Pairing pants with a navy blue shirt can seem tricky at first. But with some basic guidelines on color, pattern, and style matching, you can easily create a sharp, put-together look. In this article, we’ll go over the best pant options to wear with a navy shirt for men and women. We’ll look at elements like formality, season, and body type to help you make the right choices. With the huge range of pant styles and fabrics available today, you’ll have plenty of versatile options to choose from.
Quick Overview
Here is a quick overview of the top pant choices for navy shirts:
| Pant Style | Description |
|---|---|
| Khakis | A casual go-to that works year-round. Tan, beige, or white khakis pair well. |
| White jeans | Crisp and fresh for spring and summer outfits. |
| Gray trousers | Sleek and professional for workwear. |
| Black jeans | Sophisticated and sharp day or night. |
| Navy trousers | Coordinates well as a monochromatic look. |
These core options cover everything from professional office attire to laid-back weekend wear. Keep reading for more details on choosing pants to match your navy top for any occasion.
Matching Color and Pattern
A solid, deep navy blue shirt provides a versatile base for combining with different pant colors and patterns. Here are some top guidelines for coordinating the bottom half of your outfit:
- Khaki or tan pants create an easy, go-to neutral pairing for casual to business casual contexts.
- Crisp white jeans have a fresh, nautical vibe for summer outfits.
- Medium to dark gray trousers look sleek and professional for workwear.
- Black jeans or pants make a sophisticated duo for day or evening.
- A navy blue bottomcreates a seamless monochromatic outfit.
- Chinos in lighter shades like stone, light tan, or buff balance the darker shirt.
- Plaids, tweeds, or textured wool pants add interest while keeping a neutral color scheme.
- A small print or micro-patterned bottom works better than a bold, contrasting pattern.
Sticking with neutral, earthy, and monochromatic tones creates a harmonious and flattering look. Bold prints and bright colors can sometimes clash or feel mismatched. Simple and subtle is best for pattern pairing.
Formality and Occasions
The formality of the event or setting should guide your choice of pants style and fabric:
Business Professional
For formal business dress codes, pair your navy shirt with tailored wool trousers, dress slacks, or fitted suit pants in black, gray, or navy. Finish the look with dress shoes and a blazer or suit jacket.
Business Casual
In more casual office settings, comfortable khakis, cotton chinos, or pressed twill pants work well. Loafers, oxfords, or nice brown shoes complete the outfit.
Casual Daytime
For running errands, meeting friends, travel days, etc., consider dark-wash jeans, khaki shorts, cropped pants, or slim chinos. Sneakers or casual leather shoes finish this look.
Casual Night Out
Pair your navy top with black jeans, layered with a sports coat or leather jacket for dinner dates, parties, or cocktails. Chelsea boots or leather loafers add polish.
Weekend Wear
On weekends, let loose with white jeans for a nautical style, relaxed joggers or sweatpants for lounging, and shorts or leggings for active days.
Think about the vibe you want to convey and occasions you’ll be wearing the outfit for when choosing pants. The right pair can take your navy shirt seamlessly from workday to weekend.
Matching Body Type
Your individual body shape and proportions should also guide your pants pairing:
Rectangular Body
For a straight up-and-down figure, choose pants with a tapered or narrow leg to add definition. Avoid bulky cargo styles.
Triangular Body
With wider hips/thighs and narrower shoulders, try straight leg or bootcut pants to balance proportions. Dark pants that slim the lower half also work well.
Inverted Triangle Body
For broader shoulders and a narrower lower half, choose pants with light colors, patterns, pockets and details to add volume to the hips/thighs. Wide leg trousers help create balance.
Hourglass Body
To show off your curves, go for well-fitted pants in pant-leg styles like skinny jeans, trousers, and ankle styles. Avoid excess volume.
Apple Body
With a rounder midsection and slimmer limbs, lightly tapered or straight pants elongate the legs. Darker colors and matte fabrics flatter the waist.
Consider your body’s unique attributes and aim for pants silhouettes that create symmetry, flatter your shape, and enhance your best features.
More Tips for Men
Here are some extra pointers for gentlemen pairing pants with a navy shirt:
- Dark indigo jeans paired with a navy tee or button-down creates a laidback, casual vibe.
- Olive green or army green pants offer a stylish, earthy contrast.
- Cotton chino shorts in navy, tan, gray, or white work for warm weather.
- Flat front trousers in navy or charcoal gray are ideal for the office.
- Add texture with houndstooth, herringbone, or windowpane patterned pants.
Aim for a classic, versatile style by mixing casual and business casual pieces. Finish with leather accessories like belts and loafers.
More Tips for Women
Here are some additional pant pairing tips for women wearing navy shirts:
- Ankle-length skinny jeans or leggings create a slimming silhouette.
- High-waisted trousers in tan, black, or white feel fresh and chic.
- Palazzo or wide leg pants in colorful prints make a statement.
- Cropped capris pants elongate the legs for a flattering look.
- Slouchy joggers or harem pants combine comfort and style.
Have fun with modern details like cropped lengths, patterns, and statement silhouettes. Finish with stylish shoes like ballet flats, strappy sandals, or sleek booties.
Conclusion
Pairing pants with a navy shirt comes down to choosing options with versatile neutrals, complementary colors, appropriate formality, and a flattering silhouette. Key pant choices like khakis, jeans, trousers, chinos, and joggers offer a range of sharp options. Just keep the occasion, seasonal weather, and your body shape in mind. With the right navy and pants pairing, you’ll always look put-together yet effortlessly stylish.
