So.Fresh.

What makes something look “modern” or “new”? Mr. Magpie and I recently got into a (wine-fueled) discussion about how people designate particular designs as “fresh.” What is it that sets those specific styles apart from everything else? For example, Mr. Magpie’s Jeep Cherokee has a boxy frame with small headlights and its overall “look” is, well, dated — almost vintage at this point. (Jeep recently went back to the uber-boxy style with its Compass, but why did it originally stray from that design? Why did it opt for the rounded edges of the Grand Cherokee and then the almost puffy look of the Liberty? And why, some 15 years later, did it return to the original design?) Is it that advertisers and marketers make certain styles more palatable at a certain time, creating the conditions for their acceptance? Or are trends in some way tied to a set of well-positioned taste-makers (we’re talking the Oprah Winfreys, the Anna Wintours, the Steve Jobs of the world) who promote the “freshness” of a certain look or style via reverberating referent power, and then hundreds of manufacturers and companies jump into line and subscribe to those aesthetic principles? Whatever the case, I’ve recently felt particularly inspired by and drawn to a few “fresh” color combinations that just feel…modern:

Brown-and-black (I’m sure your mother or grandmother put her foot down on that rogue pairing awhile back, but trust me: it’s right.now);
Navy-and-green (a classic nautical duo, but now just reads fresh and well-appointed in grown-up separates)
Pop-of-red with tan/camel/beige (a palette that defined Celine, Chloe, and Lanvin this past runway season. However, I’ve already covered the pop-of-red obsession, so I’ll skip this final pairing for the moment.

Below, check out some “fresh” looks that align with two of these new and unexpected color couples.

Black & Brown

Yeah, yeah, yeah. We’ve all heard the old adage that pairing brown with black is akin to fashion idiocy. I think the “avoid brown and black” rule was largely designed in order to prohibit individuals from trying to make brown look black, i.e. “Oh, no! I only have black shoes…No one will notice if I wear this frumpy brown suit with them.” (Yes, we will.) When coupled artfully and deliberately, the erstwhile color enemies harmonize and leave passersby with the impression: “Aha, a chic European.” Just check out Miss Palermo and you’ll see how this little trick works with great aplomb:

Lately, I’ve been pairing my black jeans with rich brown flat boots (mine are croc and just darling if I don’t say so myself, but these Loeffler Randall Riley OTKs have been on my lust list all season — $825, Loeffler Randall), oversized knits ($210, Must Haves Denmark), and my staple: enorma-studs (Tuleste, $58, Farfetch):

Tie things together with some of-the-season cat eye shades (seriously: if you’re looking to invest in a new pair of sunnies, this is the shape of the season — Prada, $205, Nordstrom), a brown-on-black belted coat (swoon over this Loeffler Randall find, which is currently on sale — $385, Loeffler Randall), and a Louis Vuitton tote (adore and live with my Neverfull):

Love. The above coat reminds me of this slick runway look (I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve had this pic on file for some time now, and have completely forgotten whose it is!):

Lovely, lovely. Alternately, go for a bold, blouse-effect cardigan/jacket (Malene Birger, $440, My Wardrobe), your black skinnies, and these dreamy Brian Atwoods (ugh, I l.o.v.e. these puppies — $580, Intermix):

For accents? Try a black clutch in an interesting texture (like this faux-croc, oversized envelope style — $62, TopShop) and some ladylike studs (Kate Spade, $45, Nordstrom):

For something a touch on the bolder side (steel yourselves, fashion conservatives), consider a blousey top in fresh black ($163, Loeffler Randall) tucked into a sleek brown leather skirt (on sale for $444, Costume International) and paired with some black opaque tights and a pair of platform pumps ($222, Lori’s Shoes):

Add-ons? A pair of shoulder-grazing earrings (Ranjana Khan, $295, Kirna Zabete) and this uber chic belted clutch (love it in this color combo and in the uh.may.zing olive-and-khaki variation as well — $328, Zappos):

Finally, how about a printed silk blouse (this one from Nicole Richie’s Winter Kate line, which I absolutely a.dore — $311, MyWardrobe) and your skinnies:

Round out the look with some brown-and-black flats (Lanvin, $565, Kirna Zabete) and this gorgeous slouchy suede-effect tote ($236, ModCloth):

I’d say the “no brown and black” rule has been officially revised.

Navy and Green

On to the next: separates in navy and green. Love. (Also not sure where this look comes from — shame on me! — love the tailoring and draping and, of course, the inventive palette, but what’s going on with the model’s face?! Terrifying. I almost cropped it out but then decided that some of you may be into the Twilight moody vampire look, and left it in. Ha.)

I’m thinking a frothy little green blouse (Malene Birger, on sale for $160, StyleBop) tucked into a high-waisted, structured navy pencil skirt (Adam, on sale for $91, TheOutnet) and topped with some gorgeous, ribbon-accented Lanvin earrings (on sale for $460, Net-A-Porter):

Finish with a pair of link bracelets ($110 for 2, CCSkye), a vintage quilted bag (this one-of-a-kind Chanel was available at ASOS for awhile and I d.i.e.d over it), and some navy suede pumps (Stuart Weitzman, on sale for $231, Bloomingdale’s):

Alternately, how about a crisp navy blazer (Rebecca Taylor, $395, Net-A-Porter) with a pair of skinnies, some gold enorma-studs ($55, Bing Bang), and some classic Tod’s driving loafers (another Big.Trend this season — I’ve seen them all.over.the.place — $400, MyTheresa)

Finish with a pop of green (do you not adore this tote?! – $500, Elaine Turner) and a glossy statement necklace (Kenneth Jay Lane, $165, Charm and Chain):

Slick! If you’re more into the green than the navy, consider an ivory blouse ($118, Madewell) tucked into a kelly green grosgrain skirt ($46, John Lewis) and topped with an artfully-tied Virginia Johnson scarf (love the contrast of textures — $195, Virginia Johnson):

Finish with navy heels ($260, PiperLime) and a slouchy leather tote (Clare Vivier, $345, WinkNYC):

If you’re really into this chipper color pairing, keep your eyes peeled for patterned separates that do the work for you, like this peacock-esque skirt (love the unique silhouette here — $910, TheCorner), which I’d top with a simple black turtleneck and finish with black tights and smart black flats (who says navy and black don’t play well together?! — Louboutin, on sale for $402, Net-A-Porter):

All you need by way of accessories? Some sort of lengthening statement necklace (with a turtleneck, you should always opt for a longer necklace to avoid “weird proportion” problems; go with the peacock theme by adding this chic feathered piece — $150, Reiss) and a bold green clutch ($250, Lauren Merkin):

Alternately, let this Proenza Schouler top do the work for you ($219, Barney’s) — pre-patterned in green and navy, and perfect for pairing with some skinnies and some sparkly navy flats (Vera Wang, $195, Nordstrom):

A quilted tote (DKNY, $295, Net-A-Porter), some clover studs ($80, Elizabeth Miller), and a stack of vintage-looking flower rings ($9, TopShop) just about complete the look: