Navy blue and mustard is a classic color combination that can look great when done properly. However, many people wonder if these colors actually go well together or if the look is dated. The short answer is yes, you absolutely can wear navy blue and mustard together. This color pairing is timeless and versatile enough for many occasions when executed thoughtfully. In this article, we’ll explore how to successfully wear navy and mustard through styling tips, outfit ideas, color theory breakdowns, and more. Read on to learn everything you need to know about rocking this iconic duo.
The History of Navy Blue and Mustard
Navy blue and mustard have been paired together for decades, across many eras and styles.
| 1920s | Mustard accents paired with deep navy blue flapper dresses and menswear. |
| 1940s | Navy military uniforms with mustard yellow accents and piping. |
| 1950s-60s | Navy blue dresses and skirt suits with mustard details. |
| 1970s-80s | Nautical style pairing of navy blue with golden mustard yellow. |
| 1990s-2000s | Preppy navy blue blazers and pants with bright mustard tops or scarves. |
As you can see, this color combination has spanned decades of fashion and many design eras. It’s truly a timeless pairing that has evolved but remained stylish.
Color Theory Behind Navy and Mustard
On the color wheel, navy blue and mustard yellow are complementary colors, meaning they are directly opposite each other. This creates strong visual contrast when paired together.
| Navy Blue | A darker, cool-toned shade of blue associated with authority and intelligence. |
| Mustard Yellow | A bright, warm-toned yellow with vibrancy and energy. |
The cool navy balances out the warm and attention-grabbing mustard beautifully. The darker navy also grounds the outfit, while the mustard injects boldness and personality. Overall, the colors create a striking and balanced visual effect.
How to Style Navy Blue and Mustard
When wearing navy and mustard together, follow these tips:
- Use mustard as the accent color and navy as the neutral base.
- Pair a navy top with a mustard skirt or bottom for balanced contrast.
- Add pops of mustard to a navy dress or jumpsuit with a belt, shoes, or jewelry.
- Mix mustard and navy stripes, prints or color-blocking for a nautical vibe.
- Incorporate navy pants or shorts with a mustard top for weekend casual wear.
- Choose muted mustard tones like gold if you want a more subtle combo.
- Add white or light gray to lighten and brighten the palette.
Pro tip: Go for mustard in matte, rather than shiny, fabrics to keep the look sophisticated. Metallic golds and yellows can cheapen the aesthetic.
Outfit Ideas with Navy and Mustard
Here are some stylish outfit formulas for wearing navy blue with mustard yellow:
Navy Dress + Mustard Jacket/Cardigan + Neutral Heels
- A navy fit-and-flare dress is given a punch of color with a mustard blazer or cropped cardigan.
- Finish with neutral heels and simple jewelry for an elegant day-to-night look.
Navy Jumpsuit + Mustard Belt + White Sandals
- Cinch a navy jumpsuit with a mustard leather belt at the waist.
- Pair with casual white sandals or sneakers for summertime chic.
Navy Trousers + Mustard Sweater + Loafers
- Trousers in navy blue anchor the look paired with a bright crewneck sweater.
- Complete with loafers or oxfords for a preppy twist.
Navy Skirt + Mustard Blouse + Wedges
- Counterbalance a navy pencil skirt with a silky mustard blouse.
- Add some height with mustard wedges or block heels.
Navy Shorts + Mustard Top + White Sneakers
- Keep it casual with navy shorts and a mustard tee or tank.
- Ground with fresh white sneakers.
Have fun mixing and matching navy and mustard pieces. The options are endless!
Occasions for Wearing Navy and Mustard
This color pair is diverse enough for many events, both casual and formal:
- Work – Navy suits with a mustard blouse or sweater.
- Cocktail parties – A navy shift dress with mustard accessories.
- Daytime dates – Navy shorts and a mustard top for brunch.
- Summer parties – Nautical stripes and color-blocking.
- Vacation – A navy cover-up with a mustard bikini.
- Casual Fridays – Navy pants and a mustard graphic tee.
From professional to playful settings, this pairing works year-round. The navy base provides flexibility.
Conclusion
Navy and mustard is a timeless color combination that flatters a wide variety of skin tones. It’s ideal for any season, from winter to summer. Follow the tips above to infuse your wardrobe with this sophisticated duo while avoiding a dated or overly nautical vibe. Experiment with different shades and textures in these colors to find what works best for your personal style. Well-executed navy and mustard outfits will turn heads for all the right reasons.
