Navy is one of the most versatile colors in fashion. Its dark blue hue allows it to pair well with a wide range of colors from neutrals like white and beige to brights like red and pink. Knowing how to wear navy gives you many options when putting together stylish outfits.
Why Navy is So Versatile
There are a few key reasons why navy matches with so many colors:
– Navy is a neutral – While navy is technically a color, in fashion it acts more as a neutral. Its dark shade makes it work as a base that other colors can play off of in an outfit. This gives it more flexibility than brighter colors.
– Flatters most skin tones – Navy flatters most skin complexions from fair to dark. It doesn’t overpower or wash out most people. This makes it easier to pair with other colors without clashing.
– Pairs with all neutrals – As a neutral itself, navy goes with all other neutrals like black, gray, white, tan, cream, etc. Neutrals are easy to match since they act as a blank canvas.
– Contrasts well with brights – Navy’s darkness contrasts beautifully with bright, saturated hues. The color pop makes for an eye-catching combination.
Navy and Neutrals
Pairing navy with neutral colors is foolproof. Neutrals like white, black, gray, tan and beige act as easy complements to navy’s versatility.
Navy and White
Navy and white is a preppy classic combination. The contrast between the dark and light colors is crisp and timeless.
Ways to wear navy and white:
– Navy blazer with white pants or skirt
– Striped navy and white tee or sweater
– Navy dress with white polka dots
– Anchor print top in navy and white
Navy and Black
Navy and black is another classic pairing that instantly looks put together. The dark shades complement each other beautifully.
Mix navy and black by:
– Layering a navy cardigan over a black dress
– Wearing navy pants with a black top
– Pairing a navy suit jacket with black dress pants or skirt
– Mixing navy and black in a colorblocked dress
Navy and Gray
Navy and gray create an easy, sophisticated look. The cool tones complement each other for a refined aesthetic.
Ways to wear navy and gray:
– Navy sweater with gray slacks
– Gray wool coat over a navy dress
– Striped tee in navy and gray
– Navy skirt with a gray belt
Navy and Tan
Tan and navy pair well together because of tan’s versatility. The earthy neutral balances navy’s cool tone.
Mix tan and navy by:
– Layering a tan trench coat over a navy dress
– Wearing navy heels with tan cropped pants
– Pairing a navy button-down with tan trousers
– Adding a tan belt or bag to a navy outfit
Navy and Cream
Cream has a delicate, soft look that contrasts nicely with rich navy. The neutral lightens up the dark shade.
Ways to mix navy and cream:
– Cream sweater layered over a navy button-down
– Navy midi skirt with a cream top
– Cream wide-leg pants with a navy blazer
– Polka dot dress in cream and navy
Navy and Bright Colors
While navy goes with all neutrals, it also pairs beautifully with bright, bold hues. The navy acts as a grounding base color that makes the brights pop.
Navy and Red
Red and navy is a nautical classic. The bold red pops against the dark navy background.
Mix red and navy by:
– Adding a red belt or scarf to a navy dress
– Layering a red sweater vest over a navy button-down
– Wearing navy heels with a red dress
– Sporting a striped tee in red and navy
Navy and Pink
Feminine pink softens navy’s masculine edge. The resulting look is chic and sophisticated.
Wear navy and pink together through:
– A pink skirt with a navy top
– Mixing pink and navy prints
– Layering a pink blazer over a navy dress
– Pink heels with navy cropped pants
Navy and Yellow
Sunny yellow injects a burst of energy into navy’s calm. It’s an unexpected pairing that stands out.
Mix navy and yellow by:
– Adding a yellow scarf or bag to a navy outfit
– Pairing a navy cardigan with a yellow skirt
– Wearing a striped navy and yellow tee
– Mixing prints like navy polka dots with yellow stripes
Navy and Green
Earthy greens complement navy’s deep shade, creating a natural yet stylish look.
Combine navy and green through:
– A green maxi skirt with navy flats
– Layering a green cardigan over a navy dress
– Wearing jade green heels with navy trousers
– Sporting a striped top in navy and emerald
Navy and Purple
Regal purple adds flair to navy’s classic style. The rich tones are elegant and eye-catching.
Mix navy and purple by:
– Adding purple accessories like a handbag to a navy outfit
– Wearing navy cropped pants with a purple top
– Layering a purple blazer over a navy dress
– Sporting purple heels with navy wide-leg trousers
Navy Outfit Ideas
Here are some full navy outfit ideas to give you inspiration on mixing this versatile color:
Navy Dress + Tan Trench Coat + Red Heels
This chic outfit pairs a navy fit-and-flare dress with a tan trench coat and cherry red heels for a preppy vibe. The reds and tan complement the navy beautifully.
Striped Navy Top + Pink Skirt + White Sneakers
This casual outfit features a striped navy and white tee with a pink pleated tennis skirt and white sneakers. It mixes navy with bright pink in a youthful way.
Navy Jumpsuit + Yellow Belt + Jade Heels
Make a style statement in a navy wide-leg jumpsuit cinched with a vibrant yellow belt and jade strappy heels. The mix of navy, yellow and green is eye-catching.
Navy Culottes + Cream Sweater + Black Boots
This refined outfit includes navy culottes with a soft cream cowl neck sweater and black over-the-knee boots. It elegantly mixes navy with cream and black.
Navy Suit + White Button-Down + Purple Tie
For a dapper business or formal look, pair a navy suit with a crisp white button-down shirt and rich purple tie. The mix of professional navy with regal purple is sophisticated.
Tips for Wearing Navy
– Stick to solid navy tops or bottoms mixed with prints – An anchor print with solid navy pants is chic.
– Add pops of color through bags, shoes, belts, scarves – A red bag complements a navy sheath dress.
– Mix navy with light neutrals like tan, cream, gray and pink for softer contrast
– Pair navy with dark neutrals like black and charcoal for sleek sophistication
– Mix navy with bright jewel tones and pastels for colorblocking
– Anchor navy with metallics like gold and rose gold for shine
– Use layering to creatively mix navy with other colors and textures
Conclusion
With its versatility to pair with neutrals, brights, pastels, and dark colors, navy can be mixed and matched with virtually any shade in your wardrobe. Use navy as a base and add pops of color through your accessories or prints. Navy’s flattering hue works with fair and deep skin tones. Follow the tips to creatively wear navy for everyday, casual, and formal looks. Experiment with combining this dark neutral with your favorite colors.
| Neutral Colors | Bright Colors |
|---|---|
| White | Red |
| Black | Pink |
| Gray | Yellow |
| Tan | Green |
| Cream | Purple |
