The influence of coffee on the fashion scene has been percolating steadily for some time, from the cultural one-upmanship of how and where you take your flat white to the recent confirmation by Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2025: “Mocha Mousse.” This warming, earthy brown hue, described by Pantone as “imbued with richness and comfort,” bridges the gap between dark and light brown, evoking the indulgent qualities of chocolate and coffee. It’s a shade that speaks to our collective yearning for warmth and familiarity, and its resonance extends far beyond the coffee cup, permeating the worlds of design, pop culture, and, most notably, fashion.
While brown may already be a staple in weekend wardrobes, its adoption in formal settings marks a significant shift. This year, suiting and eveningwear are embracing the full spectrum of the coffee shop menu, with shades of brown bubbling up on red carpets and runways alike. After years dominated by jewel tones and slim-cut black suits, men’s fashion is entering a new era of relaxed tailoring—dressed-up but not buttoned-up, with softer, neutral tones taking center stage.
American actor Colman Domingo has emerged as a leading proponent of this trend. At the Critics Choice Awards, where he was nominated for Best Actor for his role in Sing Sing, Domingo arrived in a head-to-toe Hugo Boss ensemble in a sumptuous cocoa hue—a sharp double-breasted suit layered over a molten-chocolate silk shirt, accessorized with a casually knotted brown neck scarf. This wasn’t a one-off; Domingo has consistently embraced the coffee-inspired palette. At the London Critics’ Circle Film Awards, he wore a maroon leather blazer from LA brand Amiri over a rich brown cotton dress shirt, paired with a wide cream tie. And at a New York event, he donned a chest-baring, double-breasted Burberry pinstripe suit in a shade best described as caffe latte.
British style icons are also diving into the coffee-chocolate spectrum. Daniel Craig, at the same London Critics’ Circle Film Awards, opted for a louche, three-piece Giorgio Armani suit in a tone reminiscent of mink or chocolate Angel Delight—a far cry from his Bond-era sharpness. Meanwhile, White Lotus alum Leo Woodall has been a vocal advocate for the trend during his press tour for Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy. In Rome, he wore a tonal Caramac-colored Loro Piana look, complete with Adidas’ Ristretto trainers, while in London, he chose a dark roast, slouchy corduroy Loewe suit.
“Subtle tones of brown offer men a way to be adventurous without straying too far from classic elegance,” says celebrity stylist Christopher Brown, who curates Woodall’s red carpet looks. “The beauty of brown lies in its versatility—each shade tells a different story. A darker brown corduroy can evoke a Seventies throwback, while a lighter mocha feels distinctly contemporary, as seen on European catwalks.”
However, brown’s association with the 1970s—often conjuring images of elbow-padded blazers on frazzled geography teachers—requires a nuanced approach. To avoid retro missteps, lean into the decade’s more decadent side. Think less detention, more disco: a velvet tuxedo in a rich brown shade for after-dark glamour, or, for everyday wear, a chestnut-toned silk tie or plush corduroy trousers with a luxurious heft.
“Brown is making its way into business and wedding tailoring,” notes Jake Grantham, owner of Marylebone tailoring house Anglo-Italian. “As dressing environments become less predictable, softer, contemporary brown tones—free from the yellowish hues of the past—are gaining traction.” Grantham, recently returned from the Pitti Uomo trade fair in Florence, observes that while blue and black remain British suiting staples, more clients are taking cues from their Italian counterparts, incorporating brown two-pieces into their officewear rotation. “In Milan, it’s common to see men in chocolate and coffee-toned suits at the espresso bar—still formal, but with an unexpected dash of character.”
For those hesitant to go head-to-toe brown, stylist Christopher Brown recommends starting with a long coat. “It’s a versatile investment that can elevate even the simplest wardrobe pieces, like jeans and a hoodie.” Pairing brown with complementary tones—such as a nutmeg-hued jacket with a plum polo neck or olive and russet accents—can also create a cohesive, sophisticated look.
Ultimately, the key to mastering this trend lies in simplicity. “Wear taupes and browns as you would navy,” advises Grantham. “These tones pair effortlessly with blue-striped or plain white shirts, dark ties, and brown or black shoes.” And, of course, don’t forget the double espresso on your coffee break—because when it comes to this trend, the inspiration is always brewing.
