Emily Ratajkowski Wore the Shoe Color People Used to Never Wear With Black Pants

Folks, I'm happy to report that most of the color-pairing "rules" we used to have are out the window. We're in the "anything goes" era of fashion, and Emily Ratajkowski is a perfect example of that—especially since she defied an age-old color rule with her outfit last week.
For a recent night out in NYC, Ratajkowski paired a fitted white top with flared black pants and brown leather boots. In the past, wearing brown shoes with black pants would've been considered a color-clashing faux pas, but now, it's safe to say that wearing black with brown (and black with navy while we're at it) is perfectly acceptable and even cool. Just look at Ratajkowski if you need any more convincing. Keep scrolling to do just that and shop brown shoes I'd wear with black pants in a heartbeat. (Be sure to check out our new Intelligent Shopping Assistant, ISA, to find your next pair of black pants.)
On Emily Ratajkowski: Alaïa Le Teckel Small Leather Shoulder Bag ($2450)
Shop Brown Shoes to Wear With Black Pants

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater arts. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.
-
Step Aside, Butter Yellow, Burgundy, and Baby Pink—2026's It Color Has Just Arrived
Refreshingly good.
-
Click Here for Proof That This Sophisticated Shoe Color Works With Both Jeans and Dresses
Versatile and chic.
-
This Is the Low-Key Color Trend People Are Suddenly Wearing More Than Camel
Even Jennifer Lopez.
-
Every Cool Fall Outfit Will Include This Specific Jacket Trend, and I Found the 14 Best Versions
The chicest people in London and New York are wearing it.
-
We Love You, Chocolate Brown, But This Is the Rich Bag Color Trend It Girls Are Wearing Now
Spotted on Ayo and Kendall at the Chanel show.
-
Black Pants With Black Boots Is Dated—This Is the Shoe Color It Girls Are Wearing Instead
Kendall Jenner included.
-
It's Official: Everyone With Good Style Will Wear These 2 Colors Together in 2026
As seen on Alexa Chung in Paris.
-
Bold Colors Are In for Fall—Try These 3 Hues to Live Your Life in Technicolor
These will be everywhere this fall.