Have you ever wondered if there are unspoken rules about what colors to wear, especially when it comes to appearing "wealthy" or "stylish"? I've always been fascinated by fashion and how it reflects societal norms. Recently, I stumbled upon a question that really piqued my interest: Do wealthy people avoid wearing the color brown? It seemed like an odd question, but it got me thinking about the history of fashion and the associations we make with certain colors.
I remember once attending a friend's party, and I was self-conscious because I chose to wear a brown dress. I started wondering if I should have chosen a different color. I realized I didn't know where these style rules came from. Was it just an old wives' tale, or was there some truth to it? This sent me on a quest to understand the origin and validity of this particular fashion rule. I noticed even classic country coats, often made of waxed canvas, come in shades of brown and tan. So, where did this supposed aversion to brown come from?
My research led me to some interesting historical context. Apparently, in Britain, the upper classes historically maintained both a town house and a country house. There was a long-standing tradition that brown clothing was reserved for country wear only. The saying went, "Never wear brown around the town." This distinction stemmed from the idea that brown was associated with rural life and outdoor activities, while more formal colors were appropriate for urban settings.
However, things are not always so black and white (or brown and not-brown!). I realized that wealthy people wear brown items all the time. The key is context. There are specific occasions where dress codes dictate what's appropriate. For example, at "white tie" or "black tie" events, men traditionally avoid brown suits. Women might be able to get away with a very fancy brown dress, but it would still be unconventional.
I even discovered that Ronald Reagan, a well-known figure, frequently wore brown suits. This shows how much fashion norms have changed over time. Today, the idea of strictly adhering to rules like "no brown in town" seems outdated. I believe it's more important to wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Speaking of confidence, I recently tried the KPYTOMOA Women 2022 Office Wear Double Breasted Blazer Coat in a lovely shade of chocolate brown. It's a vintage-inspired piece that looks chic and professional, and I've worn it both to the office and out to dinner. The double-breasted design and back vents give it a sophisticated touch, and the long sleeves make it perfect for cooler weather. It's a great example of how brown can be stylish and appropriate for various occasions.
This whole brown-color debate reminded me of other quirky fashion rules I've heard over the years. Many of these rules originated during the Industrial Revolution and even earlier. For example, there's the idea that you should only wear white in the summer, or that you should always leave the bottom button of a waistcoat undone. I've even heard the saying, "Blue and green should never be seen."
Inspired by my research, I decided to experiment with incorporating more brown into my wardrobe. I found that the key is to choose the right shades and fabrics. A rich, chocolate brown can look incredibly elegant, while a lighter tan can create a more casual, relaxed vibe. I've also learned to pay attention to the overall outfit and accessories. Pairing a brown blazer with crisp white pants and gold jewelry, for example, can create a sophisticated and polished look.
Here are some tips I've learned for wearing brown successfully: