Somewhere in the dark depths of every man’s wardrobe, you'll find a pair of brown pants.
Who knows how long they’ve been lying there, collecting dust in their folded hibernation.
Why the neglect? Probably because the owner can’t figure out how to wear them with any sense of style.
If you’re struggling with the same lack of outfit ideas, don't sweat. Everyone is dealing with some level of fashion trauma. This is a safe space.
Let us take the weight off your mind and guide you to a better place. Keep reading to get the quick lowdown on styling your brown pants like a Hollywood A-lister (or the coolest dad you know).
Getting to know your brown pants
Before we can start building your outfit, we need to figure out what you’re working with.
Brown pants come in various fits, fabrics, and colors. The exact combination matters, because it can radically change your overall look.
Here’s a quick spotter’s guide:
-
Jetsetter Tech Pants Limited Edition: You own these? What a stylish individual. Inspired by Pantone’s Color of the Year, our Bourbon Brown pants provide all-day comfort, with anti-odor and anti-ball-crush technology. Plus, they make your butt look peachy.
-
Brown chinos: The downgraded version of the Jetsetters. Some of the same smart-casual style, without the fun stuff. They’re made from twill, with a smooth finish.
-
Corduroy pants: A solid choice for fall and winter, corduroy adds texture to your outfit. Dark brown cords create a more classic and sophisticated vibe.
-
Dress slacks: For formal occasions, tailored brown dress pants pair with crisp shirts and sleek blazers to command attention in the office.
-
Casual twill or jeans: Twill provides a textured alternative to chinos for a casual aesthetic. Brown jeans create an edgy, rugged vibe.
-
Linen pants: Perfect for summer, linen pants in light brown or tan tones provide a breathable, laid-back option for outdoor settings.
Dig the brown pants out of your wardrobe, and try to match them with one of these categories.
This is your reference point for everything that comes next.
What to wear with your brown pants
Let's get down to business. Think of the next section as your quickstart guide to styling your brown pants, covering any possible occasion.
We're starting with…
1. The casual weekend look
It's the weekend. You want to kick back at your favorite coffee spot, while still turning heads.
Here's your recipe:
-
Pants: Go for Jetsetter pants or brown jeans for a more laid-back vibe.
-
Top: Pair with a fitted white T-shirt or a casual graphic tee. Bonus points for vintage prints. In cooler weather, layer with a light denim jacket or an oversized hoodie.
-
Footwear: White sneakers or low-top canvas shoes can help you maintain that "I didn't try too hard" vibe.
-
Accessories: A crossbody bag or casual backpack works well, along with a simple baseball cap.
Perfect for running errands, brunching with friends, and convincing the world you’ve got your life together.
2. The smart-casual look
So, you want to impress without looking like you've walked off the set of Severance? Here's how to strike the perfect balance:
-
Pants: Opt for slim-fit Jetsetters in Bourbon Brown or Oak Khaki. Or wear chinos if you must.
-
Top: A navy polo shirt or soft chambray button-up will make you look like an effortlessly handsome professor. Try a beige or cream-knitted sweater for a touch of elegance in the colder months.
-
Footwear: Loafers are your go-to shoe here. They scream sophistication but secretly don’t require socks.
-
Accessories: Polish it off with a leather belt and a minimalist watch.
Perfect for rooftop cocktails, semi-work gatherings, and looking annoyingly good at lunch.
3. The business-casual look
What's the perfect outfit for an informal meeting? It needs to be formal enough for you to be taken seriously… but approachable enough for the other person to feel comfortable talking about their fostered dog.
Hmm, a tricky one. Try this:
-
Pants: Choose Jetsetters or corduroys. The latter works best in winter or when the AC is at full blast.
-
Top: A light blue Oxford shirt shows that you're prepared. Pair it with a gray button-down to suggest that you're not all business. Choose a blazer in navy or tweed if you’re gunning for that promotion.
-
Footwear: Derby shoes or monk straps. If loafers are the Brad Pitt of shoes, these are the Idris Elba — sophisticated, elegant, and always winning.
-
Accessories: Don’t skip a polished leather belt, and consider a patterned tie for extra personality.
Perfect for informal office environments, client lunches, and convincing everyone you do want to be at this networking event.
4. The dressy formal look
Brown dress slacks are an underrated choice for formal occasions. They can set you apart while helping you convey sophistication. At least, until you start speaking…
-
Pants: Well-tailored brown slacks are key here, although you can get away with Jetsetter pants. Stick with darker shades like chocolate brown for a sleeker style.
-
Top: A crisp white dress shirt is a foolproof option. If that feels too boring, choose light blue or something soft and unexpected like pale pink. Add a charcoal or navy blazer for contrast.
-
Footwear: Polished leather Oxfords in brown or black. Make them shiny enough to see your reflection in disturbing detail.
-
Accessories: A burgundy or navy silk tie and a pocket square should do the trick. Add cufflinks if you want.
Perfect for weddings, galas, fancy dinners, work events… basically, anywhere you'd expect to find an open bar.
5. The outdoorsman look
Brown is a very earthy, organic color. That makes it well suited to outfits for the great outdoors.
You can pull off the look like this:
-
Pants: Corduroy or twill pants in darker brown shades work best for outdoor settings, along with our Limited Edition Jetsetters. For summer, switch to lightweight linen pants in tan hues.
-
Top: You need a flannel shirt, obviously. Burnt orange, olive green, or muted red are all good choices. Alternatively, you could slip on a cream knit turtleneck to embrace the cozy supervillain look.
-
Footwear: Brown leather boots or chukka boots are stylish yet sturdy enough for the trails.
-
Accessories: Add a wool scarf and a tailored overcoat for a guaranteed appearance on Pinterest.
Perfect for seasonal outings like a pumpkin patch in fall, apple picking, and waiting in line to see the Coca-Cola Christmas truck.
6. The urban look
Brown pants can be more adventurous than you'd think. You might even see Drake sporting a pair.
If you're trying to cultivate an edgy, urban style, this is the blueprint:
-
Pants: Slim Fit Jetsetters and chinos work best here. Ripped styles or distressed finishes add extra grittiness.
-
Top: A black T-shirt. If you’re layering, throw on a dark hoodie or leather jacket.
-
Footwear: Chunky boots (think Dr. Martens) or high-top sneakers should be enough to get you into the scene.
-
Accessories: Try a beanie if the mood strikes. Finish with a rugged leather belt. And feel free to add anything else that'll make people wonder whether you're in a band.
Perfect for music events, nights out, pretending you know how to skateboard, and other casual settings.
7. The summer look
Remember the sun? It might not be shining right now, but it'll return at some point. Hopefully.
When it does, here's how to dress:
-
Pants: Light brown or tan linen pants with a relaxed or slightly tapered fit. Our Jetsetter pants work too, thanks to their anti-wrinkle fabric.
-
Top: Slip on a breezy button-up in sage green or light blue. Roll up the sleeves for a relaxed vibe.
-
Footwear: Espadrilles or sandals. Or just go barefoot… owning it is 90% of style anyway.
-
Accessories: No summer outfit is complete without aviators, a straw hat, and an understated confidence that says, “Yes, I do have sunscreen in my bag.”
Perfect for sipping margaritas under a $10 beach umbrella.
How many pairs of brown pants do you need?
In truth, one good pair is enough. There's a reason people don't brag about their brown pants collection.
If you want to spice things up, don't worry too much about color.
The type of pants makes a much bigger difference to your overall look — the shade simply shapes what you can pair your pants with.
Say you already own some brown cords. If you want to expand your wardrobe, try grabbing some Jetsetter Tech pants or linen pants.
How to layer with brown pants
Layering is both an art and a science. Your brown pants are the delicious sourdough bread — you just need to find the right filling.
Here are some of your best options:
-
Overcoats and peacoats: For the “Hot Sherlock” effect, start with your brown Jetsetter pants (obviously), a simple gray or black turtleneck, and top it with a camel-colored overcoat. The neutral colors work together like peanut butter and jelly, but for your body.
-
Flannel shirts: Unlock cozy lumberjack chic with Jetsetters or dark brown cords, and flannels in rich colors (think deep red, orange, or green). Layer with a muted T-shirt or thermal, then add your flannel. Leave it unbuttoned for a “bad boy meets camping” aesthetic. Button it up if it gets chilly.
-
Knits and sweaters: Embrace the cool dad vibes by pairing your favorite brown cords or twill brown pants with a slim-fit shirt, like a classic white button-down. Then throw on a chunky knit sweater, maybe in cream or navy.
-
Denim jackets: Well hello, ‘90s kid. Throw your denim jacket over a graphic T-shirt or hoodie, and slip on some brown jeans.
-
Bomber jackets: If you want to give your brown pants the full Sons of Anarchy experience, match your slim-fit Jetsetters or brown jeans with a bomber. Layer a lightweight sweater or a fitted henley shirt to complete the look.
The dos and don’ts of wearing brown pants
This guide has loads of great ideas for styling brown pants. But what if you want to go off-piste? We have just the thing: a list of commandments for brown pants-related fashion.
Do…
-
Mix textures: Think corduroy, denim, and knits. It’s like a well-balanced charcuterie board — deliciously diverse and definitely Instagram-worthy.
-
Experiment with color: Brown is your canvas! Use it as a springboard for bolder hues.
-
Tailoring counts: Well-fitted pants are your best friends. If you're looking for the well-tailored look, our Jetsetter Tech pants are surprisingly versatile.
-
Confidence is key: Wear them like you own a yacht. Just don't tell them it's an RC boat in your inflatable backyard pool.
Don't…
-
Over-match browns: Try to avoid looking like a survivor from a chocolate factory accident. Different shades are the way to go, keep it visually interesting!
-
Forget footwear: Your shoes matter. Dark socks and polished shoes keep your outfit cohesive.
-
Be a fashion no-show: Business-casual doesn't mean PJs at the office. Before you leave the house, take a moment to check that your look makes some visual sense.
Bonus tip: Looking for more ways to remix your wardrobe? Check out our guides on wearing olive green pants and denim shirts.
Embrace your brown pants
As we've discovered, you can do a lot with brown pants. From finance-casual to outdoor style, every occasion is covered — you just need high-quality pants and the right matching garments.
If you're looking for brown pants that'll turn heads and keep you comfortable throughout the day, grab our Limited Edition Jetsetter Tech pants today. The clue is in the name — they won't be around for long!
