Karlie Kloss Debuts “Expensive Brunette” Hair With Suede Loafers & Alberta Ferretti Coat

While in New York City in January 2022, Karlie Kloss debuted a darker brunette hair color, marking a noticeable shift from the blonde look she had worn for years. The model paired her new hair with an understated winter outfit built around classic wardrobe staples, including an olive Alberta Ferretti coat, straight-leg jeans, and black suede loafers.

The hair color trend later labeled “expensive brunette” focused less on dramatic transformation and more on depth, shine, and tonal dimension. Celebrity hairstylist Tom Smith described the look to Glamour as a richer brunette finish created through layered shades rather than flat color.

Sharing the transformation on Instagram, Kloss joked that she had “crossed over to the dark side” after more than a decade as a blonde. The softer brunette tone also worked naturally with the polished, neutral palette of her New York street-style look.

Karlie Kloss stepped out in New York City with softly layered brunette hair, pairing her oversized Alberta Ferretti coat with cropped straight-leg jeans and understated black suede loafers on January 20, 2022 (Credit: Mega / WENN)

Kloss balanced her darker hair color with a clean winter outfit that leaned into quiet, wearable tailoring rather than statement dressing, allowing her accessories and footwear to stand out more naturally against the neutral layers.

Opting for the classics, the American supermodel paired a black long-sleeved turtleneck sweater with blue straight-leg jeans. She then elevated the look by layering a sleek Alberta Ferretti olive coat over her casual ensemble.

The darker brunette shade added warmth and contrast to Karlie Kloss’ monochrome winter layers, while angular Prada sunglasses sharpened the relaxed street-style look. (Credit: Mega / WENN)

She finished the outfit with black suede loafers that reinforced the look’s polished, understated mood. The flat silhouette worked well with the straight-leg denim and long wool coat, giving the outfit a practical New York feel while still looking refined. Gold hoop earrings and a chunky chain bracelet added subtle contrast without overpowering the monochrome styling.

Beauty-wise, Karlie wore minimal makeup and covered her eyes with Prada Symbole rectangular sunglasses in tortoise acetate.

Kloss later added a printed Dior Book Tote, a structured carryall that contrasted nicely with the relaxed denim and soft outerwear.

Its oversized shape and graphic embroidery helped break up the otherwise muted palette while keeping the look grounded in practical daytime dressing.

Karlie Kloss balanced practicality and polish with flat black loafers, a sweeping olive coat, and a structured Dior Book Tote while navigating the Manhattan streets (Credit: Mega / WENN)

Karlie Kloss Makes the Case for the Loafer-and-Jeans Formula

Karlie’s New York look works because it stays simple: a long olive coat, straight-leg denim, and black suede loafers that feel polished without trying too hard. The combination is practical, city-ready, and easy to revisit whenever loafers need a softer alternative to boots or sneakers.