This Fresh Spring Colour Combination Is Classy, Timeless and Already a Favourite of Katie and Alexa
With fashion month on the horizon, I’ve been mulling over what looks and trends we might see unfold on the runway this time around.
Reflecting on spring/summer 2025's soft, harmonious colour palette—those pastel hues that many of us are excited to wear as soon as the skies clear—I can’t help but wonder how this colour trend will evolve. Will designers deepen its roots or take it in a bold new direction? Whilst the answer will come soon enough, I think I’ve stumbled upon a little clue courtesy of some of my favourite celebrities.
In recent weeks, I’ve spotted an elegant and understated colour pairing emerging across the style set: blue and brown. Not exactly groundbreaking, you might think, but in the hands of Alexa Chung and Katie Holmes, it feels utterly fresh and exciting—dare I say, an indication of things to come.
Chung gave us a first taste when she paired a sky-blue button-down shirt with a chocolate-brown leather jacket in an outfit that exuded practical polish. The rich warmth of the jacket balanced the softness of the pale blue, creating a look that felt at once modern and classic.
Then, Holmes stepped out in a similarly striking interpretation of the trend. True to her penchant for understated sophistication, the actor styled a high-neck blouse in a soft blue shade with earthy brown trousers. The result? A perfect balance of energy and elegance.
It’s not just celebrity wardrobes where this trend is gaining traction. Casting my mind back to last September, I started noticing this blue-and-brown duo quietly making its way onto the S/S 25 runways. The pairing feels especially timely; baby blue channels the hopeful, breezy energy of spring, whilst the grounding tones of brown provide a transitional quality that’s perfect for the season’s unpredictable transitional weather.
Atlein S/S 25
What’s most exciting about this combination, though, is its enduring appeal. Unlike the fleeting red-hot craze of a couple of years ago, which saw the bold shade dominating everything from knits to accessories, blue and brown both have an ageless quality. Worn together, it’s chic without being flashy, versatile without feeling boring, and, crucially, it works year-round.
So, whilst the runways will undoubtedly inspire us with new takes on the trend, I'm ready to start embracing it now. Read on to discover our edit of the best blue and brown items below.
SHOP THE BROWN-AND-BLUE COLOUR TREND:
I always come back to With Nothing Underneath for its perfect shirting options.
Polène's chic bags are somewhat of a secret amongst fashion people.
In my opinion, a chocolate-brown blazer is a wardrobe staple.
A simple but effective draped dress is my go-to for an evening look.
&Daughter's knitwear is some of my all-time favourite.
Style this with a simple tank top for a chic spring/summer look.
The richness of the brown makes this bag looks more expensive than it is.
This vibrant knit offers an easy way to energise your daily styling.
Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer and has worked in the fashion industry since she graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of the Arts London. Natalie’s experience in the industry spans journalistic and styling roles that have seen her work for publications including British Vogue, Conde Nast Traveller, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK.
With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Reporting on a daily basis, Natalie focuses on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.
-
Katie Holmes Is Signaling the Return of This Pretty '90s Skirt Trend
By Allyson Payer
-
Katie Holmes Just Wore the Cheap Styling Trick That Instantly Adds Outfit Value
Low cost, high look.
By Eliza Huber
-
Katie Holmes Left White Pants in the Dust for This Pretty Color Trend
Get a pair before spring hits.
By Allyson Payer
-
Katie Holmes Wore the Pant Color Trend That London Girls Regularly Swap Jeans For
It's an under-the-radar staple.
By Allyson Payer
-
I've Done the Research: Stylish Celebrities Wore These 8 Wardrobe Basics the Most in 2024
They'll be making up my wardrobe this year.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Katie Holmes Just Wore the Denim Color That Makes Any Jean Trend Look Timeless and Expensive
Effortless and cool.
By Allyson Payer
-
Trust Me—This Shoe Color Could Surpass Black in Popularity in 2025
The new neutral.
By Copelyn Bengel
-
Sorry to My Beige Coats, But Katie Holmes Just Convinced Me to Prioritize This Color Instead
Bold and unexpected.
By Nikki Chwatt