If you pay attention to fashion trends in the slightest, you’ll notice a chocolate brown takeover, prompting the phrase “brown is the new black.” From runway shows to social media influencers, browns – alongside other neutral tones – have taken center stage in the fashion realm, creating a new wave of muted ensembles that embrace wearability, versatility, and sophistication.
Yet, while browns of all shades have become a must-wear in 2024 and have been deemed the “it” shades as we come into the New Year, there’s one hue that stands above the rest: Mocha Mousse.
the There’s undeniably a “mocha madness” happening around the fashion world, and let’s face it – with a color so rich, sultry, and indulgent as this, we think it’s perfectly fine to go a little crazy.
Let’s talk about 2025’s color of the year!
How Did “Mocha Mousse” Become the Top Color of 2025?
One look at this alluring shade and there’s really no explanation needed. Mocha mousse is the embodiment of luxury and elegance, yet is balanced with its earthy undertones.
However, there’s more that brought mocha mousse to life.
For one, browns have been at the top of the color wheel – fashionably, speaking – since the end of 2023 when they started tipping the scales in popularity. From there, the neutral yet lavish hue continued to surge, becoming the “it” color for 2024. And we’re not just talking about a single season, either. The versatility of brown has made it a year-round shade that serves as an excellent base color or star of the show, with never-ending style options at one’s feet.
Secondly, “food-inspired” shades have been highly ranked in 2024. Don’t believe me? Then just check out the #2 color of the year: peach fuzz.
It seems that earthy, neutral, and food-inspired colors set the stage for 2024-2025 fashion, with mocha mousse leading the pack. It’s a shade you just want to sink your teeth into – and that’s not entirely due to its name.
Fashion Recycles Itself: Has Mocha Mousse or a Similar Shade Ruled as Color of the Year Before?
While “mocha mousse” hasn’t been deemed color of the year until its 2025 debut, the shade remains proof that fashion recycles itself roughly every 20 years.
Just take a look back at the iconic Y2K fashion. Brown pieces and accessories were seen in almost every fashion magazine, making their mark on the fashion industry.
Iconic Runway Moments That Prove Brown is Always in Style
Mocha mousse has been the palette powerhouse, seen in 2024 and 2025 collections from top brands like Coach, Chloe, and Brandon Maxwell. But this isn’t the first time brown is making a statement on the runway. Over the years, brown has continued to be sprinkled throughout the style sphere, with iconic moments including:
- Marc Jacobs’ “Grunge” Spring/Summer 1993
One of the first chocolatey moments in style chronicles is none other than Marc Jacobs’ “Grunge” collection, debuting in 1993. In true grungy fashion, the runway embraces all shades of brown, used in various items ranging from laidback plaid flannels to oversized knits.
- Prada’s “Ugly Chic” Fall/Winter 1996
Leave it to Prada to meld ugly and chic together to create a wardrobe that’s unconventional yet iconic. Of course, aside from the wowing suits and interesting silhouettes, the innovative use of browns is what made this runway an unforgettable moment in runway history. Viewers gasped as the iconic stylist twisted brown from a quintessentially “boring” or “dull” hue into something that screams high fashion.
- Bottega Veneta Spring/Summer 2020
More recently in 2020, we spotted Bottega Veneta’s ready-to-wear collection. Here, the designer utilized shades of brown in a more sophisticated and avant-garde manner, with one of the highlights being a stunning brown leather dress.
Why Neutrals Like Mocha Mousse Are Stealing the Spotlight in 2025
While mocha mousse undeniably reigns supreme for 2025, it’s not the only neutral color that’s stealing the spotlight. In fact, most neutral hues are must-haves for the 2025 season – and for good reasons, too.
One of the perks of neutral tones is that they’re highly wearable. They can be worn with any skin tone and look flawless, opening up a world of fashion options for all individuals regardless of their unique and beautiful hue. As a plus, neutrals are also easily paired with other colors – again, unlocking opportunities for endless styling capabilities.
Aside from impressive wearability, neutrals are known for their versatility, too. Like mocha mousse, neutral shades can effortlessly flow between seasons, making them a wardrobe staple you won’t have to stash away for months at a time.
Finally, neutrals have a sophisticated vibe that can’t be ignored. Effortlessly elegant, beautiful, and luxurious, it’s clear to see why fashionistas across the globe have gravitated to these muted moments.
Mocha Mousse: A Shade Worth Talking About in 2025 and Beyond
If there’s one shade you wear to finish off 2024 and indulge in 2025, let it be the color of the year award recipient: mocha mousse. It’s tempting and timeless and can work as a base for all of your other favorite pieces or be worn alone as a luxe statement.
Sink your teeth into mocha mousse fashion and enjoy the silky, rich, and smooth results in 2025!
