The talk in business fashion this season has been all about brown. Is it the new black? Will it have “legs” and carry into next season? Is it even relevant to those dressing for success in Reno?

This part of the country follows a slice behind the cutting edge of men’s fashion, says Abe Khan, wardrobe consultant at Men’s Wearhouse, Reno. In fact, “We often come in at the tail end of styles,” he says.

Women’s fashions in Reno, on the other hand, reflect national trends, says Gaye Reed, assistant store manager for Macy’s, Reno. But at the same time, women put their own signature on everything they wear.

Choosing your colors

Both men’s and women’s business fashions this season moved into the browns. That foray into a previously eschewed palette is what engendered all of those fashion maven comments that brown is the new black.

For men entering this new brown world, says Khan, the palette can be deciphered from dark to light. Dark is dressier. Deep browns that go almost black and chocolate will take you into more formal meetings and presentations.

Pair some of those browns with dress shirts and striped ties. (Yes, stripes are back for men’s ties.) In Reno, too, says Khan, men go less dressy by replacing the shirt with a mock turtleneck, but keeping the dress shoes and belts.

Men are working off a companion palette to the women’s, adds Reed. This year’s men’s colors — teal, maroon, beige, orange — all work well with brown. Complementary shades of brown — camel, white — also are working for a monochromatic effect. And black? Always. And this year coupled with shirts in purples and deep reds to create contrast.

And if you’re looking ahead to spring, look for colors in butterscotch, tans and yellows.

For women, the browns in the stores have opened new vistas in all pieces, from clothing to bags to boots to accessories. The brown-inspired combinations are endless, moving from earth to jewel tones. Specific colors such as plum, teal, burgundy and ruby all pair well for this year’s business look. Gold, oranges, cinnamon and cider are making it into all of the boardrooms, too, adds Dixie Horne, sales consultant at Reno’s Dillard’s.

But don’t throw out those black suits. “We like to say that black is the new black,” says Reed. Reno’s business shoppers seek it out for its classic formality.

Finding your boardroom shape

As important as color is shape.

For men, this year brought in a more fitted, body-conscious shape. The older generation is going for the more fitted clothing, says Khan. And no one is going for the double-breasted suit jacket. It’s going out.

For women, shape is more a matter of choice. And 2007 offers a plethora of business attire choices.

Leggings with long sweaters are popular with younger women, but that’s a look that may not fly in the business environment. Professional women want skirts, even straight styles, to be knee length or longer, explains Horne.

Many also opt for slacks. And another still-popular shape is the long skirt, either flowing or more tailored as a gored skirt, paired with short jacket and boots.

Layering is popular, adds Reed. Women are pairing feminine blouses with full skirts or with slim-cut trousers. And they are layering in proportions that work for their bodies and personal styles.

Expressing yourself

How do all of these colors and shapes come together for the office? It’s individual, says Reed. And tied to body shape, age, industry, and taste. Also, Reno, with its mountain city outlook, offers additional flexibility.

There are no hard and fast rules in fashion. There are trends, palettes and suggestions. And, she says, keep in mind: “Fashion changes fast.”