Light blue dress pants can be an elegant and stylish addition to your wardrobe. However, choosing the right top to pair with light blue pants can seem tricky. Factors like color, pattern, style, and fit all come into play when putting together an outfit. Don’t worry – with some key tips in mind, you’ll be able to effortlessly pick tops that complement your light blue pants perfectly. Keep reading for advice on how to style light blue dress pants for both casual daytime wear and dressier evening occasions.
Tops for Casual Daytime Wear
During the day, you’ll likely want a more relaxed, casual look when wearing light blue dress pants. Certain styles and colors work especially well for daytime activities like running errands, going to brunch, spending a day outdoors, and more. Consider these top options when styling your light blue pants for casual daytime wear:
Solid color t-shirts: A solid color t-shirt in white, black, gray, tan, or navy pairs nicely with light blue pants in a casual context. T-shirts with short sleeves or long sleeves both work well. A fitted t-shirt can be tucked into the pants or left out for a bit more comfort and flow.
Patterned blouses: A patterned blouse adds visual interest when paired with light blue pants. Go for blouses with smaller scale prints like polka dots, gingham, or floral. Looser, flowy silhouettes work well, as do cropped blouses that hit right at the pants waistband.
Denim tops: Denim shirts and jackets complement the casual vibe of light blue dress pants. A faded denim button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up gives off a relaxed weekend look. Or layer a cropped denim jacket over a simple camisole or tank.
Sweaters and cardigans: Lightweight knit sweaters and cardigans are a great pick for cooler weather when wearing light blue pants. Choose sweaters in tan, gray, white, or navy hues. Button-up cardigans can add a bit of polish.
Tanks and camisoles: A simple tank or camisole in a neutral tone like white, tan, or black lets the light blue pants be the focal point. Add interest by layering necklaces over the top.
| Top | Specific Styles |
|---|---|
| Solid color t-shirts | Crew neck, v-neck, short sleeve, long sleeve |
| Patterned blouses | Polka dot, gingham, floral, cropped, loose/flowy |
| Denim tops | Button-down shirts, jackets |
| Sweaters and cardigans | Lightweight knits, button-up cardigans |
| Tanks and camisoles | White, tan, black |
When choosing tops for a casual daytime look, stay away from styles that are overly dressy or formal. Fabrics like silk, satin, and lace would be too dressy for running errands or hanging out with friends. Stick to more casual materials like cotton, linen, jersey, and lightweight knits.
Also avoid tops with loud prints, which could clash with the light blue pants. Keep prints small and subtle for a complementary casual look. Oversized or baggy tops can also overwhelm the sleek silhouette of blue dress pants – fitted or slightly loose fits work best.
Tops for Dressier Evening Wear
For more formal evening occasions, certain styles of tops work well for dressing up your light blue pants with elegance and sophistication. Consider these options when choosing a fancier top to pair with light blue dress pants:
Dressy blouses: Look for blouses in luxe fabrics like silk, satin or chiffon when dressing up light blue pants. Styles like wrap blouses, peasant blouses, or blouses with ruffle details add flair. Tuck a silky camisole into pants and layer an unbuttoned blouse over top.
Sequined/beaded tops: For special occasions, a sequined or beaded top adds a glam touch with light blue pants. Silver, gold, black, or nude sequin tops complement the pants nicely. Avoid overpowering sequin patterns.
Lace camisoles or tops: A black lace camisole or top brings chic contrast when paired with light blue pants. Opt for lightweight lace rather than anything too bulky or heavy. Add a blazer on top for more coverage.
Dressy sweaters: A cashmere or fine knit sweater in a dark color like black, emerald, or burgundy radiates elegance with light blue dress pants. Choose slim fitting styles versus oversized sweaters. Add interest with off-the-shoulder necklines.
Sleeveless tops: A basic black sleeveless shell top or halter neck creates a clean silhouette for a dressy evening look. Add statement earrings and an updo hairstyle to complete the outfit.
| Top | Specific Styles |
|---|---|
| Dressy blouses | Silk, satin, chiffon. Wrap styles, peasant, ruffles. |
| Sequined/beaded tops | Silver, gold, black, or nude colors. Avoid overpowering patterns. |
| Lace tops | Lightweight lace camisoles or tops. |
| Dressy sweaters | Cashmere, fine knits in dark colors. Slim fitting. |
| Sleeveless tops | Black sleeveless shells or halter tops. |
When dressing up your light blue pants, stay away from casual fabrics like cotton, jersey, or terrycloth. While these fabrics are great for daytime wear, they don’t have the polished look needed for formal occasions.
It’s also best to avoid loud, distracting patterns or overly bright, showy colors when wearing light blue dress pants in the evening. Subtle textures and muted, darker tones keep the look sophisticated. And take care not to wear a top that’s overly loose or baggy – this can detract from the sleek lines of dress pants. A fitted top or one cinched in at the waist complements the silhouette best.
More Tips for Styling Tops with Light Blue Pants
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when pairing tops with light blue dress pants:
– Stick to just one accent color in your top. For example, light blue pants with a red top, red shoes, and red jewelry is overdoing it. Choose just one coordinating color.
– Balance loose and fitted pieces. If your top is a flowy peasant blouse, keep the pants more tailored. If your top is form-fitting, a wide leg pant balances the volumes.
– Layer jewelry strategically over tops, like long necklaces that complement a V-neck.
– Add definition at the waist. Tuck tops in or use a belt to accentuate your waistline.
– Play with proportions. Try tucking an oversized button-down into pants, then knot the shirttails. Or pair cropped tops with a high waisted silhouette.
– Get creative with sleeves. Try bell sleeves, cold shoulder cutouts, off the shoulder, or cap sleeves for interest.
– Use lightweight open tops like kimonos or dusters for transitional weather.
Example Outfits with Light Blue Pants
Here are a few complete outfit idea examples to inspire you when pairing tops with your light blue dress pants:
Casual Brunch Outfit:
White v-neck t-shirt, light blue pants, denim jacket, brown wedge espadrilles, woven tote bag
Daytime Shopping Look:
Navy and white striped button-down shirt, light blue pants, white sneakers, circle crossbody bag
Cocktail Party Ensemble:
Black lace camisole, light blue pants, blush satin blazer, black stilettos, gold jewelry
Outdoor Wedding Outfit:
Mint green chiffon blouse, light blue pants, metallic wedges, gold cuff bracelet
Evening Dinner Date Look:
Red off-the-shoulder top, light blue pants, black heels, red clutch, red statement earrings
Conclusion
Light blue dress pants offer many styling possibilities for fashionable daytime or evening looks. When choosing a top, consider the occasion, color combinations, proportions, and fabrics. Solid color t-shirts, patterned blouses, denim, and lightweight knits work nicely for casual daytime activities. For formal events, opt for dressier blouses, sequined tops, lace, fine knit sweaters or sleeveless tanks.
Keep silhouettes balanced, layer accessories intentionally, play with proportions, and stick to one accent color. With so many options for coordinating tops, light blue pants can be dressed up or down seamlessly. Use these tips to style your light blue pants with fashionable confidence. The perfect top is out there – have fun mixing and matching pieces to create stylish outfits that showcase your light blue pants.
