Denim blue is a versatile neutral color that can be paired with many different shades. When choosing a color to go with denim blue, it is important to consider the tone and intensity of the denim as well as the overall look you are trying to achieve. Lighter washes of denim tend to look best with lighter, brighter colors while darker washes can be matched with deeper, richer tones. The goal is to create a balanced and harmonious color combination.
Colors That Complement Denim Blue
Here are some of the most popular and aesthetically pleasing color combinations with denim blue:
White
A denim blue and white pairing has a clean, classic look. White tops, shoes or accessories pop against the denim background. This high contrast combination is easy to pull off and works for casual daytime or evening wear. White creates a brightening effect against the darker denim. An all white outfit with a denim blue jacket or jeans remains a staple combo.
Black
Like white, black has strong contrast with denim blue and makes for an edgy, fashionable look. Black coats, turtlenecks, boots or handbags complement different washes of denim jeans or jackets. The denim balances out the harshness of solid black by providing blue undertones. Dark denim with black gives a grungier or more Goth vibe.
Pastels
Soft pastel shades like mint, lavender, peach, pink and yellow work beautifully with denim blue. They lighten up the look and create a sweet spring or summer outfit. Pastels paired with medium or light wash denim have a casual, relaxed vibe. The muted pastel tones keep the denim from looking overly bold.
Earth Tones
Natural earthy hues like tan, beige, brown, olive green and cream make fine partners for denim. These harmonious neutral tones are easy to match with different denim washes. An earth tone sweater over medium denim jeans makes a comfortable weekend outfit. Darker earth tones can be worn with darker denims for a more sophisticated look.
Red
Red packs a punch against denim blue. It is bold and dynamic color combination. Bright red shorts or top with faded blue jeans makes a summertime statement. Deeper burgundy or maroon works well with rich indigo denim. Red bags, shoes or jewelry are an easy way to liven up an outfit with denim staples.
Choosing Colors Based on Denim Wash
The intensity of the denim blue determines which shades will pair best with it:
Light Denim
Light washes of denim have a pale, almost icy blue tone. These look great with other light, bright colors such as pastels, tan, light gray, coral, mint green, pale yellow and robin’s egg blue. White looks crisp against light blue denim. Avoid darker colors that will visually overwhelm light jeans or jackets.
Medium Denim
The most versatile wash, medium denim can be paired with nearly any color depending on the look you want to achieve. Black, red, pink, green, purple and brown all work well with classic medium blue denim. Lighter shades give the combo a casual feel while darker tones amp up the sophistication.
Dark Denim
Deep indigo or rinsed denim has a dramatic effect and calls for equally strong colors. Black, brown, plum, forest green, burnt orange, mustard yellow and brick red all complement the dark denim beautifully. Gray, tan and lighter greens or blues can look washed out next to very dark jeans.
Choosing Colors Based on Occasion and Style
Consider where and when you plan on wearing the denim and match colors accordingly:
| Occasion/Style | Best Color Matches |
|---|---|
| Casual Daywear | White, light gray, pastels, earth tones |
| Office Wear | Black, gray, navy, forest green |
| Evening Wear | Black, red, purple, emerald green |
| Weekend Wear | Tan, peach, light pink, coral |
| Summer | Pastels, light earth tones, bright white |
| Spring | Soft floral colors, light greens, light pinks and blues |
| Fall | Red, mustard, hunter green, burnt orange |
| Winter | Black, gray, plum, deep red |
Choosing Colors Based on Skin Tone
Your individual skin tone will impact how flattering certain color pairings with denim will be. Here are some best color matches:
Fair/Cool Skin
Blues, greens, pinks, red, purple, light gray
Fair/Warm Skin
Cream, peach, coral, cherry red, mossy and olive greens
Medium/Cool Skin
Magenta, emerald green, sapphire blue, plum, cherry red
Medium/Warm Skin
Coral, peach, brick red, burnt orange, tan
Dark/Cool Skin
Electric blue, magenta, jewel tones, icy pastels
Dark/Warm Skin
Mustard, terra cotta, forest green, teal, purple
Avoid Color Combinations That Clash
Some color pairings with denim blue are unflattering and create vibration, contrasting too much or matching up poorly. Colors to avoid include:
– Orange – can look loud andsimulator/ or garish next to blue denim
– Lime green – creates high vibration on the color wheel next to denim
– Muddy browns or khakis – too close in tone so they blend together
– Pale yellow – insipid rather than bright against blue denim
– Hot pink – overwhelming amount of color when paired with denim
Matching Denim Blue Accessories
Don’t forget smaller accessories when coordinating colors with denim outfits. Ties, scarves, hats, jewelry and handbags should follow the same color guidelines:
| Accessory | Best Color Matches |
|---|---|
| Ties | Red, yellow, pastel pink, navy, purple |
| Scarves | White, black, red, light pink |
| Hats | White, black, tan, brown |
| Jewelry | Silver, turquoise, red, natural stones |
| Handbags | Brown, black, white, red, neutral colors |
Conclusion
Denim blue is like a blank canvas that lets you add pops of color that express your own personal style. Follow the basic color theory rules of creating balance, contrast and harmony. Lighter denim pairs well with brighter, softer tones while darker denim can handle more saturated, deeper shades. Avoid matching colors that are too similar or that clash. Consider where and when you’ll be wearing the outfit as well as your own coloring. With so many flattering options, you can put together endless stylish outfits featuring your favorite pair of denim jeans or jacket.
