Black and blue are classic menswear colors that can work well together if done properly. When combining these darker shades, it’s important to pay attention to tone and texture to create a stylish, polished look. In this article, we’ll discuss the do’s and don’ts of wearing black with blue so you can feel confident putting together an outfit with these versatile colors.
Analyzing the Contrast Between Black and Blue
Black and blue are starkly different hues on the color wheel, which creates an eye-catching contrast when paired. However, the level of contrast depends on the specific shades chosen. For example, pairing a true navy blue with black creates more contrast than wearing a muted midnight blue with black.
When determining which shades work best, it helps to understand the undertones of each color:
| Color | Undertones |
|---|---|
| Black | Neutral |
| Navy blue | Cool undertones |
| Royal blue | Slightly warm undertones |
| Midnight blue | Slightly cool undertones |
Since black is neutral, it provides a versatile base for pairing with blue hues. Navy has more contrast against black due to its crisp, cool tone. Royal blue offers a softer contrast with its barely warm undertone. Midnight blue has the least contrast due to its muted cool tone being closer to black on the spectrum.
The level of contrast you aim for depends on the look you’re going for. Keep reading for tips on creating stylish color combinations.
Avoiding Clashes Between Black and Blue
When pairing black and blue, you want an aesthetic, harmonious look rather than a jarring, mismatched outfit. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
– Matching true navy with black from head to toe. This creates a harsh contrast that’s visually overwhelming.
– Pairing a warm, bright royal blue with black. The warm undertones of royal blue clash with black’s neutral cool tone.
– Choosing blue pieces with conflicting undertones. For example, combining a warm royal blue shirt with cool-toned navy pants.
– Wearing black and blue pieces with competing textures or patterns. This makes the outfit feel disjointed.
– Incorporating too many colors and diluting the sophistication of the black and blue pairing.
The key is choosing complementary blue and black pieces in fabrics, patterns and tones that work together seamlessly. Next we’ll go over foolproof ways to pair these colors.
Matching Black with Dark Navy: A Classic Combo
One of the most versatile and sharp color pairings is dark navy with black. Navy has a richer, darker hue than standard blues, allowing it to complement black beautifully.
Here are go-to ways to incorporate navy and black for a polished, stylish look:
| Outfit Combo | How to Style It |
|---|---|
| Navy blazer with black pants | Opt for a structured wool blazer and flat-front trousers. Add a white button-down shirt and simple leather dress shoes. |
| Navy suit with a black shirt | Choose a dark navy suit in a lightweight material. Pair it with a black button-down shirt and matching navy tie for a modern look. |
| Navy sweater over a black collared shirt | Select a fine-gauge navy crew neck or V-neck sweater. Layer it over a black collared shirt for the office or date night. |
These combinations keep the look sophisticated while letting both colors shine. Avoid overwhelm by limiting additional accent colors.
Incorporating Royal Blue for Visual Interest
While navy and black is a more conservative pairing, royal blue adds a subtle brightness that’s eye-catching and youthful. It works best when used sparingly as an accent color. Here are some stylish ways to wear royal blue with black:
– Black trousers with a royal blue blazer or sport coat. Choose textures like wool or twill that play up the difference between the shades.
– A predominantly black outfit with a royal blue tie or pocket square. This elevates a classic black suit with a pop of color.
– Black jeans with a royal blue button-down shirt. Roll the sleeves for a relaxed yet refined weekend look.
– Black chinos with royal blue loafers or lace-up shoes. Leather footwear in blue adds flair.
Royal blue’s vibrancy calls for a lighter hand. Allow black to dominate and use royal blue to add spunk to timeless black outfits.
Making Midnight Blue Work With Black
Midnight blue is the most challenging to pair with black due to its darker, cooler tone. But it can work beautifully when combined thoughtfully. The muted quality of midnight blue eases its transition next to black.
Here are some stylish ideas for midnight blue and black:
– A black wool turtleneck sweater with midnight blue trousers. The lighter blue pants balance the darker sweater.
– Black leather jacket with a midnight blue button-down. The textures complement each other.
– Midnight blue suit paired with a black shirt and matching blue tie. This creates a more subtle, refined look than navy and black.
– Black overcoat atop a midnight blue suit. This allows both colors to stand out.
The muted midnight blue requires bolder textures and styles to make the contrast work – but the resulting look is highly sophisticated.
Factors to Getting Black and Blue Right
Beyond choosing complementary shades, there are other factors that contribute to seamlessly blending black and blue:
Texture: Pair matte with shiny or smooth with textured. For example, a black leather jacket with a smooth navy suit.
Patterns: Solids, subtle stripes and checks work best. Avoid loud patterns or plaids in both colors.
Fit: Tailoring and fit is key. Ensure pieces complement your frame and align with the outfit.
Proportions: Balance the amount of each color. Too much black or blue tilts the look.
Accessories: Use sparingly to tie the look together. Black and blue leather dress shoes or belt. A matching blue watch.
Occasion: Consider the event when choosing shades and combinations. Darker pairings suit formal events, while lighter blues work for daytime.
Keeping these factors in mind will guarantee you always enhance your style when pairing black and blue.
Outfit Inspiration Combining Black and Blue
To spark inspiration for creating stylish outfits with black and blue, here are some chic combinations suitable for different occasions:
Work:
– Navy suit, white shirt, black oxford shoes
– Black wool trousers, midnight blue sweater, black leather belt
– Royal blue button-down, black blazer, black loafers
Casual:
– Dark wash jeans, black leather jacket, midnight blue tee
– Black shorts, royal blue polo shirt, black canvas sneakers
– Navy cardigan, black v-neck tee, black jeans
Formal:
– Black peaked lapel tuxedo, midnight blue bow tie and cummerbund
– Navy three-piece suit, black shirt, black oxfords
– Black wool trousers, royal blue dress shirt, black blazer
Date Night:
– Black jeans, royal blue button-down, black Chelsea boots
– Midnight blue sport coat, black turtleneck, black trousers
– Navy sweater, black collared shirt, black chinos
Use these ideas as a jumping off point to develop unique black and blue combinations that reflect your personal style.
Conclusion
Black and blue can pair beautifully when done right. Choosing complementary shades and textures while balancing proportions are key to nailing this stylish color combination. Avoid clashes by steering clear of matching loud tones or overly contrasting hues. With the right guidelines, you can always look polished and put-together when wearing black with different shades of blue. Use the suggestions in this article to confidently blend these classic menswear staples.
