Everyone's Reaching for This Rich Neutral Instead of Black-Shop Our 14 Fall Fashion Finds, From $13

"There's a new moody color taking over fall wardrobes, and it's as rich and decadent as its namesake: chocolate brown. It's a neutral that softens a look without dulling it down-a refined alternative to black that still goes with everything in your closet. As stylist Emily Kitts explains, the shade "has less contrast than black and pairs beautifully with pops of color like cobalt blue, rich red, and warm green-all of which are trending for fall and the holidays.""

"This cardigan gives main-character energy to an otherwise simple fall outfit. The chocolate brown shade feels more fashion-girl than black but still goes with everything in your closet. Wear it open over a white tank and denim with coordinating sneakers for an easy daytime look, or button it up and pair it with brown trousers for a sleek, monochromatic moment that's very "quiet luxury meets cozy season.""

"These wide-leg pants are the unsung hero of fall dressing-they move like silk but style like denim. Try them with a cream sweater or crisp white button-down for a clean, elevated vibe, or mix in a lighter brown knit for a tonal-but-not-twinset feel. You can even branch out with fall shades like burgundy or olive to keep things interesting. Translation: they'll anchor your travel wardrobe in the best way."

Chocolate brown functions as a rich, refined neutral that softens looks without dulling them, offering a polished alternative to black. The shade has less contrast than black and pairs beautifully with pops of color like cobalt blue, rich red, and warm green, which are trending for fall and the holidays. The hue translates across pieces from cozy cardigans and tailored wide-leg pants to suede retro sneakers and versatile blazers. It works equally well in monochrome layers and as a grounding base for brighter statement pieces. Fourteen chocolate brown items are highlighted for fall, with prices starting at $13.

Read at Travel + Leisure