A Splash Of Cognac

Casual outfit with jeans, rose sweater, cognac bag and shoes. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

While a lot of the current Spring and Summer styles are leaving me a bit cold (Bright Florals! Frills! Suits! Boxy! Oversized!), I’m really loving the current trend of browns, beiges, and desert or earthy tones.

Earrings | Top | Cardigan | Bag | Jeans | Sandals | Bracelet

Plus options: Top | Cardigan | Jeans

The shade of warm, medium brown often referred to as “cognac” is a versatile choice for shoes and bags. It pairs well with black and just about any other neutral, and has a timeless, rich look. Simple styles in classic shapes will have the most staying power.

If you’ve had any cognac bags or shoes on your wish list, the selection is good this season. Shades of “cognac” can range from a dark tan to a mahogany, so there’s something for everyone. It’s hard to go wrong with a croc-effect bag in any shade of cognac!

How do you feel about cognac? Is this a color you’d wear?

Best Shoes For Spring & Summer Travel

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21 Comments

  1. I love it! I actually bought a pair of sandals in cognac recently and am on the search for the perfect bag. I wear mostly neutrals and I think this color goes with any neutral from black, brown, Navy, beige and since I like to warm up my greys with gold jewelry I think this color will also look great with grey. I’ve always thought of it as a fall color, but am loving it for summer.

  2. I’m into the color completely! Sandals, flat mules and a new Annabel Ingalls bag are recent additions. It seems this color transcends all seasons and becomes a rich accent for every color. I love it with a leopard scarf! When you tire of black it’s a snappy change.

  3. I love cognac and buy a pair of cognac sandals each summer that I wear to death all season! You’re showing some very pretty options. I wouldn’t rule out some of the pretty florals, Susan. I generally like solids, but I’ve added a couple pretty floral tees that look great with a denim or utility jacket. Cuts the femininity with the masculine jacket and feels more like me.

  4. Have been in love with cognac since I was a teen, 50 years ago. It certainly is a great year-round color and I especially love it with white. To me it makes sense to put $$$ into a great bag in this color because it’s such a staple.

    1. I may be a few years younger than you (not many) but I agree. This was very big in the late 1960s and early 1970s, from LA to London at least. I never wear white, but it is fine with many other colours and neutrals. However, nowadays, I’d have a problem buying a leather bag. Shoes, no, as lots of us need leather’s capacity to adapt to problem feet, and hopefully the leather comes from beasts killed for food. Since it is such a natural colour, it works with a wide range of other colours and doesn’t look too wintry or summery.

      As a result, I’ll put $$ or $$$ in a bag, but the $$$ has to be singular, as it will be some kind of good-quality nylon or polyester, to be light and long-lasting. I need a fairly large bag if I’m taking public transport or walking, as opposed to cycling (I have pannier bags for that).

  5. I’ve always worn cognac shoes and bags. They do have a lot of selections this year and you have some beautiful examples. It’s such a rich color and shows leather so well, also ages beautifully.

  6. A classic that never goes out of style. Have always loved it with white, ivory, black, navy, and dark green. Somehow it just pulls everything together, especially in a croc or lizard pattern. I recently bought a wide croc belt in cognac, and it looks great with so many piece. I also bought a thinner darker cognac woven belt with a brass buckle that I’m still trying to get to work with my wardrobe. I also just bought a nice faux croc clutch in bottle green with a cognac faux lizard strap. These items remind me of all my favorite pieces from my twenties.

  7. I, too, love cognac shoes and bags. I need to replace my cognac sandals this season. Years ago in Mexico I purchased a cognac bag I still use regularly. I wear black often but when I do, I use cognac to soften the look.
    I just found your blog yesterday and enjoy your travel packing hints. I will be a follower as I have travel plans and am similar in height/taste. Thank you for great content.

    1. I agree Connie. I find that when black shoes sometimes seem like the obvious choice, choosing cognac or tan just add a little twist and polish and lift the outfit to another level. I do love my neutrals!

  8. I also love all the beiges and desert colors currently available. And the cognac shoes and bags are really attractive. I am happy to see shoes and bags matching again! Especially in the cognac color. They do pull everything together.

  9. Here’s one of the things I love about your blog, Susan: opening a post to be struck by a combination I love that I never would have put together myself! I have that same cardigan, jeans, a cognac bag, might have to shop for a coordinating shoe and a tortoise type earring. But a stunning ensemble that is very appealing without looking overdone. Thanks!

  10. I’ll get to the cognac accessories in a minute. I just saw your recent instagram post and because I don’t have an instagram account, I’m commenting here. I love your “big chop.” Susan, you are beautiful. The short haircut is incredibly flattering and the red lipstick is totally on point. Cognac handbags and shoes can be used all the time and I think they are perfect when paired with other neutrals and they provide balance to colorful outfits. I’m on the lookout for a cognac handbag and shoes. The handbag will be easy but my narrow feet will make finding shoes a bit of a challenge.

  11. Tan is something I stayed away from until I started following your blog. Being a ‘cool’ colour wearer I dismissed it along with the beiges that make me look truly ill. However, (lightbulb moment) realising that accessories are merely accents, I am now a keen purchaser of cognac colours to team with my preferred neutrals of grey and navy. Thank you for switching on the light!

  12. Love these neutral colors as I really am a neutral kind of gal! Just didn’t care for lavender and khaki but these are great!! You look wonderful! Thanks for advice that meets so many different women!