Chocolate brown has become so ingrained in our lives (well, our fashion-related lives) that I hardly remember a time when it wasn’t a trend. Let’s face it. It’s been a thing for awhile, and if you’re itching for a new color trend, I get it. If you’re looking for the new chocolate brown, I’m guessing that you appreciate how versatile chocolate-hued pieces are and how expensive the color looks. Luckily, the up-and-coming rich color trend for 2026 is equally as versatile and expensive looking.
How do I know the color I’m referring to is destined to be the next major color trend? Well, for starters, I keep seeing it among the new arrivals at my go-to retailers. Also, three very chic celebrities just wore it—Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Kate Middleton, and Elsa Hosk. Yes, Huntington-Whiteley, Middleton, and Hosk all wore cognac-colored pieces within days of each other. Cognac can best be described as that elegant rusty brown between camel and chocolate brown. Huntington-Whiteley wore it in the form of a Nour Hammour leather jacket, Middleton via cognac pants, and Hosk with a The Row suede Margaux bag. (Hosk was also photographed wearing a pair of cognac heels a couple of months ago.)
This is a strong indication that cognac is on a mission to dethrone chocolate brown. Keep scrolling to see the It-girl proof and shop some of my favorite cognac-colored pieces.
It Girls Wearing the Color Trend
(Image credit: Backgrid)
On Rosie Huntington-Whiteley: Nour Hammour Briar Cropped Bomber Jacket ($1470)
(Image credit: Mancpicss66/Backgrid)
On Kate Middleton: Holland Cooper blazer; Jigsaw pants; Emmy London shoes
On Elsa Hosk: Helsa Suede Trench Coat ($1698); The Row bag