The Princess of Wales has put chocolate brown firmly on the style agenda this autumn, and style expert Alicia Liberty has found a high-street outfit she believes Catherine, 44, would give the royal seal of approval. Writing for the Daily Express, Liberty says she has fallen down the chocolate-brown rabbit hole and discovered the Laney faux-suede co-ord from French Connection.
The Laney co-ord set
Liberty recently tried the French Connection Laney faux-suede co-ord, describing it as an outfit that makes getting dressed look far more complicated than it actually was. She paired it with a simple black turtleneck and barely-there heels, letting the set do all the talking.
The rich mocha shade is bang on trend, while the suede-effect finish gives it a luxe, expensive-looking edge that can elevate an autumn wardrobe. Liberty particularly loves the proportions, with the shorter jacket and sweeping midi skirt creating a flattering silhouette without feeling too prim or overly put-together.
While the full chocolate-on-chocolate moment is the pièce de résistance for her, both pieces are strong enough to go solo - exactly the sort of hardworking fashion buy she wants hanging in her wardrobe this season.
The jacket details
The Laney Brown Faux Suede Cinched Waist Short Coat might be part of a matching set, but Liberty can already see herself reaching for it long after the co-ord season is over. The soft-touch suedette and deep mocha colour make it look seriously luxe, while the shorter length gives it a more fashion-forward feel than the usual autumn jacket.
It comes in sizes XS to XL and features wide raglan sleeves, a collar, button-down fastening and two side pockets. The clever detail for Liberty is hidden inside: adjustable toggles allow you to pull in the waist and completely change the silhouette. She would wear it cinched over a fitted knit with tailored trousers, or loosened over a white T-shirt, straight-leg jeans and loafers for an easy weekend look. The jacket is priced at £130.
The skirt details
The matching Laney Brown Faux Suede Midi Skirt is the piece that gives the outfit its sleek, head-to-toe finish, and Liberty loves how the longer length balances out the shorter jacket. Available in UK sizes 6 to 18, it has a high waist, invisible back zip, subtle seam detailing and a centre-back vent, with the streamlined shape keeping the faux suede looking chic rather than heavy.
Away from the matching jacket, Liberty suggests wearing it with a chunky cream knit and knee-high boots, or a fitted black roll-neck when the temperature drops. Her fashion tip is not to save it for best, as chocolate brown is basically autumn's new neutral, making it the kind of skirt she would build half her wardrobe around. The skirt is priced at £99.
More chocolate-brown alternatives
For another chic way to tap into the trend, Crew Clothing offers a suede-effect jacket with the same rich autumnal feel but a more relaxed, everyday silhouette. It features patch pockets, mock-horn buttons and a clean cut, making it easy to throw over everything from denim to tailored trousers. It comes in UK sizes 6 to 22, although sizes 14 and 16 are currently showing as sold out. The jacket is priced at £79.
For a purse-friendly alternative, ASOS is selling JDY's Faux Suede Midi Skirt in a similarly rich chocolate brown. The soft, textured faux-suede style has a mid-rise waist, side-zip fastening and regular fit, giving it a simple silhouette that would look gorgeous with a chunky cream knit and knee-high boots. It is currently available in UK sizes 6 to 18, making it a versatile autumn buy that can be dressed up with heels or kept casual with boots and knitwear. The skirt is priced at £35.
