Brownie points: Mocha mousse reigns supreme in fashion and beauty in 2025

SINGAPORE – Move over, Barbie Pink and Brat Green. The year 2025 is all about Mocha Mousse.

For the first time in its 25-year history, Pantone, the global authority on colour trends, has crowned a shade of brown as its Colour of the Year. Think rich chocolate, buttery leather and your favourite cup of coffee.

When it was announced in December 2024, Ms Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, was quoted as saying: “Underpinned by our desire for everyday pleasures, Pantone 17-1230, Mocha Mousse, expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence. Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, Mocha Mousse extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe.”

While Mocha Mousse is finally taking centre stage, it is hardly a newcomer. It has quietly shaped the fashion scene for years, appearing on everything from the red carpet to runway shows.

The Straits Times rounds up some of our favourite drops in the shade and speaks to experts on how the colour can be seamlessly incorporated into everyday wardrobes and beauty routines.

Fashion

Spotted in collections from Chloe’s Fall/Winter 2024 line, as well as Loro Piana’s and Brunello Cucinelli’s Spring/Summer 2025 collections, Mocha Mousse is proving its versatility and appeal.

However, Mr Joshua Cheung, creative and fashion director of local creative agency Untold by Atlas, is confident that Mocha Mousse is poised to remain a staple long after 2025.

“It’s a timeless neutral, and neutrals always have a place in fashion. What changes is how they’re styled. Mocha Mousse is versatile and easy to work with, which means it will evolve with trends but never lose its relevance,” says the 39-year-old, who is also the personal stylist for local actress Fiona Xie and celebrity aesthetic doctor Georgia Lee.

Works well day or night

“Mocha Mousse has an amazing ability to strike a balance,” says Mr Cheung. “It looks sophisticated, but still feels approachable. It doesn’t come across as trying too hard.”

This duality makes the hue a standout in both high fashion and everyday style. On runways, the shade has been paired with dramatic silhouettes and luxurious textures, while in real life, it works beautifully for polished daywear and elevated evening looks.

Versatility across skin tones

One of Mocha Mousse’s strongest qualities is its ability to complement a wide range of skin tones. “It works beautifully on Asian skin tones, enhancing olive or yellow undertones,” says Mr Cheung.

For those with warmer undertones, he suggests mocha shades with hints of caramel or red, while those with cooler undertones benefit from taupe-infused mochas.

Easy to style

When it comes to pairing Mocha Mousse, Mr Cheung recommends a mix of safe and bold combinations. “Blush pink gives it a soft, romantic vibe, while navy adds a regal touch. White creates a clean, fresh contrast, and for those who like to experiment, pairing it with purple, emerald green or burnt orange makes a statement.”

For monochromatic looks, he suggests mixing textures and finishes to add depth and interest. “Think a silk blouse with tailored trousers or a knit top with a suede skirt. Playing with matt and glossy fabrics in the same tone elevates the look.”

Accessories are equally important. Mr Cheung prefers gold with Mocha Mousse to amplify its warmth, though silver can work for cooler tones. “Pearls are another great option, they add an elegant touch,” he says.

Avoiding common pitfalls

However, Mr Cheung warns against pairing it with colours too close in tone, like certain shades of beige or brown, which can make the wearer look washed out.

He also advises being mindful of fabrics. “Extremely shiny textures in Mocha Mousse can sometimes cheapen the look. Stick to softer finishes for a more elevated feel.”

Chloe Camera Bag in Woodrose ($3,150)

Featuring updated buckles inspired by the brand’s Paddington bag, the Camera bag combines practicality and versatility with spacious compartments, multiple pockets and a removable strap.

Info: Available at

chloe.com/sg

Coach Metal Tabby (from $222)

The Metal Tabby sunglasses by Coach blend heritage and elegance with sleek metal frames, the brand’s “C” hardware, warm light brown lenses and natural Mocha Mousse undertones.

Info: Available at major optical outlets

Fred Force 10 Large Bracelet with white gold diamonds ($14,850)

A signature piece since 1966, the Force 10 bracelet combines a woven steel sailing cable with a buckle. This large model features 18K white gold and 64 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 0.9 carats.

Info: Available at the Fred boutique at B1-115 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue

Marimekko Myy Unikko Skirt ($529)

With its relaxed A-line fit and elastic waistband, the Myy plissee skirt is made from recycled polyester in the Unikko pattern designed by Finnish designer Maija Isola in 1964.

Info: Available at Marimekko B1-12 Ion Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, and B1-27/28 Ngee Ann City, 391A Orchard Road, and

marimekko.sg

Max Mara Ludmilla Icon Coat ($8,109)

The Ludmilla Icon Coat by Max Mara has a belted wraparound design, notched collar and practical pockets, with a subtle logo detail adding a touch of luxury.

Info: Available at the Max Mara Creativa Pop-up Store at B1-128 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and Max Mara Singapore Mandarin Gallery boutique

Burberry Reversible Check Cashmere Wool Scarf ($1,050)

Crafted from cashmere and Donegal wool and woven in a centuries-old Scottish mill, the scarf features a reversible design and is washed in spring water for a soft, textured finish.

Info: Available on

sg.burberry.com

PrettyFit Blakely Flats ($79.90)

The Blakely flats offer a chic twist on a classic design, featuring glossy patent leatherette, gold studs and a low 2.5cm heel for all-day comfort.

Info: Available at PrettyFit stores and

prettyfit.com.sg

Tod’s Men’s Loafers in suede ($1,250)

These suede loafers by Tod’s have a penny bar, leather outsole and stamped monogram, making them a versatile choice for both casual and formal styles.

Info: Available at Tod’s 01-48 Paragon, 290 Orchard Road, and B1-81 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

Acne Studios Long Sleeve T-shirt Sprayed Logo ($520)

Made from recycled polyester and elastane, this long-sleeve mesh T-shirt showcases a seasonal 1996 logo with a sprayed finish.

Info: Available at Acne Studios, B2-81/082/083 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and

acnestudios.com/sg/en

Beauty

Mocha Mousse has also left a significant mark on beauty trends for 2025. This rich, earthy shade has found its way into make-up, hair and nails, offering a fresh take on neutrals that feels both modern and timeless.

Local freelance make-up artist Rachel Ong, who has worked with international cosmetics brands such as Tom Ford, Kylie Cosmetics and Nudestix, says the shade reflects broader shifts in beauty priorities.

“It aligns with the growing focus on simplicity, sustainability and self-care,” adds the 32-year-old.

Mocha Mousse is fuelling the resurgence of 1990s-inspired looks, particularly soft brown, smoky eyes. “Think of a seamless gradient from light mocha to deep chocolate, blended to perfection without harsh lines.”

She agrees that the colour is here to stay. “Neutral tones like this always have a place in beauty.”

Perfect for a natural finish

Ms Ong believes the shade is a natural fit for the “no-make-up” make-up trend, in which the focus is on glowing, effortless beauty.

“Use Mocha Mousse as an eyeshadow to line the crease subtly along the lash line to define the eyes, or as a bronzer to add warmth and dimension to the face,” she says, adding that the look should be paired with glowing skin, subtle highlighter and natural-looking lashes for the ultimate everyday aesthetic.

For a bold look, she recommends using Mocha Mousse as a base for a soft brown, smoky eye.

“Apply it all over the lid and blend it seamlessly into darker chocolate tones in the crease,” she says. “Pair it with contrasting colours like emerald, turquoise or metallics to make it pop.”

Take note if you have fair skin

Mocha Mousse flatters warmer, tanned, olive and deeper skin tones. However, fairer skin tones may benefit from other complementary shades such as blush pink, cream, mauve or lavender, says Ms Ong.

“If the tone feels too heavy, use it as an accent shade rather than the focal point,” she adds.

To avoid looking dull, she advises people to “add pink or peach tones to the eyes, cheeks or lips to create balance and bring life to the look”.

Experiment with textures

She encourages experimenting with textures to elevate Mocha Mousse and create dimension in your beauty look.

“Pair a matt mocha eyeshadow with a glossy lip to add contrast, or enhance the eyes with a touch of shimmer on the lids,” she suggests.

To make the shade pop, she recommends using highlighter on the cheekbones and the centre of the face to bring in light and add a sculpted effect.

Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in Classic Beige ($24)

The Cream Lip Stain liquid lipstick is now improved with avocado oil, and is said to deliver ultra-matt, highly pigmented and transfer-proof coverage that lasts up to 10 hours.

Info: Available at Sephora boutiques and

sephora.sg

Tarte Cosmetics Tartelette In Bloom eyeshadow palette ($68)

This palette offers 12 eyeshadows in matt and shimmery finishes, infused with Amazonian clay for rich pigment, smooth blendability and long-lasting wear.

Info: Available at Sephora boutiques and

sephora.sg

Nudestix Tinted Blur Sculpt Stick in Medium ($52)

This cream-to-powder matt contour stick is available in three neutral shades. It softly sculpts and enhances natural bone structure with lightweight, blendable pigments for a subtle, lifted look. Clean, vegan and cruelty-free, it is free from synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates and sulphates.

Info: Available at Sephora boutiques and

sephora.sg

Heroine Make Soft Define Cream Pencil 01 Natural Brown 1s ($17.50)

This eyeliner offers a smooth, natural definition with a soft-focus formula and creamy texture that glides effortlessly. Its waterproof and smudge-resistant design ensures all-day wear, while nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and collagen provide lash care.

Info: Available at Watsons stores and

watsons.com.sg

The Body Shop Freestyle Multi-Tasking Colour in Rise ($33)

Made with 90 per cent natural-origin ingredients, including organic virgin coconut oil, this buildable, lightweight colour for lips, cheeks and eyes comes in matt and shimmer finishes and is suitable for sensitive skin.

Info: Available at The Body Shop boutiques