The question of whether dark blue goes with red clothes is an important one for many people looking to coordinate their outfits. While traditionally red and blue are seen as clashing colors, the darker shade of blue allows the combination to work in many cases. In this article, we will examine whether dark blue and red can be successfully paired together from several perspectives.
The Color Wheel
According to traditional color theory, red and blue sit opposite each other on the color wheel. Complementary colors like these are often seen as clashing when placed side-by-side. However, the color wheel also shows that red and blue are strong, vivid colors that create a high-contrast combination.
While bright primary red and bright primary blue rarely work well together, adjusting the tone and shade can allow them to coordinate. Dark blue is less vibrant than primary blue and creates less tension against true red. The darker blue has some subtle cooling effects that complement the warming effects of red.
Color Temperature
Red and blue also differ significantly in color temperature. Red is a warm color, while blue is cool. Dark blue maintains some cool tones while being less stark of a temperature difference compared to bright blue. The closer blue gets to a neutral temperature, the more flexible it becomes to pair with warm red.
| Color | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Bright red | Very warm |
| Bright blue | Very cool |
| Dark blue | Less cool |
The more blue is darkened, the less it clashes with red’s warmth. Dark blue has just enough coolness to contrast red without the jarring effect of pairing warm and cool primaries.
Color Psychology
Psychologically, red and blue elicit very different responses. Red is associated with passion, excitement, intensity, and even anger. Blue evokes calm, stability, wisdom, and professionalism. When bright primary versions are paired, the differing associations can feel at odds.
Dark blue maintains some of the peaceful coolness associated with the color blue but has a more serious, grounded feeling compared to light blues. Set against red, dark blue can lend some subtle sophistication and restraint. This helps create balance with red’s intense warmth.
Aesthetic Appeal
Combining colors with visual appeal relies heavily on finding the right balance. Red has incredibly strong visual presence. It draws the eye and creates excitement. Bright blue risks overwhelming red’s boldness. However, dark blue has a subtlety that works alongside red in an aesthetically pleasing way.
Darker, cooler hues help ground red’s vivid appearance. They allow red to stand out while also supporting it with depth and nuance. Done right, the coupling can feel bold and elegant, classic and modern, or lively and refined.
Outfit Combinations
So how does this translate in actual outfits? Dark blue jeans, sweaters, jackets, and other garments pair well with red tops, shoes, bags and accessories. Dark blue suits and dresses also coordinate with red handbags, scarves, and lipstick.
Some examples of dark blue and red working well together in outfits:
– Dark blue jeans with a red top or blazer
– Navy sweater with a red skirt or dress
– Dark blue suit and tie with a red pocket square
– Navy dress with red heels and clutch
– Dark blue trench coat atop a red cocktail dress
Tone Combinations
More specifically, these tone combinations work well for dark blue and red outfits:
| Dark Blue Tone | Red Tone |
|---|---|
| Navy | True red |
| Indigo | Crimson |
| Midnight blue | Cherry red |
| Cobalt | Fire engine red |
Deeper, richer shades of both colors pair beautifully. Lighter reds like pink can also work with dark blue. overall, a sense of depth in the blue prevents the combination from feeling too jarring.
Patterns and Textures
Patterns and textures provide another important factor when coordinating red and blue. Keeping the blue solid or minimally patterned helps prevent clashing with strongly patterned red. For example:
– Solid navy pants with a small floral print red blouse
– Textured dark blue sweater with a red striped skirt
Smooth, shiny dark blue fabrics complement red patterns and prints. Suede, leather, suiting, and knits in dark blue flatter red knits, polka dots, graphic prints, plaids, and checks.
Metallic Accents
For a glamorous look, metallic shoes, jewelry, bags, and other accents beautifully bridge red and dark blue. The shine and shimmer help the colors blend in a chic way. For example:
– Dark blue dress with red heels and gold earrings and clutch
– Navy suit with red tie and gold cufflinks
– Dark blue pants with red blouse and silver jewelry
Metallics like gold, silver, rose gold, bronze and copper make red and blue feel luxe and special. Keep accessories minimal for optimal sophistication.
Feminine Styles
Many women favor wearing red and dark blue together for an elegant, feminine aesthetic. Navy and red nicely bring together boldness and delicacy. For a date night, try:
– Navy lace dress with red lipstick and heels
– Dark blue wrap dress with red belt and clutch
– Indigo skinny jeans with red camisole and ballet flats
Business formal options include:
– Navy blazer with red blouse and heels
– Dark blue sheath dress with red jacket
– Navy pencil skirt with red silky shell
Dark blue and red exude romantic, glamorous beauty when styled thoughtfully.
Masculine Styles
Men can also embrace red and navy for sharp, polished looks:
– Dark blue suit with red tie and pocket square
– Navy trousers with a red button-down shirt
– Indigo polo with red shorts or sneakers
Casual masculine outfits with red and dark blue include:
– Midnight blue sweater with a red t-shirt underneath
– Dark jeans with a red sport coat or bomber jacket
– Navy peacoat atop a red crewneck sweatshirt
Guys can confidently mix stylish red and blue pieces. Tailoring the shades prevents a costume-like comic book feel.
Unisex Styling
Red and dark blue also combine beautifully in androgynous looks:
– Dark blue blazer layered over a red dress
– Navy wide leg pants with a red boatneck shirt
– Indigo shirt dress with a red belt and shoes
For laidback unisex outfits:
– Midnight blue hoodie with red cap or beanie
– Dark blue denim with red high-top sneakers
– Navy utility jacket atop a red graphic tee
Playing with oversized, boyfriend silhouettes allows red and blue to mesh in an artistic, casual chic way.
Color Placement
Strategic color placement also enables red and dark blue to complement each other aesthetically:
– Pairing dark blue bottoms with red tops
– Wearing red close to the face with navy further away
– Using blue as a grounding neutral and red as the accent
Keep red near the focal points like the face, shoes, handbag, or jewelry. Use blue in foundational garments like bottoms, jackets, and dresses. This creates balanced, proportional looks.
Home Decor
These principles extend beautifully into home decor as well. Red and navy blue combine wonderfully in interiors with thoughtful styling:
| Dark Blue | Red |
|---|---|
| Walls | Furniture |
| Rugs | Pillows |
| Curtains | Lamps |
| Table linens | Artwork frames |
Ground the space in dark blues with pops of red via accessories and accents. Use metallics and bold patterns to further bridge the two colors. This creates an energizing, elegant, and unique living space.
Conclusion
Dark blue and red can pair beautifully when styled purposefully. While the combination risks clashing, adjusting the shades and tones prevents this. Darker blues work harmoniously with vivid reds. With strategic color placement and textures, red and navy blue create stylish, impactful looks. From outfits to accessories to home decor, the colors allow endless possibilities when thoughtfully combined. Overall, dark blue most certainly can coordinate seamlessly with red.
