Welcome to the latest edition of Ask CF! Every two weeks, we select a reader fashion question and answer it here on the site. Do you have a specific fashion question for us? Scroll to the bottom of this post to learn how to send it our way–including a brand new way to submit your most pressing fashion dilemmas!

This week’s short but sweet question comes via CF’s Instagram:

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Ask CF Question

How to mix brown and black?

Our Response

Brown and black is one of those fashion combinations, like black and navy or silver and gold, that people seem to have a lot of feelings about. Those who are against it think certain color combos just shouldn’t be worn, while those who are for it believe any color combination is a good color combination. Personally, I fall into the latter camp, as I think anyone can pull off any color combination, so long as the styling is done right.

Furthermore, as we head into fall, brown and black seems like the perfect blend of neutrals, as it stands out just enough to keep you from falling into a fashion rut of wearing all one color all the time; not to mention, it’s not a combination you necessarily see a lot of these days, making it the perfect way to switch things up a little as temperatures start to drop.

So, without any further ado, keep on scrolling to see four chic looks I have put together that make excellent use of the brown-and-black color palette!

Outfit #1

Products: Pants – Urban Outfitters, Bodysuit – J.Crew, Jacket – H&M, Choker – Revolve, Earrings – Mango, Backpack – Nordstrom, Ankle Boots – Urban Outfitters

This ’90s-esque outfit is not only perfect for back-to-school, but is also a great way to test the waters of the brown-and-black color combo, as it incorporates another color–blue–which breaks things up a little.