Forget your little black dress, Anita Rani's Olivier Awards outfit makes a case for chocolate brown evening wear this spring

While floral gowns and little black dresses are the two tried-and-trusted evening wear staples we gravitate towards in the spring months, Anita Rani has made a case for chocolate brown occasion wear after stepping out in a stunning, mocha-coloured dress for last night’s Olivier Awards 2026 ceremony.

Walking the green, grass carpet at the Royal Albert Hall, the rich brown shade of her fit-and-flare dress oozed sophistication. With a high neckline, plunging cut-out, and sheer long sleeves, the warm chocolatey tone gave the dress a further contemporary feel.

Chocolate and mocha browns might feel like an unexpected colour choice for spring and summer evening attire, but this seriously versatile shade offered a flattering and elegant finish. Brown was a huge colour trend at the end of last year, and this flattering alternative to black is going nowhere as we head into spring. Earthy, rich and very elegant, this rustic shade lifted Anita's dress beautifully.

Shop Chocolate Brown Evening Wear

While the spring/summer fashion colour trends for 2026 are more aligned with the bolder and brighter hues we tend to see in this season, neutrals are having their moment, too. Looking at the catwalks and street style shots of our favourite A-listers, summer grey and navy are two muted tones in particular that offer softer, more warm-weather-friendly alternatives to harsh, black hues. And, with this in mind, chocolate brown is definitely a shade that's here to stay. Popular at the end of last season, its like we've finally realised just how good rich brown hues can be, as they team effortlessly with everything from white and cream to bolder hues of green and orange.

A colour that’s easy to incorporate into spring capsule wardrobes, whether through knitwear and suede jackets or more evening-appropriate attire like Anita’s dress. The hue feels decidedly warmer and more inviting than black, and is more universally flattering, but is still a refined and polished shade that works for a multitude of events.

Taking notes from Anita when it comes to styling the shade for evening wear, she added interest to the block colour by playing around with texture. Of course, there is the long, pooling train of her dress that immediately catches the eye with its effortless drape and playful feather trim. But it’s the bodice of her dress with its sheer overlay that accentuates the plunging cut-out and adds some contrast to the tonal style that we won't forget in a hurry.