Olive green and navy blue are classic color combinations that can look sophisticated and stylish when paired together. Finding additional colors that complement these cool tones can elevate an outfit or decor scheme. When selecting colors to go with olive green and navy blue, it’s important to consider undertones and color theory principles.
Undertones of Olive Green and Navy Blue
Olive green and navy blue are both cool-toned colors. Olive green has blue-green undertones, while navy blue leans slightly more towards pure blue. When combining colors, it’s best to stick with analogous cool tones rather than introducing warm undertones that may clash. Both olive green and navy blue pair well with other blues, greens, purples, grays, and black.
Color Theory Principles
Several basic color theory principles can help guide your selection of additional colors:
- Analogous colors – Colors next to each other on the color wheel, such as blue-green, blue, and purple
- Monochromatic colors – Different shades, tones, and tints of one color family
- Complementary colors – Opposite colors on the color wheel that create high contrast, such as blue and orange
- Triadic colors – Color equally spaced around the color wheel forming a triangle, such as blue, yellow, and red
For olive green and navy blue, analogous and monochromatic schemes tend to work best. Complementary colors can be jarring, while triadic combinations may introduce colors that seem out of place.
Colors that Go with Olive Green and Navy Blue
Here are some specific colors that coordinate beautifully with olive green and navy blue:
Blues
Different shades of blue are natural counterparts to navy blue. Lighter sky blues add brightness, while darker shades like indigo and cobalt keep things sophisticated.
Greens
Varying shades of green in the blue-green family complement an olive green palette. Try seafoam, jade, teal, sage, or forest green. Dark emerald green is also a great choice.
Purples and Lavenders
Cool-toned purples and lavenders pair seamlessly with olive green and navy blue. Try pale lilac, mauve, eggplant, or a mid-tone periwinkle. Deep royal purple also pops nicely against navy.
Grays
For a more neutral accent, different shades of gray blend perfectly with the two colors. Charcoal gray adds depth, while soft dove gray lightens things up.
Black and White
Classic black and white act as neutral balances to olive green and navy. Crisp white provides contrast, while black enhances sophistication.
Metallics
Metallic silver, steel, pewter, and platinum inject a modern, sleek sheen. Gold works well for jewelry when kept matte and muted.
Example Color Combinations
Here are some stylish olive green and navy blue color schemes:
Olive Green, Navy, and Sky Blue
The brightness of sky blue livens up the darker olive green and navy. Try in accessories or prints.
Olive Green, Navy, and Lavender
Soft lavender feminizes the palette for spring or summer outfits and decor.
Olive Green, Navy, and Charcoal Gray
Charcoal gray adds sophisticated contrast and depth.
Olive Green, Navy, and Emerald Green
Pairing olive green with rich emerald green creates an earthy, natural vibe.
Olive Green, Navy, White, and Black
The crisp black and white makes the olive and navy pop.
| Color Scheme | Mood Created |
|---|---|
| Olive Green, Navy, Sky Blue | Bright, lively |
| Olive Green, Navy, Lavender | Soft, feminine |
| Olive Green, Navy, Charcoal Gray | Sleek, sophisticated |
| Olive Green, Navy, Emerald Green | Natural, earthy |
| Olive Green, Navy, White, Black | Classic, crisp |
Home Decor Color Schemes with Olive Green and Navy
Olive green and navy blue translate beautifully in home decor. Here are some room inspirations:
Living Room
Paint the walls a soft dove gray and use navy blue accents in pillows, throws, and accessories. Add in olive green with plants, floral arrangements, and art. Crisp white trim and furnishings keep it light.
Bedroom
Sensual and cozy, pair olive green walls with a navy blue duvet cover and lavender accent pillows. White bedding keeps it fresh. Add metallics in lamps, frames, and candleholders.
Dining Room
Ground the space with an olive green dining table and chairs. Use navy blue plates and glassware for meals. Throw in sky blue accents in napkins, centerpiece flowers or art on the walls.
Bathroom
With great water resistance, use navy blue paint on the lower half of the bathroom walls. Paint the upper half olive green. Add white and silver metal finishes.
Kitchen
For a warm, inviting kitchen, use olive green on the lower cabinets and navy blue up top. Pair with neutral countertops and backsplash.
Fashion Color Palettes with Olive Green and Navy
Olive green and navy blue offer endlessly chic fashion possibilities.
Casual Looks
For daytime wear, pair navy jeans with an olive green t-shirt. Finish with sky blue sneakers. Or do olive joggers with a navy hoodie and white jacket.
Business Attire
Look polished at the office with an olive green blazer over a navy dress paired with nude pumps. Or don a navy blazer with an olive pencil skirt and silvery heels.
Cocktail Party
Make an entrance in a shimmering navy dress with olive heels and clutch. Or turn heads in an off-the-shoulder olive jumpsuit with navy accessories.
Black Tie Event
Choose a navy evening gown with an olive green wrap. Or wear a strapless olive green dress with a navy lace overlay. Complete the look with diamonds or pearls.
Boho Chic
Channel boho vibes with a navy kimono-style top over olive green wide-leg pants. Finish with loads of layered jewel-tone necklaces.
Conclusion
Olive green and navy blue offer a versatile color combination that works year-round for apparel, decor, and more. Sticking with cool-toned analogous hues results in sophisticated, cohesive palettes. Vary shades and mix in neutral black, white or grays for easy elegance. With the right accompanying colors, olive green and navy blue can be tailored to any style or mood.
