Brown is the new black for Autumn fashion: How to wear the shade of the season

You don’t have to believe in miracles to get on board with this season’s hot chocolate trend. You will, however, have to learn to put your faith in a new neutral.

For Londoners — a band of grey and navy clad disciples who have spent years worshipping at the altar of neutrals — the prospect of brown being hailed as the season’s hottest shade is a mildly terrifying one.

Because, brown! Really?

But trust me, soon we’ll all be joining the gravy train. Because, frankly, it’s hard to avoid this season.

Rich, dark and, as its name suggests, deliciously tempting, chocolate is the new black — particularly as far as your accessories are concerned. If you’re among the many to have sworn off brown shoes since the moment you left primary school, step back into the fold in Uterque’s glossy brown studded kitten heels and pair with Zara’s tasty vinyl crossbody pouch — which, incidentally, bears more than a passing resemblance to a perfectly formed ganache truffle.

But why stop there? If you’re going to dip into chocolate this season, full-on indulgence is far more pleasurable than a calorie-controlled approach. Take the trouser suit — another of this season’s top talking points and particularly appetising when smothered in chocolate. Christophe Lemaire — a Paris Fashion Week visionary who has form when it comes to crafting perfect versions of simple, everyday items — opened his autumn showcase with an impeccably cut dark chocolate suit (think at least 70 per cent cocoa) capable of satisfying chocolate cravings in the most discerning wardrobes.

On the high street, Zara also has the trend licked with its double-breasted, wide leg trouser suit, while & Other Stories’ corduroy two-piece ticks the Seventies trend box too.

Alternatively, make a beeline for Lemaire’s latest line for Uniqlo. The designer, who has lent the store’s design-led U line his minimalist edge since 2016, has delivered an affordable high-fashion hit in the form of a delectable Nutella-brown wool overcoat. Other mouthwatering star buys to look out for include Mango’s delicious leather shirt dress and a chevron teddy-bear fleece jacket by Urban Outfitters.

Of course, the beauty of the chocolate takeover is that — just like its namesake — there’s something to suit all tastes. Victoria Beckham’s current collection, for example, combines chocolate, caramel and biscuit — let’s call it Twix for short — to great effect.Whistles’ new edit of signature pieces, meanwhile, mixes pecan and mocha-coloured cashmere knits with gingerbread-brown trousers for truly elegant dessert-dressing.

Alternatively, seek inspiration from French Connection’s latest campaign, which has taken the Ferrero Rocher route with its roasted hazelnut coat and cocoa butter roll-neck, all wrapped up with a gold sequin skirt. Go on, treat yourself.