Summer chic is easy with a shot of espresso: It's the last colour you think of when the sun shines, but brown is hot this season

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Deep chocolate, espresso, chestnut — whatever elegant name you’d like to bestow upon it, dark brown is the shade to be seen in this summer.

If, like me, when it comes to neutrals you steer clear of brown, allow me to introduce you to 2024’s take on it. This isn’t muddy brown or Brownie uniform brown, it’s the shade Sabrina Carpenter sings about in the ubiquitous hit of the summer: Espresso.

This glamorous, deep chocolate is softer than black, pairs perfectly with gold accessories and, while you might think of it as an autumnal colour, it was all over the SS24 catwalks. Loewe, Tom Ford, Hermes and Fendi all had a noticeably chocolatey hue, and the High Street duly took note.

So, too, did Hollywood, as Daisy Edgar-Jones dazzled in a dark brown Vivienne Westwood dress on the red carpet last week.

Here’s our guide to adding some espresso elegance to your summer wardrobe...

Mocha is the new black

Sleek: Daisy Edgar-Jones in Vivienne Westwood at the premiere of her new film Twisters in London

Dress, £178, thereformation.com

A black dress is conventionally thought of as a shortcut to glamour but Daisy Edgar Jones made a convincing case for the dark brown dress on the red carpet last week. 

The actress wore a mocha Vivienne Westwood gown, complete with thigh-high split. With brown smokey eye make-up and gold jewellery, she looked every inch the Hollywood A-lister. 

This style has all the luxury and sophistication of a black dress, but it’s softer and especially flattering to those with warm skin tones who are washed out by black. 

Take your cue from Daisy and complete with gold jewellery.

Upgrade with luxe leather 

Chocolate bags were dotted all over the SS24 catwalks: at Tom Ford they were elegant envelopes, while Victoria Beckham offered a spin on the travel bag silhouette, and Hermes showed brown versions of its Birkin and half-moon shaped Arçon designs.

L-r: Bibury bucket bag, £295, fairfaxandfavor.com; Earrings, now £38, anthropologie.com

But rather than forking out a four-figure sum, invest in this mini suede bucket style by Fairfax & Favor, £295. The Bibury comes with a detachable crossbody strap and will pair easily with other colours. There’s also a larger version at £345.

Add a coordinating dark tan sandal and you’ll look perfectly polished. Gold jewellery then offers the requisite bling — try these statement earrings from Anthropologie, £38.

Flirty details lighten the look 

Cut-out cool: On the Hermes SS24 catwalk

L-r: Top, £95, stories. com; Cami, now £45, hanro.co.uk

Designers such as Tom Ford, Loewe and Hermes all sent varying earthy tones down the catwalk for Spring/Summer and they work wonderfully on every complexion.

Take these cut-out designs on a leather skirt and lace top from the Hermes runway, the delicate detailing gives these pieces a feminine touch that’s a welcome alternative to summer’s bold graphic prints.

This long-sleeve top from & Other Stories has a similarly chic crochet effect, so it doesn’t look blocky. Or look for lace detailing — like this cami from Hanro, now on sale for £45.

Mix and match coffee tones 

Classy: Emily Ratajkowski in a Nour Hammour coat

Trench coat, now £99.49, aligne.co

Jacket, now £197, thefoldlondon.com

Model Emily Ratajkowski’s recent off-duty outfit (left) epitomised espresso chic. Mixing coffee shades, from her dark chocolate trousers to her mocha leather coat and espresso sunglasses, she showed that these shades don’t have to be for the darker months. A black leather trench can easily veer into The Matrix territory, whereas brown leather is less harsh.

Or if you’re a fan of denim, why not try a bourbon biscuit jacket instead of the usual caramel, like this one from The Fold; or a classic trench from Aligne. Add tortoiseshell sunglasses, a la Emily, to complete the look.

Give it some shine 

Skirt, £69, albaray.co.uk

Skirt, £119, massimodutti.com

Darker shades can have a tendency to look flat, especially in summer when we usually reach for more vibrant pieces. Pick your fabric wisely and you’ll avoid that dull finish: silk and satin give a luxe, subtle sheen to brown that elevates the colour and looks expensive.

Pair this slip satin skirt from Albaray — or Massimo Dutti’s — with a flattering soft cream top (white is too harsh a contrast), or pink which is another perfect match with brown.

The maxi skirt is enjoying a renaissance this summer, but it can be tricky to find a flattering fit, and you need to be armed with a steamer if you plan on wearing a linen version — so this satin, bias-cut style is perfect.

Dress down with ballet pumps and switch into cowboy boots or slingbacks for the evening.