Matching colors in your wardrobe can sometimes be tricky, especially when trying to pair dark shades like navy blue and black. Many people wonder if these darker tones work well together or if they are too similar and should be avoided. With some key considerations around contrast, formality, and accent colors, dark blue and black can definitely be mixed and matched stylishly.
Quick Answers
– Yes, dark blue and black clothes can be worn together with the right styling. The key is to create enough contrast between the shades.
– Dark blue provides subtle contrast next to solid black pieces. Pair a navy suit with a black dress shirt or blouse for an edgy, fashionable look.
– Add lighter blue accents and alternatives like white, gray, silver, or cognac brown to keep the outfit from feeling too dark.
– Stick to matte finishes like flat blue denim with black coats or shoes in glossy leather for contrast in texture.
– Dark blue jeans or chinos can pair well with black tops, sweaters, or leather jackets for casual chic style.
– For formal occasions, a dark navy suit coat over a black dress or black trousers with a navy blazer demonstrates classic refinement.
Avoiding the Dark Abyss
Many people’s hesitation with matching dark blue and black stems from the fear of looking like an indistinguishable blob of darkness. When dark colors are paired together, there is inherently less contrast which can flatten the dimensions of an outfit. However, with strategic styling and the right accent pieces, blue and black can be quite striking and sophisticated.
The first key is choosing the right dark shade of blue. Bright navy tends to look mismatched and jarring beside black. Aim for a blue with subtle warm undertones rather than a flat primary navy. Anthracite, a very deep grayish blue, is a perfect choice as it has blue notes but more neutral grayness to tie it to black. Denim wash jeans in indigo or faded black are other smart options for casual blue and black combinations.
Next, identify places in an outfit to integrate lighter colors and textures. A crisp white collared shirt or sweater neutralizes the darkness of a navy jacket with black trousers. Light gray, warm tan, cognac brown, and metallic silver are also excellent for adding depth and contrast. Matte black leather jacket with dark jeans can be elevated with a silky cobalt blue scarf.
Besides color, mixing textures is key when pairing dark blue with black. Denim, wool, cotton, linen, satin, and leather all look much more dynamic together than pairings of all cotton or all leather. Pay attention to balancing matte and shine as well for visual interest in monochromatic outfits.
Formality and Occasions
The formality of any outfit combining navy and black depends on the particular shades and items chosen. For example, a boxy dark navy suit with a thin black silk tie gives off an edgy yet refined vibe perfect for creative business settings. However, a faded denim jumper over a black turtleneck reads much more casual and relaxed.
For semiformal occasions like date nights and cocktail parties, try a dark blue blazer with black slacks and dress shoes. The navy jacket adds subtle flavor to the classic black pants and grounds the look from feeling too stuffy and prom-like. For women, an LBD (little black dress) gains a dose of sophistication with the addition of navy suede heels and a clutch.
At casual weekend get-togethers and running errands, dark-wash denim jeans with a black cotton crewneck sweater keeps things simple but stylish. Lean towards matte cotton, wools, and denim for daytime functions and bring in sleek silks, velvets, and leathers at night. For professional settings stick to fine wools and linens in dark navy and black suiting combos or dresses. Avoid wearing dark blue denim to formal business meetings or events.
Mix and Match Pieces
Rather than wearing a full navy suit with black dress shoes for example, integrating dark blue and black works best by mixing and matching across categories of clothing. Here are some easy ways to combine blue and black in chic ways:
– Black jeans with a navy polo shirt or sweater
– Dark wash denim jacket layered over a black sleeveless dress
– Black pencil skirt with navy heels and handbag
– Navy trench coat dressed up with black leather gloves
– Black sweater dress with blue tights and boots
– Fitted chambray button-down and black trousers
Men’s Fashion
For men’s outfit pairings, dark blue suits and sport coats provide an alternative to basic black jackets for suits and formalwear. Navy suits with black shoes, belt, and tie project authority and sophistication. Swap the classic white dress shirt for black or charcoal for a more modern edge.
Casually, pair dark rinse jeans with a black leather jacket and gray sneakers. Or don a chambray button-down with black trousers, loafers, and matching leather belt. A go-to combination is a navy V-neck or crewneck sweater over black jeans in slim or athletic cuts. Finish with black Chelsea or chukka boots for nights out. For outdoor dates, wear navy outerwear like a peacoat or parka with black jeans and boots.
Women’s Fashion
Women have lots of chic options for coordinating navy and black outfits. For workwear, don navy dress pants or pencil skirt with a silky black blouse on top. A black sheath dress becomes perfect for evenings out with navy heels and clutch. Turn heads with a fitted navy cocktail dress and strappy black heels.
For weekends, lean on denim bottoms like dark skinny jeans or cutoffs with black leather moto jackets, chunky sweaters, and booties. Or pair a breezy navy shift dress with tough black biker boots for contrast. Accessorize casual looks with a black crossbody bag or fedora with any blue denim or chambray top.
Finally, for parties, mix textures like sequined black tops with a navy circle skirt. Play with metallic touches like gold sandals with a LBD plus navy handbag for extra flair. Explore wearing black tights or leggings with navy dresses and tunics when temperatures drop.
Accessories
Jewelry, handbags, scarves and other accessories provide the perfect chance to incorporate accent colors and finishes to tie navy and black outfits together. A sparkling navy bag pairs nicely with little black dresses and heels. Or wrap up in a cozy gray scarf with a black peacoat and indigo jeans.
Some chic accessory pairings include:
– Black watches with dark blue and white striped NATO style straps
– Navy leather belts with silver buckles to break up black trousers and shoes
– Black fedoras or beanies with navy overcoats for his & hers style
– Statement cobalt jewelry with black gowns or LBDs
– Cognac leather belts and shoes with navy and black color-block outfits
Tips and Considerations
– Use black as your neutral base and dark blue as your accent color for versatile pairings across looks.
– Avoid matching black suits and navy suits together – opt for navy jacket with black pants if combining blue and black suiting.
– Add lighter neutral colors like white, tan, gray, and silver to avoid looking like a dark blob.
– Contrast shinier fabrics like silks, satins, and leather next to matte cotton, wool, chambray for visual dynamics.
– Don’t be afraid to embrace mostly black outfits with pops of navy shoes, bags, jewelry as a darker style.
– For men, swap classic white collared shirts for black or gray under navy blazers for a modern look.
– Women can explore wearing black hosiery with navy dresses and skirts to transition between seasons.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
– Do pair matte black jeans with a glossy navy leather jacket.
– Do choose a bright white or light blue dress shirt under a navy suit and black tie combo.
– Do accessorize little black dresses with cobalt blue clutches and jewelry.
– Do mix textures like black lace and navy satin together for formal events.
DON’T:
– Don’t wear head to toe black and navy like a navy tracksuit with black sneakers.
– Don’t pair a flat primary navy button-down with black trousers or skirt.
– Don’t wear dark inky navy ties with a black suit jacket – opt for mid-blue ties instead.
– Don’t choose matching fabrics like black denim with navy denim.
Conclusion
Dark blue and black hues can work together stylishly with some thoughtful styling. Keep the look sophisticated by sticking to smart color combinations, well-fitted pieces in fine fabrics, and standout accessory choices. Avoid matching flat navy and black solids in a similar palette. Integrate lighter accent colors and play with combining finishes and fabrics. With both classic refinement and modern edge, navy blue and black offer endless possibilities for chic outfits for any occasion when coordinated strategically.
| Casual Outfit Ideas | Formal Outfit Ideas |
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