Introduction
The question of whether men can mix navy and black is a common one in men’s fashion. At first glance, many style guides may say these two dark neutrals should not be paired together. However, the “rules” of fashion are made to be broken. With the right balance and tones, navy and black can be mixed successfully in men’s outfits.
Can You Wear Navy and Black Together?
The main concern with wearing navy and black together is that the colors will “clash”. Black and navy are both dark neutrals. When placed side-by-side, the slight differences in their undertones can make them appear mismatched. However, with the right tones and proportions, navy and black can complement each other. The key factors to keep in mind are:
1. Balance the Proportions
If you are wearing a navy suit or blazer, choose black shoes and belt. The navy will be the dominant color, balanced by black accessories. Avoid wearing a black suit with navy shoes or vice versa. The aim is to choose one color to dominate and use the other neutrally. An outfit that is half navy and half black rarely works.
2. Complementary Tones
Not all shades of navy and black work well together. A charcoal black paired with a deep navy reads as more cohesive than jet black and bright navy. Stylish combinations include charcoal black with dark navy, soft black with muted navy, or light black with navy.
3. Accent Colors Help
Adding accent colors like gray, white or brown can help bridge the navy and black. A crisp white shirt, light gray tie, and brown belt can make black shoes and a navy suit look pulled together. Accent colors give the eyes a break between the two dark shades.
When to Wear Navy with Black
Certain scenarios make mixing navy and black work better than others. Here are some of the easiest ways to integrate navy and black in men’s fashion:
Black Shoes with a Navy Suit
This classic combination works for both business formal and casual looks. Pair shiny black oxfords with a navy suit and tie for the office or swap the oxford shoes for black loafers to dress the navy suit down.
Navy Blazer and Black Pants
Wearing a navy sport coat or blazer with black dress pants creates an edgy contrast. Include a collared shirt and dress shoes to make this combination work for the office or add a t-shirt and boots for weekend wear.
Navy Jumper and Black Jeans
A navy sweater, especially a lighter tone like heather navy, combines well with black jeans. This look transitions smoothly for day to night by swapping out sneakers for leather boots.
Navy Overcoat and Black Suit
For a timeless winter look, layer a navy wool overcoat over a black suit, white shirt and black leather gloves. This stylish combination works for both formal business events and dressy evening occasions.
Black Tie and Navy Suit
At formal black tie events, swapping the traditional black tuxedo for an elegant midnight navy style adds character and originality while still observing etiquette. Pair with black bow tie, cummerbund and patent leather shoes.
Mixing Navy and Black Casually
In casualwear, the same guidelines apply for mixing navy and black successfully. Some casual combinations include:
Navy Knit Jumper and Black Jeans
A lightweight navy knit jumper looks sharp layered over a black denim jacket and black skinny jeans. Finish with black boots for an effortlessly stylish weekend look.
Navy Linen Shorts and Black Polo
Keep it simple by pairing navy mens shorts with a fitted black polo shirt, ideal for summer. Add black sandals or sneakers to round it out.
Navy Fleece Hoodie and Black Joggers
For lazy days, combine a soft navy hoodie with comfortable black cotton joggers and black slip-on sneakers. This casual look still appears pulled-together.
Navy Peacoat and Black Denim
A classic navy peacoat makes a timeless top layer for black denim. Whether paired with a casual t-shirt or button-down underneath, this combo works for relaxed daywear.
Navy Cardigan and Black Jeans
A mens cardigan in navy blue layered over a white collared shirt and black denim jeans creates a smart casual outfit, suitable for dinner dates or weekends away.
Mixing Navy and Black for Formalwear
At formal events, mixing navy and black requires some extra finesse. The stakes are higher for getting the color combination right. Here are some do’s and don’ts for formal navy and black pairings:
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Black tuxedo jacket with navy tuxedo pants | Navy tuxedo jacket with black lapels |
| Black bow tie and cummerbund with a navy dinner suit | Navy necktie with a black dinner suit |
| Black patent leather dress shoes with a navy suit | Navy suede dress shoes with a black suit |
| Black dress socks with navy suit pants | Navy dress socks with black suit pants |
| Thin black belt paired with navy slacks | Wide navy belt paired with black dress pants |
The keys for formal navy and black pairings are keeping the tones dark and muted, sticking to one color for suits and alternating shades for accessories only. Bold contrasts in textures like shiny black shoes and matte navy suits also help the combo appear more polished.
Getting Creative: Mixing Navy, Black and Other Colors
For men confident in their personal style, there are creative ways to integrate navy, black and additional colors into artful combinations.
Monochromatic Navy and Black
Wearing different shades of navy and black together creates a sophisticated monochromatic effect. Try a dark navy suit with black shoes and belt, light blue shirt and muted navy tie with thin black diagonal stripes. Cool tones work best for this look.
Bold Navy, Black and White
Pairing crisp white with bold navy and black calls to mind nautical or military dress. White pants with a navy blazer, black dress shirt, shoes and aviator sunglasses channels naval officer style.
Navy and Black with Metallics
For after-dark affairs, injecting metallic shoes, ties, belts or jewelry amps up navy and black outfits with drama. A midnight navy tuxedo and black shirt with a steel blue tie and silver cufflinks adds modern edge.
Earth Tones Ground Navy and Black
Warm brown hues complement navy and black’s cool tones. A navy suit with tan brogues, black leather belt and beige overcoat feels natural and versatile. Chocolate knitwear also bridges the gap between navy and black layers.
Pops of Color
Small pops of color brighten up navy and black outfits. Try a navy suit with a slim black tie and teal or purple pocket square. Or don a black leather jacket over a navy sweater and burnt orange scarf for vibrant contrast.
Conclusion
Navy and black may seem impossible to pair at first glance when building men’s outfits. However, by observing some key guidelines around proportion, tone and formality, combining these dark neutrals can look tailored and sophisticated. From casual weekendwear to formal suiting, there are many stylish ways for men to mix navy and black successfully. With the right knowledge of color theory and style principles, men can feel confident blending these classic shades for both smart and edgy looks.
