Dark blue and black can be a challenging colour combination to work with, but with some thoughtful planning, you can create stylish and sophisticated looks. When pairing dark blue and black, it’s important to strike the right balance and use colours that complement each other. Avoid matching true black with navy blue as this can look harsh. Instead, opt for charcoal greys, chambrays and other blue-black hues. Here are some ideas for colours that go well with dark blue and black.
Greys
Greys make excellent partners for dark blue and black. Light greys add contrast and visual interest, while charcoal and grey-blues have a sophisticated moodiness. Some flattering shades to try include:
- Light grey
- Silver
- Charcoal grey
- Blue-grey
- Dove grey
Greys are tremendously versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the shade you choose. Charcoal greys are perfect for formal looks, while lighter greys like silver work well for casual everyday wear.
Browns
Rich earthy browns pair beautifully with dark blue and black. Browns add warmth and depth, balancing out the cool tones. Complimentary brown shades to try include:
- Chocolate brown
- Chestnut
- Coffee
- Taupe
- Camel
Darker browns like chocolate and chestnut brown have a similar sophisticated mood as black and darker blues. Lighter browns like camel add nice contrast. Browns work well for smart casual and business casual looks.
Burgundy
The lush depth of burgundy makes an elegant pairing with dark blue and black. It adds striking visual contrast and a touch of richness. Different shades to try include:
- Oxblood
- Merlot
- Bordeaux
- Maroon
Burgundy suits a range of settings from formal business to after-dark elegance. It’s a great way to liven up professional looks with some added drama.
Olives
Earthy olives complement the cool tones of dark blues and black nicely. Inspiring shades include:
- Drab olive
- Forest green
- Khaki
Olives work well for casual looks and can be ideal colours to reach for on weekends and days off. Khaki chinos or an olive field jacket are perfect laid-back pairings.
Purples
From pretty lavenders to deep jewel tones, purples create eye-catching contrast against dark blue and black. Colours to try:
- Lilac
- Lavender
- Eggplant
- Amethyst
- Plum
Light purples add feminine contrast, while richer jewel tones like amethyst and plum have an elegant allure. Purples can suit both dressy and casual looks.
| Colour | Shades | Pairings |
|---|---|---|
| Greys | Light grey, silver, charcoal, blue-grey, dove grey | Formal to casual looks |
| Browns | Chocolate, chestnut, coffee, taupe, camel | Smart casual, business casual |
| Burgundy | Oxblood, merlot, bordeaux, maroon | Formal to after-dark |
| Olives | Drab olive, forest green, khaki | Weekend casual |
| Purples | Lilac, lavender, eggplant, amethyst, plum | Dressy to casual |
Neutrals
In addition to bolder accent colours, don’t overlook neutrals. They make perfect supporting players to anchor darker shades. Classic neutral colours include:
- White
- Ivory
- Cream
- Tan
- Nude
- Blush
Crisp whites, pretty creams and soft nudes all complement deep blues and black beautifully. Use neutrals for base pieces like shirts, blouses and pants.
Metallics
For a touch of shine, metallics add eye-catching flair. Metallic colours like:
- Gold
- Rose gold
- Bronze
- Pewter
- Silver
Pair nicely with dark blue and black. Weave metallics into accessories, jewelry, bags and shoes. Metallics are perfect for parties, dates and special events.
Patterns
Patterns and prints also expand your pairing possibilities with dark blue and black. Classic patterns like polka dots, checks, stripes and florals can all work beautifully. Some patterns worth trying include:
- Polka dots
- Houndstooth
- Plaids
- Paisley
- Stripes
- Floral prints
Keep patterns to smaller accents like pockets, trims, ties, and accessories. Larger patterned pieces can clash with solid darks. Scale down to smaller prints for mixing.
Tonal Pairings
Pairing different shades within the same colour family is an easy way to expand your options. Mixing multiple tones of blues, greys, purples or browns together creates a harmonious tonal look. Some combinations to try include:
- Navy, royal blue and sky blue
- Charcoal, blue-grey and dove grey
- Eggplant, lilac and lavender
- Chocolate, chestnut and camel
Tonal pairings allow each piece to stand out while still complementing the overall look. Don’t be afraid to explore shades within a colour family.
Bright Accents
Pops of brighter colours make fun accents against darker blue and black base pieces. Vibrant shades like:
- Turquoise
- Emerald
- Canary yellow
- Fire engine red
- Tangerine
Make bold statements in small doses on details like pocket squares, neckties, belt bags, or shoes. Brights add modern personality and flair.
Conclusion
With so many flattering options, you can create stylish looks pairing dark blue and black. Neutrals, earth tones, jewel tones and prints all work beautifully. Focus on balance, contrast and textures. Avoid black and navy clashes, and instead opt for more harmonious shades. Thoughtfully mixed and matched pieces in complementary colours will let you leverage dark blue and black for sophisticated style.
