Royal blue is a rich, vibrant shade that can make a bold fashion statement. Finding pieces that complement a royal blue top can elevate your whole look. With some strategic pairings, you can create stylish and pulled-together outfits that incorporate this eye-catching color.
Considerations for wearing royal blue
When building an outfit around a royal blue top, keep these tips in mind:
– Royal blue has a jewel tone that pops against neutral colors. Pairing it with blacks, whites, grays, tans, and nudes creates a colorblocked look.
– Alternately, combine it with other brights like red, yellow, or pink for a fun and playful vibe. This creates more contrast.
– Royal blue works for all seasons, but may be especially ideal for fall and winter when you want a color that stands out against darker hues.
– The shade flatters most skin tones, from fair to dark complexions.
– Royal blue pairs well with silver, gold, and nude accessories that complement without competing.
Bottoms
Choosing the right bottom half is key to tying your whole royal blue outfit together. Here are flattering options:
White jeans
A white jean is a perfect neutral bottom for a royal blue top. The crisp white denim prevents the look from becoming too matchy-matchy or costumey. Opt for a straight leg or wide leg silhouette. White jeans offer a clean, casual vibe that works for daytime activities like meeting friends for brunch. Dress them up with heels for a night out.
Black trousers
For the office or evenings out, pair a royal blue top with tailored black trousers. The trouser silhouette looks polished and put-together. Choose a straight, cropped, or wide leg cut. Stick with a pressed material like ponte, twill, or suiting fabric. Add pointy-toed flats or pumps. Finish with a blazer in black, gray, or white.
Tan skirt
A neutral tan or beige skirt makes an easy match for a brighter royal blue blouse. Pencil skirts, A-line midi skirts, and pleated skirts work nicely. Tan offers a softer look than harsh black and adds versatility for both work and weekend. Complete the outfit with strappy sandals or neutral booties.
Distressed denim
For weekends, pair a royal blue peasant blouse, tank, or tee with light wash distressed denim jeans. This creates visual interest by mixing the polished royal blue with the laidback damaged jeans. Cuff the jeans to show off a fun pair of sneakers or boots. Top with a jean or leather jacket.
Leggings
Leggings offer a casual and comfortable bottom option. Pair royal blue with black, gray, or printed leggings. Choose an athletic material for running errands or a ponte knit for a more polished vibe. Add fun sneakers and a denim jacket for a sporty look. Or opt for ankle boots and a blazer for the office.
| Bottom | Silhouette | Perfect For |
|---|---|---|
| White jeans | Straight or wide leg | Daytime activities |
| Black trousers | Straight, cropped, or wide leg | Office or evenings out |
| Tan skirt | Pencil, A-line, or pleated | Work or weekend |
| Distressed denim | Cuffed jeans | Weekend casual |
| Leggings | Athletic or ponte knit | Running errands or work |
Tops
Along with the right bottom half, choose a flattering royal blue top to complete your outfit. Options include:
Royal blue blouse
A sleeveless royal blue blouse looks chic tucked into a skirt or trousers. Opt for silky or satiny fabrics that drape nicely. Add interest with a keyhole back, tie neck, or puffed sleeves. Feminine details like ruffles, pleats, or lace are also pretty.
Royal blue sweater
A royal blue sweater offers warmth and versatility. Choose a knit like cashmere, merino wool, or a cotton blend. Pair with jeans or layer over a collared shirt. Turtlenecks and cowl necks flatter in royal blue. For texture, pick a cable knit, waffle knit, or fisherman style.
Royal blue dress
Don’t forget a royal blue dress as a one-piece outfit option. Maxi dresses in this vibrant hue make a statement for evenings out. Shirtdress silhouettes work nicely for the office. Add a belt to define the waist. Opt for a wrap dress or fit-and-flare for a touch of romance.
Royal blue tee
A simple royal blue tee shirt instantly elevates basic jeans. Choose soft fabrics like modal, slub, or linen for a casual vibe. Crew neck and v-neck styles are figure flattering. Add interest with details like lace trim, knotted fronts, or ruched sleeves.
Royal blue tank
Pair a royal blue tank with a skirt, trousers, or jeans for easy weekend style. Opt for layering tanks in jersey or modal. Add a cropped cardigan or kimono on top. Camis with built-in shelf bras work as comfortable layering options.
| Top | Details | Silhouette |
|---|---|---|
| Royal blue blouse | Keyhole back, ruffles | Flowy, satin fabrics |
| Royal blue sweater | Cable knit, turtleneck | Oversized, slim, or cropped |
| Royal blue dress | Wrap style, belted | Maxi or shirtdress |
| Royal blue tee | Crew or v-neck | Fitted |
| Royal blue tank | Built-in shelf bra | Loose and layerable |
Shoes
Ground your royal blue outfit with shoes in complementary neutral hues or metallic shades. Stylish options include:
Nude heels
Let royal blue shine by pairing it with nude heels. Neutral pumps, wedges, or strappy sandals allow the vibrant blue to take center stage. Nude heels give legs a lengthened look. Opt for suede, leather, or patent finishes.
Metallic shoes
Silver and gold shoes pop against rich royal blue. Try metallic loafers, ballet flats, mules, or lace-up sneakers. The sheen of the metallic plays up the jewel tone in the blue. Just don’t overdo metallics in other parts of the look.
Tan booties
For cooler weather, tan suede or leather booties complete a royal blue ensemble. Choose flat, low, or block heel booties depending on your plans. Western-inspired stitching and accents add a stylish touch.
White sneakers
Nothing beats crisp white sneakers for a casual, sporty vibe. Pair them with a royal blue dress, skirt, or jeans. Opt for leather or canvas styles from brands like Converse, Keds, Nike, or Adidas. Wear high-top or low-top silhouettes.
Black loafers
Make tailored black trousers and a royal blue blouse office-ready with classic black loafers. Try leather, suede, or patent leather. Tassel details dress the look up a bit. Pair with sheer black tights or socks.
| Shoe | Style | Perfect For |
|---|---|---|
| Nude heels | Pumps, wedges, strappy | Office or evenings out |
| Metallic shoes | Flats, sneakers, sandals | Daytime or parties |
| Tan booties | Ankle boots | Weekends |
| White sneakers | Leather or canvas | Daytime casual |
| Black loafers | Leather or suede | The office |
Outerwear
Complete your royal blue outfit with tailored outerwear in classic hues. Smart layering options include:
White blazer
A white blazer instantly polishes any look. Pair one with a royal blue dress or blouse. Choose a double-breasted, peaked, or shawl collar style. Cotton, linen, and seersucker offer lightweight options. For colder months, try boucle, wool, or tweed.
Denim jacket
Nothing feels more easygoing than a denim jacket. Shrug one on over a royal blue tank or tee for weekend errands. Go for a cropped silhouette or classic longline. Opt for light or medium wash denim. Add fun accents like embroidered details or patch designs.
Tan trench
For transitional weather, layer on a tan trench coat over a royal blue skirt or dress. Tan is a year-round neutral that works with everything. Choose single-breasted and double-breasted styles. Belt the waist to define your shape.
Gray peacoat
A tailored gray peacoat offers warmth and sophistication. Pair it with a royal blue sweater and trousers or dress. Opt for wool, melton, or twill fabrics. The gray nicely complements without competing with the bold blue.
Black leather jacket
Toughen up a pretty royal blue dress by topping it with a black leather moto jacket. Black leather instantly pulls together any outfit. Opt for real or faux leather. Try a biker style with zippers or a quilted bomber shape.
| Outerwear | Style | Perfect For |
|---|---|---|
| White blazer | Double-breasted or shawl collar | Daytime polish |
| Denim jacket | Cropped or classic | Weekend errands |
| Tan trench | Belted waist | Transitional weather |
| Gray peacoat | Wool or twill | Cold weather |
| Black leather jacket | Moto or bomber | Edgy contrast |
Accessories
No outfit is complete without the right accessories. Compliment royal blue with:
Gold jewelry
Royal blue pops against the warm, bright tone of gold. Choose gold hoop earrings, layered necklaces, and charm bracelets. Opt for solid 14k-18k gold or on-trend plated styles. Gold watch faces also pair nicely.
Neutral belt
Define the waist of a royal blue dress or blouse with a belt in a neutral shade. Options like black, brown, tan, cream, and nude blend seamlessly. Try leather, suede, or fabric belts. Both skinny and wide silhouettes work.
Patterned scarf
A silk scarf with prints like polka dots, paisley, or floral makes a pretty addition to a solid royal blue top. Drape it around the neck or tie it on your handbag. Look for light, airy fabrics that won’t weigh down the vibrant hue.
Silver clutch
Offset the warm tones of royal blue with the cool brilliance of silver. Carry a metallic silver clutch for evenings out. Rectangular, oval, and boxy shapes complement the color. Stick to silver hardware like clasps, chain straps, and closures.
Nude bag
Keep your look streamlined by carrying a nude handbag with royal blue apparel. Opt for neutral hues like beige, cream, taupe, or light tan. Totes, satchels, shoulder bags, and cross-body purses work well.
| Accessory | Style | Perfect For |
|---|---|---|
| Gold jewelry | Hoops, necklaces, bracelets | Daytime or evenings |
| Neutral belt | Skinny or wide | Defining the waist |
| Patterned scarf | Polka dots, paisley, floral | Pop of print |
| Silver clutch | Rectangular, oval, boxy | Evenings out |
| Nude bag | Totes, satchels, crossbodies | Streamlined look |
Conclusion
Royal blue is a vibrant, eye-catching shade that allows you to make a fashion statement. When building an outfit around a royal blue top, choose complementary bottoms, shoes, outerwear, and accessories in neutral tones like white, black, gray, tan, silver, gold, and nude. Pair royal blue with crisp whites, elegant blacks, or go for high-contrast brights like red or pink. The color flatters most skin tones and works year-round for both casual daytime activities and nights out. With strategic pairings, royal blue can anchor stylish, pulled-together looks that turn heads.
