Who says neutrals don’t work as partywear? Cat Deeley elevates brown tones into a party essential with her high street midi skirt
Chocolate brown hues are one of this season’s biggest colour trends, and Cat proves they work for any occasion
Chocolate brown might not be the first hue you think of when pulling together Christmas party outfits. But Cat Deeley has us thinking that they couldn’t work better for this time of year. Delivering an inspirational look as she stepped out on This Morning.
Wearing a brushed cashmere sweater vest from ME+EM, Cat played around with texture, styling the simple and cosy top with Zara’s shiny jacquard layered skirt. With a high waistline and classic A-line silhouette, the skirt’s statement element was by far its metallic, shimmery fabric that lent a surprisingly festive flair to the all-brown, look.
While velvet, red and forest greens will never be out of fashion at this time of year, neutrals, in particular dark browns, are having a moment. Both thanks to the catwalk and the universally flattering hue that works effortlessly with metallics and other neutrals, this shade can be worn through December and beyond.
Get Cat Deeley's all-brown look
Cat's midi skirt is a party essential, especially if you're a fan of neutral tones or trending mocha brown shades. Perfectly festive with its shining, metallic texture, it's still neutral and subtle when compared with more overtly festive pieces.
Taking inspiration from Cat Deeley's outfit in a more subtle way, this skirt from Next elevates its brown tone into a party-ready colour by giving it a metallic sheen. This helps the shade catch the light, with pleated details creating tons of movement.
A great alternative to Cat's ME+EM vest, this Karen Millen top has the same sleeveless, fitted silhouette and, while the neckline differs, its chestnut brown tone is similar. Worn with statement skirts as partywear, or with your favourite jeans, it's a winter staple.
Made from 100% wool, this top is a cosy party piece that will slip under a blazer too. A simple, fitted shape is elevated by asymmetrical draping, with the mocha brown colour being bang on trend for the autumn/winter season. Add a statement necklace for extra glam.
Giving the same soft textured look as Cat's sweater vest, this knitted top from the M&S x 16Arlington collaboration is the perfect piece to incorporate into block colour outfits. A fitted shape with short sleeves and a neat round neckline is easy to style too.
Rich brown is one of the biggest fashion colour trends for autumn/winter 2025. A softer alternative to black that feels warm, inviting against the stark, cold weather, this refined and polished shade works for a multitude of events.
Add depth to brown outfit ideas by playing around with texture. The soft cashmere of Cat's top with the bolder jacquard fabric of her skirt, Cat broke up the tonal browns, creating contrast within her look.
Cat's belt also highlighted this, working to define her silhouette and break up the top and the skirt, creating an hourglass silhouette. If you're looking for a way to spin brown for partywear, this is a great source of inspiration.
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Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse is a freelance royal news, entertainment and fashion writer. She began her journalism career after graduating from Nottingham Trent University with an MA in Magazine Journalism, receiving an NCTJ diploma, and earning a First Class BA (Hons) in Journalism at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute. She has also worked with Good To, BBC Good Food, The Independent, The Big Issue and The Metro.
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