Sabrina Carpenter and Kate Middleton Show Why This Spring Color is a Must-Have for Your Winter Wardrobe
Sabrina Carpenter and Kate Middleton, although from different worlds, are both showcasing a subtle yet captivating trend for the winter of 2025: the pairing of chocolate brown and light blue.
This season, chocolate brown has emerged as a fashion staple, but its complementary color, light blue, is also gaining traction. Street style experts and celebrities are eagerly incorporating this soft hue into their winter wardrobes, reinterpreting a nostalgic color combination popular in the late ’90s.
Fashion-forward individuals are not shying away from this trend, incorporating light blue in varying styles—from accessories to prominent winter coats—transitioning it from a mere accent to a focal point.
In Paris on November 07, 2025.
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
The rise of light blue this winter is no coincidence. It made waves in spring 2025, gracing the wardrobes of stars such as Anne Hathaway and Hailey Bieber, as well as various runway collections. This trend’s seamless transition into retail stores this fall-winter season aligns perfectly with fashion predictions.
Ahead of the curve, both Carpenter and Middleton have embraced this icy hue, showcasing its elegance when styled with rich textures like cashmere and suede. Notably, light blue looks particularly luxurious when paired with chocolate brown. There are multiple ways to adopt this trend into your winter attire.
With a Pale Blue Puffer Coat à la Sabrina Carpenter
Instagram/@sabrinacarpenter
Carpenter, known for her role in Alice in Wonderland, recently styled a sporty pale blue jacket with a black miniskirt, sheer stockings, and a chic plaid scarf, capturing a perfect après-ski look. For those interested in similar pieces, Aritzia’s Super Puff™ Shorty in a limited edition Dew Blue is rapidly selling out.
For a softer look, Vuori’s Alta Down Jacket in Crystal Blue combines style with versatility, while J.Crew offers a hoodless option currently on sale.
Incorporating Rich Textures Like Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton on November 27, 2025.
Karwai Tang
Middleton has styled her Emilia Wickstead houndstooth dress with a softer color palette, incorporating gray and chocolate tones through accessories. Rather than typical black pumps, she opted for textures, adding a gray croc-embossed bag and a supple brown suede micro tote.
This highlights how to effectively integrate brown and blue in your wardrobe. A ribbed or cable-knit dress can also be a perfect choice for an office ensemble, achieving a rich yet sophisticated look.
Mixing Brown and Blue
In Berlin.
Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
Fashion experts are also blending light blue with earthy browns, creating a stylish effect without harsh contrasts. This combination can be effortlessly achieved through the chic pairing of textures and materials.
Additionally, incorporating light blue with gray textures, like cashmere or wool, can enhance any ensemble, establishing a classic look with modern appeal.
Prep-School with a Post-Grad Twist
In NYC.
Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
As plaid and argyle remain prevalent styles, current trends suggest incorporating these patterns into light blue sweaters and rugby tops, teaming them with relaxed jeans to achieve a curated yet effortless look.
For those exploring the blue and brown theme, Abercrombie’s
For those looking to start small, consider adding a light blue accessory, such as a bag or a scarf, to your outfit. A street style expert recently combined a blue quilted Chanel bag with a chocolate leather bomber jacket for a chic touch.
