Navy is a versatile and popular colour that can be paired with a variety of other colours to create stylish and eye-catching outfits. When selecting colours to wear with navy, it is important to consider which shades will complement the deep blue tone. Some colours that stand out beautifully with navy include red, yellow, white, pink, orange, and green.
Reasons to Pair Colours with Navy
There are several benefits to pairing navy with colours that stand out:
– Provides contrast – Navy is a dark, rich shade that can be made more striking when combined with a lighter, brighter colour. The colour contrast helps each hue stand out more.
– Creates visual interest – Pairing navy with a colour that pops adds excitement and visual appeal to an outfit. It draws the eye and creates a focal point.
– Allows versatility – Navy is extremely versatile. Pairing it with standout colours like red, yellow or pink allows you to create diverse looks that transition from day to night.
– Flatters most skin tones – With its dark blue tone, navy complements most skin tones, so the standout colours you pair with it will also be flattering.
– Classic, yet modern – Navy itself has a classic appeal, but coupling it with bright, saturated hues gives off a modern vibe.
Best Colours to Pair with Navy
Here are some of the top colours that stand out beautifully when paired with navy:
Red
Red is a primary colour that vividly contrasts against the dark navy background. The combination of navy and red is nautical and timeless. It looks especially striking in color-blocked outfits. Both vibrant true reds and deeper burgundies complement navy wonderfully.
Yellow
The sunny brightness of yellow instantly pops against navy. Yellow energizes an outfit and creates summery vibes. All shades of yellow from pastel yellow to neon bright yellow make navy pop. Use yellow accessories or prints to make the yellow stand out.
White
Crisp, clean white is a perfect contrast to rich navy. White helps balance and lighten up the look of navy. White tops, pants or jackets will sharply stand out and create a fresh, eye-catching look with navy pieces.
Pink
Pretty pinks lend a playful, feminine vibe when mixed with sophisticated navy. From soft blush pink to vivid fuschia, any shade of pink makes navy more lively and youthful. Try a pink mini skirt or handbag to punctuate a navy outfit.
Orange
Vibrant orange immediately catches the eye next to dark navy. It creates summery, resort-style appeal. Bold orange pieces like shorts, florals or accessories pop against navy backgrounds. Orange brings creativity and funkiness to balanced navy outfits.
Green
Earthy greens pair elegantly with navy’s ocean blue tones. From lime to olive to emerald, greens complement and enrich navy’s palette. Green with navy evokes nature and looks especially pretty in floral prints. Use green shoes or jewelry as fun accent pieces.
Tips for Wearing Navy and Standout Colours
Here are some useful tips for wearing navy with colours that stand out well:
– Stick to one standout colour at a time rather than mixing several bright hues with navy. This helps keep the look sophisticated.
– Add standout colours in smaller pieces like shirts, shoes, handbags or scarves so they pop against the navy background.
– Place navy next to the brighter colour for maximum contrast, like pairing a red top with navy pants.
– Anchor the outfit with navy as the core neutral shade and use brights sparingly as accents.
– Consider wearing navy with black and white for high contrast variety.
– Choose muted or dusty versions of standout colours for a more subdued look.
– Be aware of colour undertones so all pieces complement each other.
Outfit Ideas with Navy and Standout Colours
Here are some chic outfit ideas that pair navy with top standout colours:
| Outfit | What Makes it Stand Out |
|---|---|
| Navy button-down shirt with bright white jeans | Clean white denim pops against navy top |
| Navy A-line dress with red belt and matching red heels | Vibrant red accessories punctuate navy dress |
| Navy blazer with pastel yellow camisole and white skirt underneath | Soft yellow camisole colour accents balanced navy blazer |
| Navy crew neck sweater with fuchsia skinny jeans | Bold fuchsia jeans liven up navy sweater |
| Navy maxi dress with emerald green jewelry | Deep green pendants add interest to solid navy dress |
| Navy peacoat with burnt orange scarf | Bright orange scarf creates warmth against navy coat |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Standout Colours
When selecting eye-catching colours to pair with navy, keep these factors in mind:
– Occasion – Bright oranges may suit casual weekends, while reds work for dates; pastels are great for work.
– Existing wardrobe – Pick a colour you already have to make coordinating easy.
– Skin tone – Flattering colours harmonize with skin undertones. Cool tones suit blue-based hues.
– Personal preference – There are no wrong options. Choose shades you are drawn to.
– Current trends – Coral, yellow and emerald greens are hot right now.
– Combining patterns – Limit patterns with bright colours to avoid clashing.
– Age appropriateness – Some fluorescent tones suit younger ladies. Jewel tones work at any age.
– Accessorizing – Pops of colour in bags, shoes and jewelry are easy to switch up.
– Mixing neutrals – Add black, white, gray or beige with navy and brights.
Care Tips to Keep Navy and Coloured Garments Vibrant
To maintain the rich hue of navy and keep paired colours looking their best:
– Wash in cold water using a colour-protecting detergent. Avoid hot water.
– Don’t use chlorine bleach because it can interact with dyes. Opt for non-chlorine bleach when needed.
– Turn items inside out before washing to prevent fading and protect the outer dyed fabric.
– Hang or lay flat to dry instead of machine drying. Heat can fade clothes over time.
– Steam or iron on the reverse side if needed to avoid direct heat on the coloured fabric.
– Store items out of direct sunlight, which causes fading.
– Spot clean stains promptly with a mild detergent rather than vigorously rubbing.
– Bring navy and bright pieces to the dry cleaner for a professional touch when needed.
– Hand wash delicates and silks in cool water to preserve the vibrant colouring.
Conclusion
Pairing navy with standout colours like red, yellow, white, pink, orange and green creates stylish, complementary looks. The contrast between the dark navy background and lighter bright shades pops and flatters most complexions. Following some simple guidelines for colour coordination, accessorizing and fabric care will keep navy and partnering colour duos looking rich and vibrant for many wears. Thoughtfully assembling navy outfits with fun pops of standout colours results in go-to classics you can wear for years to come.
