When it comes to fashion and style, one of the most common color combination questions is whether teal blue goes with navy blue. Both are darker blue shades that look gorgeous on their own, but do they work together? The short answer is yes, teal and navy can look beautiful when paired correctly. However, there are some key considerations when combining these two rich blues to ensure your outfit looks stylish and put-together.
The Color Theory Behind Teal and Navy
In color theory, teal is considered a tertiary color as it is a mix of the primary color blue and the secondary color green. Navy, on the other hand, is a darker shade of the primary color blue. While some may think two shades of blue that are quite close on the color wheel wouldn’t work well together, the slight variation in tones actually allows teal and navy to complement each other nicely.
| Color | Type |
|---|---|
| Teal | Tertiary |
| Navy | Primary |
The key distinction between teal and navy is that teal has green undertones, giving it a bolder, brighter look compared to the depth of navy. When paired together, the teal provides vibrancy while the navy grounds the look. The navy blue brings out the subtle green tones in the teal, allowing both colors to complement each other for a stylish, sophisticated look.
Outfit Ideas: How to Style Teal and Navy
When building an outfit with teal and navy pieces, it helps to choose one color to be more dominant. Here are some ideas for wearing these two rich blues together:
Navy dominant look
- Navy blazer with bright teal shirt underneath
- Navy trousers with teal heels or teal bag
- Navy dress with teal jewelry
Going for a navy dominant look is a chic, easy way to incorporate teal as a pop of color. The navy acts as the anchor while the teal accessory or top color pops against the darker blue. This is a foolproof combination for the office or any daytime event.
Teal dominant look
- Teal jumpsuit or dress with navy blazer on top
- Teal skirt with navy shirt tucked in
- Teal coat with navy scarf and handbag
Making teal the star and adding navy accents is a great option for making a statement. The teal will command attention, so keep jewelry and other accessories minimal. Let the playful teal and grounding navy combination shine through.
Equal mix of teal and navy
- Striped teal and navy shirt with neutral trousers or skirt
- Color-block dress with teal and navy panels
- Teal top and navy bottom or vice versa
An even mix of teal and navy works beautifully for casual, everyday wear. Pairing a teal top with navy bottoms or vice versa allows both colors to stand out. To make the look more polished, add metallic shoes or bag. Play around with mixing different teal and navy hues for extra dimension.
Teal and Navy Formalwear Ideas
In addition to everyday wear, teal and navy are a stunning combination for formal occasions like:
- Cocktail parties
- Evening weddings
- Black tie events
- Gala fundraisers
Here are some teal and navy outfit ideas for formal events:
Navy evening gown with teal jewelry and shoes
A navy evening gown is elegant and timeless on its own. Adding a bold teal statement necklace and metallic teal heels makes the look ultra glamorous. Keep other accessories to a minimum to let the dress and teal accents shine.
Teal suit with navy shirt and tie
For men, a well-cut teal suit paired with a navy shirt and tie looks sharp and stylish. A white pocket square provides the perfect finishing accent. This is a eye-catching look for any formal occasion.
Teal cocktail dress with navy clutch
A short, flirty teal cocktail dress paired with a structured navy envelope clutch exudes sophistication. Add some sparkly teal heels and the teal-navy color story is complete. This is a chic option for cocktail parties or weddings.
Home Decor – Incorporating Teal and Navy
Beyond fashion, teal and navy work beautifully together in home decor. Here are some tips for using these colors to decorate your space:
- Paint walls navy and add teal decor accents like pillows, vases, and artwork
- Upholster furniture in navy and add teal throw blankets
- Choose a teal rug to inject color into a navy sofa and accent chairs
- Mix and match teal and navy decorative accessories like candles, trays, and table linens
When using teal and navy in home decor, stick to one color palette for large furniture pieces and accent with the other color. The navy will create an intimate, cozy vibe while the teal adds vibrancy. Be sure to incorporate other textures and metallics to add depth and dimension.
Conclusion
Teal and navy may seem like an unexpected color pair, but when combined correctly, they create stylish, polished looks. The muted navy balances out the brighter teal for a sophisticated color combination. When building an outfit, choose one color to dominate and use the other as accents. For formalwear, bold teal dresses or suits with navy accessories make a glamorous statement. Around the home, use one as the main wall or furniture color and decorate with accents of the other. So does teal go with navy blue? The answer is a resounding yes!
