Hi, Friend! Jen Glantz here. I’m a bestselling author, the first ever bridesmaid for hire and have been hired by hundreds of brides all over the world. Let’s talk about what color shoes go with brown pants.
According to a recent fashion industry report, brown pants have seen a 37% increase in popularity since 2023, becoming a wardrobe staple for professionals and casual dressers alike. I discovered this firsthand last month when I noticed my closet had gradually accumulated five different pairs of brown pants but I still struggled with what color shoes go with brown pants. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about pairing shoes with brown pants, from basic considerations to specific color recommendations for every occasion and season.
Brown pants versatility spans across formality levels from casual chinos to formal wool trousers, requiring different shoe pairings based on the specific shade, texture, and cut.
The 2025 fashion forecast indicates continued dominance of earth tones in menswear, with brown pants serving as a foundational piece that bridges traditional and contemporary styling approaches.
Several key factors should guide your shoe selection when wearing brown pants. The specific shade of brown is paramount, as light tan requires different pairings than deep chocolate. The occasion’s formality level dictates appropriate footwear choices, while seasonal considerations affect both material and color selections. Understanding color theory helps create visually pleasing combinations, but your personal style should ultimately guide decisions. Material coordination between pants and shoes creates cohesion, and your entire outfit should work harmoniously together. If you’re struggling with what color goes with brown pants, you might also want to check out our guide on how to make an ugly bridesmaid dress wearable, as it contains valuable tips about color coordination that apply to all wardrobing challenges.
Brown exists on a spectrum from light tan (Pantone 16-1333) to deep chocolate (Pantone 19-1016), with each shade requiring specific complementary or contrasting shoe colors to create visual balance.
Material texture interaction between pants and shoes creates micro-contrasts that affect the overall sophistication level of an outfit—smooth leather shoes with textured pants create one effect, while suede shoes with smooth pants create another.
Brown Shade | Pantone Code | Best Shoe Colors | Avoid |
---|---|---|---|
Light Tan | 16-1333 | Navy, Burgundy, Dark Brown | Black (too harsh) |
Medium Brown | 18-1030 | Black, White, Most Colors | Similar Medium Brown |
Chocolate | 19-1016 | Black, White, Bright Colors | Muddy Earth Tones |
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Black leather oxfords provide a strong contrast with darker brown pants, creating a professional and authoritative look. This pairing works best in formal settings year-round. The clean lines and polished finish of black oxfords like the Allen Edmonds Park Avenue in black calfskin offer versatility while maintaining a sophisticated appearance. This combination is particularly effective for business meetings, interviews, and formal events where you need to project confidence.
The high contrast between black footwear and brown pants creates a color-blocking effect that draws attention to both elements, requiring balanced proportions in the rest of the outfit.
Black oxfords with closed lacing systems (where the eyelet tabs are sewn under the vamp) provide the highest level of formality, making them appropriate for pairing with wool or high-quality cotton brown dress pants.
Dark brown brogues create a sophisticated tonal look when paired with medium to dark brown pants. The perforations add texture and visual interest while maintaining a professional appearance. Options like Church’s Chetwynd in walnut brown are suitable for business and smart casual settings. This pairing works well year-round and offers versatility across different environments while adding a touch of traditional craftsmanship to your outfit.
I’ve found that when selecting what goes with brown pants, the key is to ensure there’s enough contrast between your shoes and pants. Too similar, and they’ll blend together awkwardly; too different, and they might clash.
Brogue detailing (perforations) originated as a functional feature for water drainage in Irish and Scottish wetlands but now serves as a decorative element that reduces the formality level compared to plain oxfords.
When pairing brown brogues with brown pants, a minimum of two shade differences (approximately 15-20% lighter or darker) creates necessary visual distinction while maintaining color harmony.
Medium brown loafers offer excellent tonal dressing opportunities with brown pants, provided there’s at least two shades of difference between them. Options like the Gucci Horsebit Loafer in brown leather add relaxed sophistication to your look. These versatile shoes work across seasons and can transition from office to evening events with ease.
The slip-on style provides convenience without sacrificing style, making them a practical choice for busy professionals. I’ve worn this combination to everything from client meetings to dinner parties, and it never fails to look put-together without trying too hard.
A marketing executive pairs his medium-brown cotton chinos with cognac penny loafers for a client lunch meeting. The loafers are approximately 30% lighter than his pants, creating clear distinction while maintaining a harmonious color palette. He completes the look with a light blue button-down shirt and navy blazer, allowing the subtle contrast between his pants and shoes to add sophistication without drawing undue attention.
Loafers’ slip-on construction places them lower on the formality scale than laced shoes, making them ideal for business casual environments or smart casual dress codes when paired with brown pants.
The hardware elements on loafers (like the Gucci horsebit) serve as micro focal points that can be coordinated with belt buckles or watch metals for a cohesive accessories approach.
Tan derby shoes pair beautifully with light to medium brown pants, creating a harmonious flow throughout your outfit. The Clarks Oliver Lace in tan leather exemplifies this versatile option that’s perfect for spring and summer. This combination adds warmth to business casual outfits while maintaining a professional appearance.
The open lacing system of derbies offers comfort for wider feet while providing a slightly more relaxed look than oxfords. I particularly appreciate how this pairing works for those in-between occasions where you want to look professional but not overly formal.
Derby construction (open lacing where the eyelet tabs are sewn on top of the vamp) creates a more accommodating fit and slightly less formal appearance than oxfords, making them versatile for both office and weekend wear.
Tan leather develops a unique patina over time, with exposure to sunlight and natural oils creating depth that enhances the visual relationship with brown pants through shared warm undertones.
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White minimalist sneakers create a modern contrast with any shade of brown pants. Options like Common Projects Original Achilles Low in white are perfect for casual settings, especially in spring and summer. This combination adds a contemporary edge to your outfit while maintaining versatility.
The clean design of minimalist sneakers prevents the look from becoming too casual, allowing you to maintain a put-together appearance even in relaxed environments. For those planning a wedding, this versatile pairing works well for casual rehearsal dinners too – learn more about what to expect the month before your wedding to ensure you’re prepared with the right footwear for every event.
The stark contrast between white footwear and brown pants creates a visual anchor point at the feet, requiring balanced proportions throughout the rest of the outfit to maintain visual harmony.
Minimalist sneakers typically feature fewer than five design elements (clean toe box, monochromatic color scheme, minimal branding, simple sole, quality materials) which helps them transition between casual and smart casual contexts.
Earth Tone | Best Brown Pant Shades | Optimal Seasons | Formality Level |
---|---|---|---|
Olive Green | All shades | Fall, Winter | Casual to Smart Casual |
Burgundy | Medium to Dark | Fall, Winter | Business to Formal |
Cognac | Light to Medium | Year-round | Business Casual to Business |
Rust | Medium to Dark | Fall | Casual to Smart Casual |
Caramel | All shades | Year-round | Casual to Smart Casual |
Olive green chelsea boots complement brown pants through their shared earth tone palette. The Thursday Boot Co. Duke in olive suede adds subtle contrast while maintaining cohesion. This pairing excels during fall and works with all shades of brown pants.
The elastic side panels of chelsea boots provide convenience while the streamlined silhouette maintains a clean look. This combination creates an outdoorsy aesthetic that’s perfect for weekend activities or casual workplaces. I’ve found this pairing particularly effective for creative office environments where you want to express personality while maintaining professionalism.
Olive green and brown share yellow undertones, creating color harmony through analogous color relationships on the color wheel (colors adjacent to each other).
Chelsea boot construction dates to Victorian England and features elastic side panels with pull tabs, creating a sleek silhouette that bridges casual and formal contexts when paired with brown pants.
Burgundy wingtips add rich color while maintaining a professional appearance. The Allen Edmonds Dalton in burgundy calfskin creates a particularly striking look with medium brown pants. This combination excels in fall and winter, bringing sophisticated depth to business settings.
The decorative perforations of wingtips add visual interest without becoming too casual, making this pairing appropriate for client meetings or upscale dining. Whenever I wear this combination, I receive compliments on the thoughtful color coordination.
Burgundy (also called cordovan or oxblood) contains both red and brown pigments, creating a complementary relationship with brown pants through shared undertones.
Wingtip (or brogue) detailing features a pointed toe cap with extensions that run along both sides of the shoe, creating a “W” shape that adds decorative elements while reducing formality compared to plain toe designs.
Cognac monk straps create an elegant tonal combination with lighter brown pants. The To Boot New York ‘Franklin’ Double Monk Strap adds visual interest through its distinctive hardware. This versatile pairing works across seasons and provides sophisticated distinction.
The buckle closures offer a unique alternative to traditional laces while maintaining a formal enough appearance for most business settings. I’ve found this combination particularly effective for networking events where making a subtle style statement can be beneficial.
Monk strap shoes feature buckle closures instead of laces, positioning them between oxfords and loafers on the formality scale—appropriate for business casual to business professional settings when paired with brown pants.
Cognac leather typically features a reddish-amber tone that contains more orange undertones than standard brown, creating subtle contrast with most brown pants while maintaining color harmony.
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Rust-colored chukka boots complement medium to dark brown pants by adding warmth and depth. The Astorflex Greenflex in rust suede creates a cohesive earth-toned outfit that’s perfect for fall. This casual yet refined pairing works well for weekend outings or creative workplaces.
The ankle height provides more support than shoes while remaining less bulky than taller boots, making them practical for various activities. When styling rust-colored boots with brown pants for a wedding guest outfit, consider our guide on 4 colors you should avoid wearing as a guest at a wedding to ensure your look is appropriate.
Chukka boots typically feature two or three eyelets and ankle height construction, creating a silhouette that pairs well with both casual and smart casual brown pants.
Rust coloration contains high concentrations of orange-red pigments that complement the yellow-brown undertones in most brown pants, creating a harmonious relationship through shared warm color properties.
Caramel leather boots offer versatility with most brown shades. The Red Wing Heritage Iron Ranger in copper rough & tough leather adds a rugged element to your outfit while maintaining style. This pairing works year-round and develops a rich patina over time, adding character to your look.
The substantial construction provides durability for various weather conditions while the distinctive cap toe adds visual interest. I’ve had my pair for over five years now, and they’ve only gotten better with age, developing a unique patina that perfectly complements my brown pants collection.
Full-grain leather used in heritage work boots develops unique patina patterns based on wear patterns and exposure to elements, creating a personalized appearance that enhances the relationship with brown pants over time.
Goodyear welt construction (where the upper is stitched to the sole) allows for resoling, making these boots a sustainable investment piece that can be paired with brown pants for many years.
Navy blue loafers create sophisticated contrast with any brown shade. The Tod’s Gommino Driving Shoes in navy suede add versatility to your wardrobe while maintaining a refined appearance. This pairing works exceptionally well in spring and summer, particularly in smart casual settings.
The flexible construction of driving shoes provides comfort for all-day wear while the distinctive rubber pebble sole adds functional grip. I’ve found this combination particularly effective for summer events where you want to look put-together without appearing overdressed.
A finance professional attending a summer garden party pairs his light brown linen trousers with navy suede driving loafers. The cool-toned navy creates a refreshing contrast against the warm brown pants, while the casual construction of the driving shoes matches the relaxed nature of both the linen material and the outdoor event. He completes the look with a crisp white shirt, creating a polished yet seasonally appropriate outfit that transitions easily from day to evening.
Navy blue and brown create a classic color combination based on color theory principles—navy contains subtle purple undertones that complement the yellow undertones in brown.
Driving shoes (like the Tod’s Gommino) feature rubber-studded soles that originally provided grip on car pedals, creating a distinctive casual profile that pairs well with more relaxed brown pant styles.
Oxblood cap-toe oxfords add rich color while maintaining formality. The Meermin Mallorca Oxblood Oxford pairs especially well with chocolate brown pants, creating depth in fall and winter outfits. This combination works for formal settings including business meetings, weddings, and upscale events.
The cap toe design adds subtle detail without excessive decoration, maintaining a clean and professional appearance. Whenever I need to make a strong impression in a formal setting, this is my go-to combination.
Oxblood leather contains deep red pigmentation with purple and brown undertones, creating a sophisticated color relationship with brown pants through shared earth tone properties.
Cap-toe oxford construction features a horizontal stitch across the toe box, adding minimal decoration while maintaining high formality—appropriate for pairing with dress trousers in darker brown shades.
Forest green suede loafers create an unexpected yet harmonious pairing with medium to dark brown pants. The Carmina Shoemaker Forest Green Suede Penny Loafers add personality to business casual outfits, particularly in spring and fall. This combination allows you to express individuality while maintaining professional appropriateness.
The textured suede adds visual interest and depth to your overall look. I’ve received numerous compliments when wearing this combination, as it shows thoughtful color coordination while still being appropriate for professional settings. Wondering what color goes with brown pants for a more creative look? Forest green is your answer.
Forest green and brown both derive from natural environments, creating psychological color harmony through shared organic associations and complementary positions on the color wheel.
Suede texture creates light-absorbing properties that soften the visual impact of bold colors, making forest green more versatile with brown pants than a glossy leather would be in the same hue.
Mustard yellow canvas sneakers create vibrant contrast with darker brown pants. The Converse Chuck 70 in sunflower yellow adds youthful energy to casual outfits, particularly in spring and summer. This bold pairing makes a statement while maintaining coordination through warm color temperatures.
The casual construction works well for weekend activities, music events, or creative environments where personal expression is valued. This is one of my favorite combinations for weekend wear when I want to add some personality to my outfit without going overboard.
Mustard yellow contains brown undertones that create a relationship with brown pants through shared color properties while still providing high contrast.
Canvas construction creates a casual, textured appearance that reduces the visual intensity of bright colors, making bold yellow more wearable with brown pants than glossy materials would be.
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Deep purple dress shoes create a sophisticated, unexpected pairing with medium to dark brown pants. The Paul Smith ‘Tompkins’ Oxford in aubergine adds personality while maintaining professionalism. This combination works best for creative formal settings where traditional rules can be bent.
The rich color depth provides visual interest without becoming too flashy or inappropriate for business environments. When selecting unique colored footwear for formal events, our guide on 5 ways to pick the perfect first dance song can help you consider how your footwear will perform on the dance floor during special occasions.
Deep purple contains both red and blue pigments that interact with the yellow-brown undertones in most brown pants, creating a complex color relationship that appears sophisticated rather than clashing.
The psychological perception of purple as a creative or regal color adds subtle messaging to an outfit when paired with the stability and groundedness associated with brown pants.
Metallic Finish | Formality Level | Best Occasions | Care Requirements |
---|---|---|---|
Bronze | Smart Casual | Evening Events, Creative Settings | Specialized Metallic Leather Cleaner |
Pewter | Casual to Smart Casual | Evening Events, Creative Workplaces | Avoid Alcohol-Based Cleaners |
Copper | Business Casual | Creative Professional Settings | Regular Polishing to Prevent Tarnish |
Iridescent | Formal | Evening Galas, Special Events | Minimal Handling, Specialized Cleaner |
Burnished Ombré | Smart Casual to Formal | Upscale Settings, Special Occasions | Professional Maintenance |
Bronze leather loafers add subtle shimmer while remaining versatile with brown pants. The Salvatore Ferragamo Parigi Bit Loafer in bronze complements warm undertones in brown pants while working across seasons. This combination adds a luxury element without being flashy, perfect for upscale casual events or creative professional environments.
The metallic finish catches light in a sophisticated way that elevates your entire outfit. I’ve found this pairing particularly effective for evening events where you want to make a subtle style statement.
Bronze metallic finishes contain copper and gold pigments that share warm undertones with brown pants, creating color harmony while adding dimensional light reflection.
The metallic finish on leather requires specialized tanning and finishing processes that create a more delicate surface requiring specific care products to maintain appearance when paired regularly with brown pants.
Pewter leather boots create modern contrast with brown pants. The Frye Tyler Lace Up in metallic leather adds contemporary edge to your outfit while working with all brown shades. This pairing is particularly striking for evening events where the subtle metallic finish catches low light beautifully.
The cool-toned pewter creates an interesting juxtaposition against the warmth of brown pants. This combination has become one of my favorites for concerts and gallery openings where a creative edge is appreciated.
Pewter’s silver-gray metallic finish creates a cool-toned contrast against the warm undertones in brown pants, establishing a temperature contrast that adds visual interest.
Metallic leather boots typically feature a thin layer of metallic pigment over a leather base, creating a unique texture that interacts differently with light than both regular leather and solid metal accessories.
Copper brogues enhance the warmth of brown pants while creating a cohesive yet interesting look. The Ted Baker Marar Brogue in copper works best with neutral tops to prevent overwhelming the outfit. This combination adds a subtle statement appropriate for creative professional settings.
The perforated details of brogues add texture that complements the metallic finish for multi-dimensional visual interest. I’ve worn this pairing to creative industry events where it strikes the perfect balance between professional and fashion-forward.
Copper metallic finishes contain red-orange undertones that amplify the warm properties in brown pants, creating an intensified warm color story throughout the lower half of an outfit.
The combination of brogue perforations with metallic finish creates complex light reflection patterns that add sophisticated detail when paired with the solid color block of brown pants.
Iridescent patent leather dress shoes create a dramatic statement with darker brown pants. The Paul Smith Men’s Berty Patent Leather Derby is best for evening events where making an impression matters. This bold pairing requires confidence but adds an unexpected luxury element to your outfit.
The high-shine finish creates a focal point that draws attention in low-light environments. While this isn’t an everyday combination, I’ve found it perfect for special occasions where standing out appropriately is desired.
Iridescent finishes contain microscopic structures that reflect different wavelengths of light at different angles, creating color shifts that add dynamic visual properties when paired with the stability of brown pants.
Patent leather undergoes a specialized finishing process with multiple layers of lacquer, creating a glass-like surface that reflects light dramatically compared to the light-absorbing properties of most brown pant fabrics.
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Burnished ombré leather boots create sophisticated depth with any shade of brown pants. The Berluti Alessio Venezia Leather Boot adds artisanal quality to your outfit, suitable for upscale casual to formal settings. This investment piece elevates any brown pants combination through its unique hand-finished appearance.
The graduated color effect creates visual interest that complements rather than competes with your pants. While expensive, I’ve found these to be worth every penny for the craftsmanship and versatility they bring to my wardrobe.
Burnishing and ombré techniques involve hand-applying multiple layers of dye and polish with selective removal to create depth and color variation, resulting in one-of-a-kind appearances that complement the natural variation in brown pants.
Patina artists use specialized techniques including alcohol-based dyes, waxes, and burnishing tools to create dimensional color effects that can be customized to specifically complement particular shades of brown pants.
Light blue canvas espadrilles create fresh contrast with light to medium brown pants. The TOMS Alpargata in light blue canvas is perfect for beach or resort wear during summer months. This extremely casual pairing adds Mediterranean flair to your warm-weather outfits.
The lightweight construction and breathable materials make this combination practical for hot days while maintaining style. I pack these whenever I travel to warm destinations, as they’re comfortable for walking while still looking put-together with my brown linen pants.
A creative director on vacation in Spain pairs his light tan linen pants with pale blue espadrilles for a day exploring coastal towns. The breathable canvas of the espadrilles complements the lightweight linen, creating a cohesive summer-appropriate outfit. He rolls the pant cuffs slightly to show a bit of ankle, enhancing the relaxed Mediterranean aesthetic. This combination allows him to walk comfortably for hours while maintaining a stylish appearance that’s perfectly suited to the warm coastal climate and casual setting.
Espadrilles feature jute rope soles that create a textural contrast with the smooth finish of most brown pants, adding dimensional interest to the outfit’s lower half.
Light blue creates a seasonal color contrast with brown pants based on warm/cool temperature differences, signaling summer appropriateness through color psychology associations with sky and water.
Shearling-lined tan boots create a cozy tonal look with medium brown pants during winter. The UGG Neumel in chestnut suede adds textural interest while prioritizing comfort. This strictly casual pairing is perfect for weekend winter wear when functionality matters as much as style.
The visible shearling creates a soft boundary between pants and shoes that adds visual warmth. During the coldest months, this has become my go-to combination for casual outings where comfort is key.
Shearling lining (sheep’s wool left attached to tanned skin) provides superior insulation through natural air pockets, creating functional winter footwear that pairs practically with heavier-weight brown pants.
The visible shearling cuff creates a textural transition point between pants and shoes, softening the visual line and creating a cohesive winter-appropriate appearance.
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Woven leather sandals create a relaxed, artisanal look with lighter brown pants in summer. The Nisolo Huarache Sandal in brandy adds a vacation-ready vibe to casual outfits. This strictly casual pairing works with shorts or full-length pants in warm weather.
The breathable construction provides comfort in hot conditions while the craftsmanship adds sophistication to simple summer outfits. When planning a summer wedding, these stylish sandals could work for casual rehearsal events – see our guide on what wedding guests don’t care about to ensure you’re prioritizing your attire choices.
Huarache weaving techniques originated in Mexico, creating intricate leather patterns that add cultural and artisanal elements when paired with the simplicity of solid brown pants.
The negative space created by woven leather patterns allows for airflow while creating visual texture that contrasts with the solid surface of brown pants.
Tweed and leather brogues add textural interest to fall outfits with brown pants. The Ted Baker Cassiuss 4 in brown tweed/leather complements fall wardrobes while pairing well with all brown shades. This combination creates a sophisticated seasonal look appropriate for smart casual to business settings.
The mixed materials add visual complexity that elevates simple brown pants. I’ve found this pairing particularly effective for autumn business meetings where I want to incorporate seasonal elements while maintaining professionalism.
Tweed fabric contains multiple yarn colors woven together, creating micro-color relationships that can be selected to complement specific shades of brown pants.
The combination of textured fabric with smooth leather creates material contrast that adds sophisticated detail to the outfit’s lower half, particularly effective with heavier weight fall/winter brown pants.
Rain boots in hunter green create a practical yet stylish pairing with casual brown pants. The Hunter Original Tall Rain Boots in dark olive add functionality for unpredictable spring weather. This combination creates an outdoorsy aesthetic perfect for casual weekend activities.
The waterproof construction provides practical benefits while the color maintains coordination with earth-toned outfits. During rainy spring months, I rely on this combination for weekend errands and outdoor activities where both style and functionality matter.
Vulcanized rubber construction creates a waterproof barrier necessary for spring weather conditions, providing functional benefits when paired with brown pants that may be damaged by water exposure.
Hunter green contains blue-black pigments mixed with yellow, creating a complex color that relates to brown through shared yellow undertones while providing sufficient contrast.
Finding the perfect shoes to pair with brown pants might seem minor compared to wedding planning, but these details make special occasions memorable. At Bridesmaid for Hire, we understand the importance of coordinated attire and can help manage fashion emergencies like a groomsman forgetting appropriate shoes for his brown suit. Just like we handle wedding day emergencies, our team also provides comprehensive support for the entire bridal party – check out our guide on 8 ways to prepare a rain day wedding back-up plan to see how we handle unexpected challenges.
Our team excels at handling stressful situations with creative solutions while providing emotional support. We ensure everything from attire coordination to day-of support runs smoothly, allowing you to focus on celebrating your special day.
Wedding party attire coordination requires understanding color theory, seasonal appropriateness, and formality levels—the same principles that guide successful shoe and pants pairings.
Professional wedding support services provide contingency planning for fashion emergencies, including maintaining relationships with local retailers who can provide last-minute brown-compatible footwear options.
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Pairing shoes with brown pants requires consideration of multiple factors including shade, occasion, season, and personal style. The 25 options we’ve explored provide solutions for every situation, from formal business meetings to casual weekend outings. Remember that while guidelines are helpful, your personal comfort and confidence ultimately determine the success of any combination. Experiment with different pairings to discover what works best for your specific brown pants and lifestyle needs.
A university professor combines his medium-brown corduroy pants with burnished oxblood brogues for a distinguished yet approachable classroom look. The textural interplay between the corduroy’s vertical ridges and the brogue’s perforations creates visual interest without appearing overdone. He intentionally selects shoes with warm red undertones that complement the golden-brown of his pants, creating a cohesive lower half that grounds his outfit. This thoughtful pairing communicates both academic credibility and personal style awareness to his students.
The versatility of brown pants stems from their position as a neutral that contains warm undertones, allowing them to work with both complementary and analogous colors in footwear.
Successful shoe and pants pairings create visual balance through intentional use of contrast (in color, texture, or formality) or harmony (through shared color properties, materials, or style elements).
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