A lighter navy blue is a darker shade of blue that has been lightened to create a softer, more subdued tone. Navy blue itself is a very dark shade of blue that can appear almost black in some lighting conditions. By adding a bit of white or gray, the navy is brightened into a slightly lighter, more relaxed version of the original bold navy blue color.
What is navy blue?
Navy blue is a very dark shade of blue that got its name because it was used as one of the primary colors for British Royal Navy uniforms. The early use of navy blue for British naval uniforms dates back to 1748. Navy blue is not as dark as midnight blue, but it is significantly darker than regular blue. It sits between a bright royal blue and a deep midnight blue on the color spectrum.
Navy blue is created by mixing a large proportion of blue with black or gray to darken the shade. The exact mixing ratios can vary, but approximately 75-85% blue pigment is used to make a true navy blue. This deep blue shade creates a bold, authoritative look.
What are the uses of navy blue?
Because of its strong visual impact, navy blue is widely used in uniforms, corporate logos, and for other professional applications where a sense of trust and expertise is desired. Some of the most common uses of true navy blue include:
- Military and police uniforms
- Corporate logos and branding
- Business suits and professional attire
- Formal school uniforms
- Government seals and insignia
Navy blue commands respect and implies competence. It is versatile enough to work well in combinations, but makes a strong statement on its own. The color provides an air of distinction.
How is lighter navy blue created?
To create a lighter version of navy blue, white, gray, or another light neutral color needs to be mixed in. Adding a small amount of a light shade lightens the navy without overly dulling it or changing the tone significantly. Some examples of how to lighten navy blue include:
- Mixing in 10-20% white or gray
- Adding a touch of light blue
- Combining with a neutral taupe
- Layering over a light background
The exact ratio depends on just how light you want the navy to become. Start with small amounts of the lightening color and gradually increase until the desired lighter navy shade is achieved. Too much white will make the navy appear washed out.
What are some shades of lighter navy blue?
There are many lovely shades of lighter navy blue spanning the spectrum from a barely lightened navy through to a pale, ethereal blue. Here are some of the most popular lighter navy blue shades and color names:
| Shade Name | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Dark Blue | #00008B |
| Resolution Blue | #002387 |
| Egyptian Blue | #1034A6 |
| YInMn Blue | #2E5090 |
| Tufts Blue | #417DC1 |
| Air Force Blue | #5D8AA8 |
| Cadet Blue | #5F9EA0 |
| Light Steel Blue | #B0C4DE |
| Powder Blue | #B0E0E6 |
The lighter the navy blue gets, the closer it shifts towards a blue-gray or pale turquoise tone. But a touch of light keeps the navy character while gently softening the effect.
How does lighter navy blue compare to traditional navy?
Compared to the traditional dark navy blue, lighter navy shades have a more relaxed, informal appearance. Here is how they compare:
| Traditional Navy Blue | Lighter Navy Blue |
|---|---|
| Very dark, intense blue | Medium-dark blue, softened with light |
| Appears almost black in some light | Clearly retains blue tones |
| Sophisticated and formal | More casual and approachable |
| Authoritative, conservative tone | Friendlier, more relaxed look |
| High contrast | Lower contrast |
The lighter version maintains the stylish appeal of navy blue while opening up more possibilities for everyday wearability. It offers more versatility in less formal settings.
What colors go well with lighter shades of navy blue?
Lighter navy blue combines beautifully with many other colors from neutrals to bold brights. Some pairings to consider include:
- Cream or off-white
- Soft gray
- Light pink
- Mint or seafoam green
- Coral
- Pale yellow
- Lavender
- Tan or beige
- Robin’s egg blue
- Periwinkle
Light to mid-tone neutrals help reinforce the softer side of light navy. Clear blues and greens play up the blue tones, while pinks, corals and yellows create cheerful contrast. The light navy works as a neutral or color accent.
Where can you incorporate lighter shades of navy blue?
From fashion to home decor, lighter navy blue can be incorporated in many areas of your wardrobe and living spaces. Some ideas include:
- Walls, furniture or accent pieces in a living room, bedroom or office
- Table linens, pillows, throws or area rugs
- Casual separates like shirts, blouses, sweaters or jackets
- Accessories such as scarves, bags, shoes or jewelry
- Bedding, curtains, towels or other textiles
- Signage, packaging or visual displays
In clothing, the lighter navy allows for more versatility than traditional navy for everyday wear. In the home, it creates a relaxing effect. Lighter navy works for manycontexts where you want a touch of color without going overboard.
How do you decorate with lighter shades of navy blue?
When using lighter navy blue in home decor, balance it out with plenty of light to medium neutrals and accent colors. Here are some decorating tips:
- Paint one wall in a lighter navy and keep other walls neutral white or beige
- Choose lighter navy for large pieces like a sofa or sectional, then add ivory, gray and wood tones
- Mix different textures like linen, velvet, knits and wool in coordinating light neutrals
- Add navy and white stripes or patterns for contrast
- Layer in pinks, mint greens or corals for pops of color
- Anchor the scheme with wood flooring and off-white trim
- Display white ceramics and glassware to prevent heaviness
Avoid going too dark or monochromatic. Balance the navy with plenty of bright white, ivory, sand or light gray. Textures and patterns add visual interest while pastels or earth tones provide a lift.
What are some famous lighter navy blue logos?
Many top brands have incorporated shades of lighter navy blue into their logos and color schemes. Recognizable lighter navy logos include:
- Visa
- Orbitz
- The North Face
- Gap
- Old Navy
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Michigan
- New York Yankees
- Washington Nationals
- Los Angeles Clippers
The lighter navy creates a friendly, approachable look for these brands. It appears modern and relatable while maintaining an edge of authority over straight gray or black logos.
How do you make a lighter navy blue outfit?
For a lighter navy outfit, pair your lighter navy pieces with light neutrals and pops of color. Some examples include:
- A navy blazer with a white shirt, jeans and tan loafers
- A navy sweater dress with pink heels and a pink handbag
- Navy trousers with a striped button-down and white sneakers
- A chambray shirt dress with white embroidery and nude wedges
- A sailor striped top with navy trousers and red earrings
Aim for balance between the navy and lighter pieces. Ties, handbags, shoes or jewelry in coordinating colors can pull the look together.
Conclusion
A lighter navy blue is an extremely versatile shade that opens up many possibilities beyond traditional navy. Softening the navy results in a lighter, more relaxed effect while maintaining the stylish sophistication of the original deep navy tone. Lighter navy works well in both casual everyday outfits and professional settings. With an array of complementary colors to work with, it is easy to incorporate lighter shades of navy blue into fashion, home decor and branding.