Complementing a navy blue dress can seem tricky, but with some thoughtful tips you can choose the perfect accessories, hairstyle, and makeup to really make the dress pop. Navy blue is a versatile color that pairs well with a variety of accent colors and styles. With the right complements, you can look stylish, elegant, and put-together in your navy blue dress.
Choosing Accessories
Accessories like jewelry, shoes, and a handbag can add interest and pull your look together when wearing a navy blue dress. Here are some top accessory options:
| Accessory | Options |
|---|---|
| Jewelry | Gold or silver jewelry with gemstones like rubies, emeralds or sapphires. Pearls or crystal jewelry. Statement necklaces or earrings. |
| Shoes | Nude or metallic pumps or heels. Wedges or strappy sandals in tan, gold, silver. Pointy-toed flats. |
| Handbag | Structured handbags in metallics, white, red or nude. A colorful or patterned clutch. |
When choosing accessories, aim for metallic, bright, warm neutrals and gem tones that will contrast and stand out against the navy blue shade. Gold, silver, nude, red, emerald green and sapphire blue are particularly striking with navy. structural bags in metallics or white help anchor the look. Avoid accessories in the same blue tone, which can look matchy-matchy.
Hairstyle Ideas
Your hairstyle can also complement a navy blue dress in flattering ways:
| Hair Type | Suggested Styles |
|---|---|
| Short Hair | Sleek straightened bob. Textured pixie cut. Finger waves or side-parted curls. |
| Medium Hair | Low bun or chignon. Half-up style. Loose waves and curls. |
| Long Hair | Braided updo like a fishtail braid. High ponytail. Styled with soft curls or waves. |
Aim for hairstyles that are sleek and polished or have soft romantic textures. Styling hair so it is off your shoulders can show off the neckline of your dress. Whether hair is up or down, add some shine serum for a touch of glamour.
Makeup Suggestions
The makeup you pair with a navy blue dress should enhance your best features. Here are makeup tips to complement a navy dress:
| Feature | Makeup Tips |
|---|---|
| Eyes | Neutral smokey eye in bronze, grey or brown. Navy or sapphire blue eyeliner. Full lashes. |
| Cheeks | Rose gold, peach or nude blush. Subtle highlight on cheekbones. |
| Lips | Red, berry or pink lipstick. Neutral or peachy nude lipstick. |
Focus eye makeup on definition and full lashes to make eyes stand out. Warm blush and highlight brings a glow. For lips, pops of color in red, pinks and berries look striking, or keep it more neutral with a nude lip. Avoid pale or bright lipsticks that may clash.
Dress Length Considerations
The length of your navy blue dress can inform how to best style it:
| Dress Length | Complement Tips |
|---|---|
| Short Dresses | Strappy heels, wedges or booties. Oversized sunglasses. Dainty jewelry. |
| Knee-Length | Pointy flats or low block heels. Statement necklace. Structured top-handle bag. |
| Maxi Dresses | Metallic sandals. Dramatic earrings. Stacking bangles. Loose beachy waves. |
With shorter lengths, balance the small amount of fabric with bold accessories. For knee-length or midi dresses, choose refined accessories that elongate the silhouette. Maxi dresses suit adventurous bohemian-inspired accents.
Occasion Styling Tips
Certain accessories and styling work well for different occasions when wearing a navy blue dress:
| Occasion | Styling Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Casual Daytime | Flat sandals or sneakers, shoulder bag, minimal jewelry, light makeup |
| Work or Business | Low pumps, structured tote, simple jewelry, neutral makeup |
| Cocktail Party | Strappy heels, clutch, statement earrings, bold lip |
| Formal Event | Stiletto heels, minaudière, updo hairstyle, winged eyeliner |
Dress up or down your look according to the formality of the occasion. Stay simple for daytime, then amp up glamour and add some drama for nighttime events.
Ideal Body Types
Certain body types can really shine when wearing navy blue dresses:
| Body Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Pear body shape | Balances out fuller hips. Draws eyes up and highlights waist. |
| Athletic and straight figures | Provides shape and curves. Elongates lean lines. |
| Tall and petite frames | Suits all heights. Easily dressed up or down. |
| Plus sizes | Dark color is slimming and figure-flattering. |
The versatility of navy blue is that it complements just about all body types. It slimming and stylish on any figure.
Conclusion
Navy blue dresses make a gorgeous canvas to add your own personal flair. Complement the color with metallic, bright or neutral accessories that pop against the dark tone. Show off your assets with hairstyles and makeup that accentuate your best features. Tailor your styling to the dress length and occasion. Find what flatters your body shape. With the perfect accents, a navy blue dress can be feminine, stylish and completely stunning.
