Blue is a versatile color that can be paired with many other colors and styles. As a primary color, blue works well with other primaries like red and yellow as well as secondaries like orange and green. When choosing what to wear blue with, consider the shade of blue and the color wheel for complementary color schemes. With some simple guidelines, you can create stylish outfits in blue.
Neutral Colors
Pairing blue with neutral colors like black, white, gray, tan, and brown allows the blue to stand out. Blue jeans or chinos in navy, dark wash, or light wash denim look sharp with white, black, or gray shirts. A navy blazer or sport coat works with khaki pants or trousers. Lighter shades of blue like powder blue, periwinkle, or baby blue complement tan, beige, and cream neutrals.
Red
Blue and red are bold primary colors that complement each other well. Navy blue and bright red is a classic and patriotic combination. For an edgier look, try pairing electric blue with crimson red. Both dark and light shades of blue work nicely with red. Red shoes, handbags, jewelry, or accessories pop against different blue outfits. Red dresses, blouses, and sweaters can be accented with blue jackets, cardigans, or scarves.
Yellow
Cheerful yellow adds energy when paired with calming blue. Royal blue and golden yellow is a regal combination, while pale blue and pastel yellow is softer. Navy and bright yellow is preppy and nautical. Light blue denim complements sunny yellow accessories. For colorblocking, style a cobalt blue skirt with a lemon yellow blouse. Bold yellow shoes or jewelry make blue outfits pop.
Orange
Vibrant orange works with blue for a playful, summery look. Navy blue complements bold shades of orange nicely. Pair light blue with pastel peach or coral orange for a sweeter look. Style navy dresses or tops with orange accessories. Wear orange jeans or shorts with blue tops and jackets. Blue button-downs or polos look sharp under orange sweater vests.
Green
Blue and green are cool, refreshing colors. Light blue pairs beautifully with leafy greens like emerald, sage, mint, and lime. Navy complements deeper greens like hunter, forest, and olive. Green shoes, handbags, and jewelry add interest to blue outfits. Green pants, shorts, or skirts work with blue tops. Aqua or teal blue also blends nicely with shades of green.
Purple
The pairing of blue and purple creates a harmonious, soothing look. Light shades like periwinkle blue and lilac purple complement each other. Pair navy blue with rich purple accents and accessories. Bold royal blue and jewel purple make a vibrant color scheme. Lavender, violet, and plum purple flatter lighter blues. For an unexpected twist, style eggplant purple pieces with bright or neon blue.
Pink
Feminine pink and classic blue balance each other out. Soft powder blue works beautifully with pastel pink for a sweet, romantic look. Electric blue pops against bold fuchsia pink. Navy dresses, jackets, and tops look chic with blush pink accessories. Pair cornflower or baby blue with rose pink pieces. For colorblocking, style a cobalt blue skirt with a cotton candy pink blouse.
White
Crisp white makes vibrant shades of blue pop. A classic navy blazer over a white tee and jeans is eternally stylish. White jeans paired with any shade of blue top creates a beachy, nautical vibe. Light blue button-downs remain polished under white blazers or cardigans. For summer, style white shorts or dresses with bright blue jackets or accessories. White shoes lend a clean, minimalist look to blue outfits.
Black
Bold blue and classic black is an edgy, rocker chic combo. Navy blue and black is nautical and sophisticated. Electric or neon blue pops brightly against solid black pieces. Black jeans, pants, or leggings allow blue tops to stand out. Black dresses and jumpsuits work with lighter blue jackets and shoes. Monochrome blue and black outfits make a striking statement.
Gray
Cool blue and neutral gray are relaxed and stylish together. Light blue denim complements charcoal or gray slacks or trousers. Soft powder blue dresses and blouses pair nicely with steel gray suiting. Vibrant cobalt or sapphire blue adds energy to gray suits and separates. Blue shirts layered under gray sweaters keep the look casual yet pulled together.
Camel
Earthy camel or beige and blue bring an effortlessly chic look. Navy blue blazers remain polished over camel tops or dresses. Denim in shades of blue looks current with camel suede boots or heels. Camel wide leg trousers paired with light blue button-downs balance business and casual. Powder blue and camel is soft and sweet. Style vivid blue bags or shoes with camel pieces.
Olive
Natural olive green gives an earthy, laidback vibe when paired with blue denim. Distressed medium blue jeans look cool with olive utility jackets. Bright blue adds cheerful contrast against olive trousers or cargo pants. Olive corduroys keep preppy over blue Oxford shirts. Olive maxi dresses or skirts work with blue jean jackets. Navy suits remain sophisticated with olive ties and pocket squares.
Conclusion
With its versatility, blue works with nearly any color. Both light and dark shades of blue pair beautifully with bold brights, earthy neutrals, and moodier darks. Use the color wheel for complementary color schemes and balance lightness and darkness. Consider the formality of the occasion when pairing blue with other colors. Have fun mixing different shades and textures in blue outfits. With the right combinations, you can wear blue from day to night, season to season.
| Color | Shades of Blue |
|---|---|
| Neutral | Navy, Light Blue, Powder Blue |
| Red | Navy, Electric Blue, Dark Blue, Light Blue |
| Yellow | Royal Blue, Navy, Cobalt Blue, Pale Blue |
| Orange | Navy, Light Blue, Bright Blue |
| Green | Light Blue, Navy, Aqua, Teal |
| Purple | Periwinkle, Navy, Royal Blue, Bright Blue |
| Pink | Powder Blue, Electric Blue, Navy, Baby Blue |
| White | Navy, Bright Blue, All Shades |
| Black | Navy, Electric Blue, Neon Blue |
| Gray | Light Blue, Powder Blue, Cobalt, Navy |
| Camel | Navy, Powder Blue, Denim Blue |
| Olive | Navy, Bright Blue, Denim Blue |
