkey and have had the hardest time finding boots to fit over my calves. No worries, enter these cognac boots from Anne Klein called Evanthe. True leather boots that fit over my chunky legs win/win. And I got them from Amazon for $56.00 dollars. Thought I would share my gem.
http://www.amazon.com/Anne-Klein-Womens-Evanthe-Cognac/dp/B007TLP5RG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379348308&sr=8-1&keywords=anne+klein+cognac+boots
Mary E. says
I love mixing black and brown! My friends and I had a phrase for this in high school – "perpetratin'". NO IDEA where that came from! Back then, we used it to make fun of guys whose clothes didn't match (e.g. "So and so's perpetratin' today") – little did I know it would be so cool one day. They were ahead of their time!
{Hi Sugarplum!} says
I love cognac boots with just about everything!! I need to work on my pose like the girl in the first pic 😉
and you are too cute in that polka dot dress! make your hubby take you to dinner with real silverware in that number!
smk053078 says
Yes! Yes! And yes!! I am a big believer in mixing black and brown…I bet a ton more women are now on board after this post! 🙂
Jen Pogue says
You nailed it with the title of this post! TRUTH! I wore my black skinny jeans with my cognac boots so much last year that I bought another pair. I'm totally digging the cognac Toms bootie {it still cracks me up to type that word!} wedge that you highlighted!
mel @ the larson lingo says
I agree!!!! Black & Brown FOREVER!!!!! Why was I so scared of it last year? It is now a staple! I have recreated the black dress/brown belt/brown boots outfit. I LOVE it. One of my favorite outfits!!
Shelby says
So here's my question… what to wear with gray?? Will cognac work here? Black boots are seeming so boring now!!
Sheaffer says
Hi Shelby! Your settings are set to "no reply", so I hope you check back here for your answer! Yes…I think cognac or chocolate brown will work with grey. I have an outfit coming up soon with grey leggings with short chocolate brown boots. Hope this helps!
xoxo,
Sheaffer 🙂
Elaine~ Honey Pie Accessories says
I use to hate brown and black together. It was fashion suicide in college…. Not anymore… Maybe it just sounds better calling brown cognac. Yes, that's it…. And, I must get booties.
Katie says
Hi Sheaffer! I just purchased the chestnut colored TOMS and I found a coupon code online for $5 off and the shipping on the TOMS website is free for a limited time. The coupon code I found was on Retail Me Not and was "TOMSFALL5" Thought your readers might like a little heads up on that! Thanks for the link and I can't wait to get the shoes:) I think they are going to be great this season!
Kori says
I LOVE black and brown together!! Actually, I need a good black daytime 3/4 sleeve dress for use with tights and boots.
Anyway.
I was being all anal-Annie a few years ago and bought black boots for all my black outfits. They had to match, right? Aaaannd I hated it. They threw off heavy Michael Jackson/Darth Vader vibes. Not that I don't love MJ and the Dark Side, but once I put on some cognac boots with black clothes, holy wow! Total game changer. Now it's chocolate brown/cognac all the way!
Only prob is I need a new cognac pair, but at this early point in the season (I live in sunny SoCal where it's still 98* outside) I just can't even thing about it!
angie says
Finally people are catching up!! I've been mixing black and brown for years to plenty of states and aghasts!! It's almost if I mixed stripes and florals. Oh, did that too. Camel & Congac are two of life's greatest gifts to the accessory wardrobe!! Preach on!
Funny in My Mind says
I just bought the cognac Toms wedges tonight! Words cannot express how cute and comfy they are! The sales guy only had the taupe ones out and then at the last minute told me he might have the "rust" (his description) ones in back. I was thrilled when he brought them out. Score!!
Samantha S. says
Hi! I have been eyeing the Frye boots for a couple of weeks now. I was planning on getting the Paige tall riding boots but now am really thinking about the ones above!! Decisions, decisions. I am not sure I like the vintage cognac…what do you think about the copper color? Thanks so much! Look forward to your blog every day!
Sheaffer says
Hi Samantha! Your settings are set to "no reply", so I hope you check back here for your answer. I just checked out the copper boots, and they are GORGEOUS! You're right, they are better than the cognac color! Get them, and then I'll be crazy jealous!
xoxo,
Sheaffer 🙂
Jill says
Today I am a walking "PINTEREST TOLD ME TO" poster child!!! I have on a simple black/ivory striped t-shirt dress…tan belt…leopard sandals and my gold necklace from Stella & Dot…you have inspired me! 🙂
Amy says
Hi Shaeffer. I got the crystal stretch bracelet in gold for my birthday and I love it…I not so subtly hinted to my hubby and there it was in a pretty little box yesterday afternoon (along with the other gifts I not so subtly hinted at) :)! We don't have a Nordstrom here, so I'd only seen it online, and it's so much prettier in person! I have a question too…do you think I'd get more wear out of cognac flats rather than beige for fall? I just bought the Me Too Rascal flat in beige (of course they weren't on sale then) and haven't worn them yet, but now I'm debating returning them in favor of the Lucky Santana flat. I'm wondering if the beige will be too light and spring-y for fall/winter seasons. What do you think?? Thanks so much!! LOVE your blog!
Sheaffer says
Hi Amy! Your settings are set to "no reply", so I hope you check back here for your answer! So happy you got the bracelet! It really is gorgeous in person!
About the flats, I would TOTALLY have said a couple of months ago that cognac flats were more versatile than nude flats…but I searched Pinterest images and they looked great all through fall and winter too! I guess it's just personal preference. I know that I want a pair of cognac flats after writing the post yesterday! 🙂
xoxo,
Sheaffer
BonBon Rose Girls Kristin says
Sam Edelman flats rock the house!
Anonymous says
I would love to know where the black and white cardigan Carly has on is from!! I LOVE IT! I've been thinking about it ever since reading your post!
emilycobena says
What a gorgeous day! Those are pretty great narrow boots. I like how you paired them with a simple outfit…keeps them from being too flashy. Love it!
www.pattyliu.com says
I love your choices. I recently acquire a light cognac bootie and now having a headache. It doesn't seem to blend in with my winter closet and don't really want to wait till spring or summer to bust them out ><
http://www.pattyliu.com/j-crew-caramel-booties/