The combination of blue and navy in an outfit is a common question many people have. Both are classic, versatile colors that can work well together or cause a clashing effect, depending on the shades and how they are styled. In this article, we’ll discuss the factors that impact whether blue and navy clash or complement each other.
Defining blue and navy
First, it’s important to understand what we mean by “blue” and “navy.”
Blue is a primary color on the color wheel that ranges from light to dark. On the lighter end, powder blue and baby blue are very pale shades. Royal blue and teal are medium blues. Navy is a very dark shade of blue that almost appears black in some lighting.
Navy gets its name from the dark blue color of naval uniforms. It sits next to black on the color wheel and is considered a neutral. However, despite its dark shade, navy has a subtle hint of blue rather than being a true black.
Key factors in combining blue and navy
There are a few key factors that impact how blue and navy appear when worn together:
Shade variations – The lighter the blue, the more contrast there will be against navy. A pale blue will make navy pop, while two deep shades may blur together.
undertones – Warm or cool undertones in the blues can affect how harmonious they appear. Mixing a cool-toned navy with a warmer royal blue risks clashing.
Lighting – The colors will look more cohesive in natural daylight. Under indoor lighting, the contrast may be starker.
Proximity – Navy and blue placed right next to each other tends to heighten the contrast. Putting some space between them can soften the divide.
Texture – Varied textures help differentiate navy and blue. A navy blazer over a blue dress, for example, breaks up the colors.
Now let’s analyze some examples of blue and navy in action.
When blue and navy complement each other
Some classic color combinations neatly demonstrate how blue and navy can work in harmony.
Navy blazer + blue dress shirt
A tailored navy blazer paired with a light to mid-blue dress shirt is a timeless look. The shirt provides enough separation from the jacket to avoid blurring together.
Navy trousers + light blue shirt
Likewise, navy trousers or chinos partner well with a powder blue button-down. The strong navy anchor balances the soft, pale shirt.
Royal blue accessories + navy dress
For a modern twist, spice up a navy sheath dress with accessories in a brighter royal or cobalt blue. The energetic pops keep the outfit from feeling too somber.
Navy suits + different blue ties
Mixing ties across the blue family adds subtle interest to a navy suit. Ties in light blue, sky blue, and teal all make versatile pairings.
Examples of unharmonious blue and navy pairings
On the other hand, choosing the wrong shades or combinations of blue and navy can make an outfit feel off-balance.
Matching blue suit and shirt
A navy suit and matching navy shirt lack contrast. It can look like you forgot a shirt under your suit jacket. Opt for a lighter blue shirt instead.
Royal blue and navy checks
Pairing royal and navy together in busy check or plaid patterns tends to create a jarring effect. The colors vibrate against each other.
Warm blue with cool navy
A warm shade like cerulean blue next to a cool-toned navy can make both colors appear dull and muddy. The undertones clash rather than complement.
Bright blue dress + dark navy jacket
A vibrant blue dress with blackish navy blazer risks looking overly harsh and mismatched. Softening one color helps them blend better.
Tips for wearing blue and navy
By following some best practices, you can comfortably combine navy and different shades of blue.
| Tip | Example |
|---|---|
| Use navy as an anchor | Pair navy pants with a lighter blue shirt |
| Add lighter blue as an accent | Wear a cobalt belt with a navy dress |
| Include a separate neutral color or texture | Break up an all-blue outfit with a gray blazer |
| Have at least 3 shades difference | Avoid matching dark navy with mid-blue |
| Check colors in natural light | Colors can look more harmonious outdoors |
Does blue clash with navy: The verdict
So does blue ultimately clash with navy? With some strategic color matching, blue and navy can work beautifully together. The key is choosing shades with enough contrast so they complement rather than compete.
Adjacent shades on the color wheel tend to clash, so avoid pairing a middling blue with deep navy. But a crisp light blue or vibrant royal pop nicely against navy’s dark neutrality.
Check colors in both indoor and outdoor light to see if any vibrating contrasts emerge. And don’t be afraid to add a third neutral color like gray or tan to bridge any divides between the shades of blue.
With a thoughtful approach to wearing them, blue and navy can harmonize into timeless, sophisticated color combinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about combining blue and navy:
Can I wear navy and royal blue together?
Yes, navy and royal blue can work well together if you follow some guidelines. Make navy the anchor color and royal blue the accent. Add lighter blues if needed to transition between the dark and bright shades.
Is navy blue and light blue a good combination?
Absolutely. Navy pairs beautifully with light and powder blues. The light blue creates contrast against the dark navy background. Just don’t choose two shades that are too close together.
What colors go with navy and blue?
Great colors to pair with navy and blue outfits include neutral beige, tan, gray, black and white. Pastels like pink, mint and lavender also complement the blues nicely. Avoid shades like red or orange that may clash.
Should I wear cool or warm blues with navy?
In most cases, opt for cooler blues alongside navy since warm tones may make navy appear dull or muddy. But a vivid cyan or azure can brighten up navy if you want more contrast.
Can I wear navy with different blue patterns?
Yes, mixing blue patterns with solids can keep a navy and blue outfit interesting. Try small accents like checked blue shirts with a navy suit. Avoid matching loud plaid blue and navy together.
Conclusion
Navy and blue may seem like an obvious color combination to avoid. But with care and finesse in picking shades and balancing proportions of each color, the duo can actually create sophisticated, flattering outfits. Follow the guidelines on hues, placement, lighting and textures, and you can comfortably wear these classic colors together.
