Blue is a versatile and popular color that can be incorporated into outfits in many stylish ways. When putting together a blue ensemble, there are some key factors to consider in order to create a cohesive and fashionable look. In this article, we will explore how to wear blue from head to toe and provide tips on pairing, accessorizing, and styling different shades of blue.
Choosing the Right Shade of Blue
With blue being such a diverse color family, choosing the right shade is essential in determining the vibe and mood of your outfit. Here are some popular shades of blue and how they can be styled:
- Navy – A darker, richer blue that looks sophisticated on its own or paired with neutrals like black, gray, tan, or white.
- Royal Blue – A bright, jewel-toned blue that makes a bold statement. Goes well with other primaries like red, yellow, or metallics.
- Baby Blue – A light, soft blue with a sweet, feminine vibe. Pairs nicely with pastels, florals, lace, or chambray.
- Denim Blue – An easygoing blue with a casual feel. Looks great with white, stripes, gingham, denim, or other shades of blue.
- Teal – A greenish-blue that adds vibrancy. Compliments neutrals, black, browns, or reds.
Consider the overall look you are trying to achieve when selecting your shade of blue. Do you want something nautical? Try a navy and white stripe. How about sweet and retro? A baby blue shirtdress fits the bill. For an edgy night out look, go for a royal blue mini skirt and black heels.
Tops
Blue tops are extremely versatile basics that can be dressed up or down seamlessly. Here are some blue top options:
- Button-down – A classic blue button-down shirt looks polished tucked into trousers or skirts for work or worn open over a tee on weekends.
- T-shirt – A fitted blue tee pairs well with jeans or shorts for casual ensembles. A graphic tee in a retro blue adds interest.
- Tank – A royal blue tank top with some delicate jewelry keeps things simple and stylish.
- Sweater – An oversized baby blue cable knit sweater worn over leggings is a comfy weekend look.
- Blouse – A silky navy blouse with ruffles or bell sleeves makes a feminine statement when worn for a date night.
Aim for blue tops in soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, modal, or silk that will be comfortable all day long. The cut and style of the top will help determine the formality of the look. Keep things casual with knits and tees or smarten up with button-downs and blouses.
Bottoms
On the bottom half, blue pants, shorts, and skirts pair back effortlessly to the blue tops. Consider these blue bottoms:
- Jeans – A staple pair of dark wash denim jeans can be worn countless ways. Cuff them to show a pop of baby blue socks.
- Trousers – Tailored navy trousers look sharp with a striped boatneck tee and loafers.
- Shorts – Try an 80s-inspired high-waisted light wash jean short with a boxy denim blue tee.
- Skirt – For summer, rock a tennis skirt in a bright blue hue paired with a white polo shirt.
- Leggings – Lean into the athleisure trend with teal leggings, white sneakers, and a slouchy royal blue sweater.
Aim for a slim cut on bottoms to balance out the looser shapes up top. Denim blue and navy are easy to dress up when needed. Have fun with brighter shades like royal blue for shorts or skirts.
Dresses
Blue dresses encapsulate the entire outfit into one chic piece. From casual day dresses to cocktail dresses, blue is always a winner. Some blue dress options include:
- Sundress – A spaghetti strap baby blue sundress is fresh and flirty for summer.
- Shift dress – An effortless navy shift dress in a soft jersey material works for office and beyond.
- Shirtdress – A denim blue shirtdress with front tie waist Detail looks on-trend with white sneakers.
- Wrap dress – A V-neck royal blue wrap dress is elegant for a wedding or event.
- Slip dress – An easy lightweight teal slip dress worn as a cover-up elevates a swim look.
Look for dresses in breathable, lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen, or silk that move with you and help beat the heat. The overall silhouette and structure of the dress will determine how formal or casual it reads.
Footwear
Ground your blue outfit with shoes in coordinating or contrasting shades:
- Sneakers – White or blue sneakers instantly casualize a look. Try a bright teal pair.
- Sandals – Strappy nude sandals work year-round with darker blue tones.
- Heels – Navy pumps or royal blue strappy heels polish up a dress or skirt ensemble.
- Boots – Ankle booties in a lighter denim blue hue balance out dark jeans.
- Flats – Baby blue ballet flats add a pop of color for spring and summer outfits.
Neutral shoes in nudes, blacks, whites, or silvers act as an anchor point for bold blue hues up top. Don’t be afraid to complement an all-blue outfit with blue shoes for a monochromatic vibe.
Accessories
Accessorizing is key to tying together a cohesive blue ensemble. Consider these accessory options:
- Handbag – A navy leather tote or bright blue crossbody bag polish up any outfit.
- Jewelry – Layer silver or gold necklaces and bracelets to accent blue tops.
- Scarf – An oversized teal scarf adds flair to jeans and jacket combo.
- Hat – A wide-brim tan sunhat complements a baby blue sundress.
- Sunglasses – Go bold with red or white frames to make blue pop.
Look for accessories in metallic shades, complementary colors, or neutrals to let the blue outfit shine. A blue handbag or jewelry provides color coordination.
Create Stylish Blue Outfits
Use these tips to start creating pulled-together blue outfits:
- Pick a shade of blue that suits your style, from nautical navy to retro baby blue.
- Build your outfit around complementary blue tops and bottoms in similar shades.
- Layer lighter blues over darker blues for depth and dimension.
- Introduce contrast with unexpected neutral or metallic shoes and accessories.
- Tie everything together with jewelry, hats, scarves, or handbags.
- Look for woven fabrics like linen or jersey that feel comfortable with movement.
With the wide range of blue shades and endless styling possibilities, you can create unique blue outfits for any season or occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors go well with blue?
Blue pairs beautifully with a range of colors that include:
- Neutrals like white, tan, black, gray
- Pastels like light pink, lavender, mint green
- Metallics like gold, rose gold, silver
- Primary colors like red, yellow
- Navy blue, different shades of blue
What colors should you not wear with blue?
Avoid pairing bold, bright shades like neon oranges or greens with blue, as they can cl clashing. Stick to more harmonious color combinations.
What skin tone looks best in blue?
Cooler skin tones with pink or red undertones shine in lighter blues like baby blue, periwinkle, or slate blue. Those with warm olive or dark skin tones glow in jewel tones like royal blue, cobalt, or navy.
What do different shades of blue represent?
Here’s what some popular shades of blue represent symbolically:
- Navy blue – Authority, power, intelligence
- Royal blue – Elegance, sophistication
- Light blue – Tranquility, understanding, patience
- Teal blue – balance, sophisticated yet casual
How do I choose the right shade of blue for my skin tone?
Those with fair, pinkish skin tones look great in softer sky blue and periwinkle shades. Olive complexions shine in vibrant jewel-toned blues like royal blue. Darker skin tones glow in deeper, richer blues like navy or electric blue.
Conclusion
Blue makes a gorgeous color for everything from tops to shoes. Know your shades andcombinations that work for you. Look for soft, breathable fabrics in dresses,tops and bottoms. Ground the look with neutral or metallic shoes and accessories.Most importantly, have fun and get creative with mixing different blues togetherin one outfit for a stylish look in any season!
