Brown and black are not mortal enemies.

One of those wonderful menswear dogmas in the world of the iGent is that brown and black should never be worn together. This is one of those things that seems to be accepted without argument or discussion on menswear forums for some reason, almost no one stopping to examine why it is a "rule" to begin with.

I personally believe that, with enough contrast, it is not quite the horrendous clash some claim it is. But as always, make up your own mind on this. I will not come after you for deciding against trying it.

Black silk knit tie worn with cool, light brown tweed sport coat.

Same tie with a dark brown suit.

Same suit with black wholecut oxfords.