Chocolate Brown & Maroon: The Colours Defining Winter 2026
Every season brings a fresh colour story, and this winter two shades are leading the way – rich Chocolate Brown and deep Maroon.
These warm, earthy tones are appearing throughout the latest collections from Elm Lifestyle and Foxwood, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional black and grey winter wardrobes. Easy to wear, flattering on a wide range of skin tones and incredibly versatile, chocolate and maroon are proving to be the standout colours of Winter 2026.
Why Chocolate Brown Is So Popular This Winter
Chocolate brown has become the new neutral. Softer than black and warmer than navy, it brings depth and sophistication to everyday outfits while remaining incredibly easy to style.
Chocolate tones pair beautifully with denim, cream, white, blush pink and even brighter winter colours. Whether you're dressing for a casual coffee catch-up, a day at work or a weekend away, chocolate brown adds warmth and elegance without feeling overly formal.
Our latest arrivals feature this trend beautifully, including the Elm Delphi Front Pocket Jean – Chocolate or maroon and the Elm Bron Knit – Maroon. Both pieces are versatile wardrobe staples that work effortlessly with winter knits, striped tops and casual sweatshirts.
Maroon: Rich, Timeless and Easy to Wear
Maroon continues to dominate winter fashion thanks to its ability to add colour without being overpowering. Rich and sophisticated, this shade works across all ages and styles.
Maroon pairs perfectly with denim, navy, cream and chocolate brown, making it one of the easiest colours to incorporate into an existing wardrobe. It offers the warmth of red while remaining practical enough for everyday wear.
Pieces like the Elm Winnie Cord Skirt – Maroon showcase just how wearable this trend can be. Styled with the Foxwood Verbier Knit Crew – Dark Sapphire or the Elm Linea Stripe Knit creates a polished winter look that feels both current and timeless.
The Perfect Colour Combination
One of the reasons these colours are so popular is how well they work together.
Chocolate brown and maroon create a rich, layered winter palette that feels luxurious without being complicated. Add denim for a casual everyday outfit or incorporate cream and soft neutrals for a more elevated look.
These colours also transition seamlessly from day to evening, making them ideal for busy women looking for versatile wardrobe pieces that work across multiple occasions.
How We're Wearing Them at Pink Poppies
This season we're loving:
• Elm Delphi Front Pocket Jean – Chocolate paired with navy and white stripes.
• Elm Winnie Cord Skirt – Maroon styled with the Foxwood Verbier Knit Crew – Dark Sapphire.
• Elm Bron Knit – Maroon layered over denim for effortless everyday style
. Elm Linea Stripe Knit paired with maroon denim for a fresh winter colour combination.
• Elm Ada Full Length Jean – Dark Blue Wash teamed with maroon and chocolate knitwear.
Why These Colours Work for So Many Women
One of the biggest reasons we're seeing chocolate and maroon everywhere this season is their versatility. Unlike some fashion trends that come and go quickly, these rich tones are timeless and flattering.
Chocolate brown brings warmth and softness to winter dressing, while maroon adds depth and colour without being overly bright. Both shades pair beautifully with classic denim, making them easy additions to an existing wardrobe.
Whether you prefer casual everyday dressing or like to create more polished outfits, these colours offer endless styling possibilities that you'll continue reaching for year after year.
Discover the Winter Colour Story
If you're looking to refresh your wardrobe this season, chocolate brown and maroon are two trends worth embracing. Rich, warm and endlessly wearable, these colours bring a fresh update to winter dressing while remaining timeless enough to wear for years to come.
Explore our latest collection of Elm Lifestyle and Foxwood winter arrivals online or visit us in our Stanthorpe boutique. We'd love to help you discover the pieces that work best for your style, lifestyle and wardrobe.
After all, everybody needs a little country.
