Look. Are we a little late to the Pantone Colour of the Year 2025 conversation? Yes.
Are we blaming ADHD, time blindness, and getting distracted by reorganising our entire wardrobe at 2am? Also yes.
But good style isn’t time-sensitive—and honestly, neither are we. So let’s get into it.
Pantone’s 2025 Colour of the Year, Mocha Mousse (PANTONE 17-1230), is a warm, rich brown that leans into comfort, grounding energy, and quiet luxury. It’s cosy. It’s earthy. It’s giving “expensive hot chocolate in a dimly lit café.”
And if you’re thinking, brown? for gothic or alternative fashion?—stay with me. This is easier than you think.
Brown is the New Black (…Kind Of)
Before you panic: we’re not replacing black. That would be illegal.
But Mocha Mousse works beautifully with black. It softens harsh contrasts, adds warmth, and brings depth to an otherwise monochrome look.
Think of it as:
- The colour of aged leather
- Antique wood furniture
- Dried roses
- Victorian libraries
This isn’t basic brown—it’s atmospheric.
1. Lean Into Dark Academia & Romantic Goth
If Cloud Dancer was ethereal, Mocha Mousse is grounded. It fits perfectly into darker, intellectual aesthetics.
Key pieces to try:
- Long brown trench coats or wool overcoats
- High-waisted trousers in warm chocolate tones
- Lace blouses in cream or ivory paired with brown layers
- Corsets or waistcoats for structure
This is where gothic meets dark academia—moody, thoughtful, and slightly intimidating in the best way.
2. Texture is Your Best Friend
Brown can fall flat if it’s all one note. The trick is mixing textures to keep it visually rich.
- Pair things like:
- Matte cotton with glossy leather
- Soft knits with structured tailoring
- Velvet with lace or mesh
A full brown outfit works if it has dimension. Otherwise, it risks looking like you got dressed in the dark (we’ve all been there).
3. Pair It with Black for Instant Edge
If you’re unsure, start here.
Easy combos:
- Brown coat + all-black outfit underneath
- Black corset over a brown dress
- Brown trousers with a black band tee
This keeps your look grounded in alternative style while introducing the trend in a low-risk way.
4. Accessories That Do the Heavy Lifting
Not ready for full brown outfits? Let accessories carry the trend.
Try:
- Dark brown leather bags or harnesses
- Chunky belts
- Platform boots in deep espresso tones
- Tinted sunglasses for that mysterious energy
It’s subtle, but it pulls your whole look together.
5. Gothic, But Warmer
Traditional goth leans cool—silvers, blacks, deep purples. Mocha Mousse shifts things warmer without losing the mood.
Pair it with:
- Creams and off-whites for softness
- Deep reds or burgundy for drama
- Muted gold jewellery instead of silver
It creates a richer, more layered aesthetic that feels a little more “lived in” and less stark.
6. Embrace the Chaos (Styling, Not Your Room… Maybe)
Here’s where we circle back to being late.
Alternative style has never been about strict rules or perfect timing. It’s about expression. So if you’re mixing last year’s trend with this year’s mood while half your outfit is on a chair—honestly? That tracks.
Let your outfits evolve naturally:
- Throw things together
- Experiment without overthinking
- Revisit pieces you forgot you owned (a classic ADHD win)
Some of the best looks come from a bit of chaos.
Final Thoughts
Mocha Mousse might not scream gothic at first glance, but it quietly expands your palette in a way that feels natural, wearable, and surprisingly powerful.
And being late to the trend? That just means you’re doing it on your own timeline.
Which, let’s be real, is kind of the whole point.
At Jenimay, we don’t chase trends—we reinterpret them. Preferably after getting distracted at least twice.
