Forget Butter Yellow—Chocolate Brown Is Everyone's Favorite Unexpected Summer Neutral
28 under-$100 pieces that look so rich.
If you were to take a peek into my closet, you would see lots of black and white. Some may say that's boring, but I say it's a testament to my minimalist wardrobe. However, I'm always open to experimenting with different neutrals (hello, butter yellow!). So, when I noticed my favorite It girls embracing an unexpected summer color trend—chocolate brown—I quickly jumped on board.
Chocolate brown typically crops up every year in the winter fashion cycle—it is a dark and moody color, after all. However, after spotting it in the wild too many times to count this season, I'm making a case for the rich brown shade as the new "it" summer neutral. It's not just me who favors the color, either. Two of my favorite affordable retailers, Zara and HM, are stocked to the brim with chocolate brown pieces, so it's clear that a microtrend is afoot.
To help you see the potential of the expensive-looking color, I've curated the best chocolate brown pieces from Zara and HM. I'm confident that these tank tops, linen pants, summery dresses, and more will become the backbone of your summer minimalist wardrobe. What's more, they all ring in at $100 and under, despite their rich-girl look.
Your summer workwear wardrobe deserves this dress.
Linen pants are a summer staple—try out this shade for an elevated take.
Swap out your go-to tank top for this pick.
This elevated tube top screams "90s fashion" and I'm obsessed.
Say hello to your summer wedding guest dress.
I'd pair this top with wide-leg pants and flip-flops for a beachy boho vibe.
This beachy dress is a must-have on my vacation packing list.
This top will add a fun touch of texture to your look.
Wear this draped number to your next date night.
A scarf top is peak rich-girl energy.
This is the ideal skirt to wear into the office.
Pair this top with dark wash jeans and you've got an easy, polished work look.
This babydoll top reminds me of the early aughts, so naturally, I'm a fan.
This silky slip skirt would elevate your most basic summer looks.
Carrie Bradshaw would so wear this tube top.
This ribbed pick is so much more elevated than your average T-shirt.
HM styled these shorts with a button-down shirt and heeled flip-flops, and it's a look I want to recreate immediately.
The cut-outs on the neckline are so fun.
Side slits adds a sexy edge to this midi skirt.
In case your going-out outfits are in need of a refresh, this rich-looking top will do the trick.
Dress these comfy pants up with strappy heels for a day at the office.
I'd pair this vest with a slip skirt for an easy summer work outfit.
I have these linen pants in black, and I love them so much that I'm adding this color to my closet, too.
A billowy dress like this fits right in with summer's boho fashion trend.
The beaded drawstrings and gauzy fabric give these pants a beachy feel.
Imagine how many different ways you can style this shift dress.
I'm in need of summer workwear, so I put these pants in my cart ASAP.
The next time you don't know what to wear on a sweltering hot day, throw this dress on with leather sandals.
