Meaning:

This term coined by Chinese netizens literally translates as “Maillard-style dressing.” The word “Maillard” refers to the “Maillard reaction,” which are many small, simultaneous chemical reactions that occur when proteins and sugars in and on your food are transformed by heat, producing new flavors, aromas, and colors. The Maillard reaction is responsible for the browned, complex flavors that make bread taste toasty and malty, burgers taste charred, and coffee taste dark and robust. In fashion, it refers to an array of warm tones such as orange, brown, khaki and ochre, which perfectly evoke a warm and cozy feel in autumn and winter.

Example:

A: 我新买了一条咖啡色长裙，是搭配白色还是黑色上衣好看？

Wǒ xīn mǎi le yītiáo kāfēisè chángqún ，shì dāpèi báisè háishì hēisè shàngyī hǎokàn？

I’ve bought a new coffee-colored long skirt. Would it pair better with a white top or a black one?

B: 不如试试卡其色，再戴一个橙红色的帽子，妥妥的美拉德穿搭。

Bùrú shìshi kǎqísè，zài dài yīge chénghóngsè de màozi，tuǒtuǒ de měilādé chuāndā。

Why not try khaki? And you may accessorize the outfit with an orange-colored cap, which would be a perfect interpretation of the current fashion trend known as “Maillard-style dressing.”