Blue and brown is the unexpected pairing that's more livable than you think – here's how to decorate with this trending combination. Story by Sophia Pouget de St Victor • 2h.

Just add a couple of brown shirts and ties to the blue you already own and the possibilities quickly become limitless and, best of all, totally mistake-proof. Shirt, $190 by Richard James at ...

Our fashion critic discusses the evolution of dress codes, including how rules — like one discouraging brown shoes with blue or black trousers — can come in and out of favor.