Trust Me: Wearing These 8 Colors With Navy Blue Makes an Outfit Look so Expensive

I have a confession to make: Lately, I've been reaching for navy blue far more than black. Don't get me wrong—I'll never completely abandon my all-black outfits, but there's something about navy that feels a little more interesting, a little more considered, and, dare I say, even chicer. It has all the versatility and sophistication of black without feeling quite as predictable, and I've come to realize that it's one of the easiest colors to make an outfit look infinitely more expensive.

What I love most about navy blue, though, is how surprisingly well it plays with other colors. While it's easy to treat it as a neutral and stick to the usual suspects, some of the most compelling combinations are actually the ones you wouldn't immediately think to put together. Whether you're drawn to rich, saturated hues or more understated, earthy tones, navy has a way of making just about anything feel polished and intentional. After spending an admittedly excessive amount of time studying the color combinations worn by some of fashion's best dressers, I've narrowed it down to eight colors that work with navy blue that feel especially sophisticated. Consider this your sign to give your black staples a little break this fall and winter.

Navy Blue and Black

Forget the outdated rule about never mixing navy and black. The subtle contrast between the two adds just enough depth to an outfit, making even the simplest pieces feel a little more intentional.

Navy Blue and Gray

There's a reason this combination is a favorite among minimalist dressers. Gray brings out the cooler undertones in navy, and together, they make for an easy, understated pairing that always looks put-together.

Navy Blue and Chocolate

Chocolate brown has a warmth that balances out navy's cooler tones beautifully. I especially love how rich the two colors look together, making this one of my favorite alternatives to an all-neutral outfit.

Navy Blue and Cobalt Blue

I'm a big fan of tonal dressing, and navy with cobalt blue is one of the easiest ways to make it feel a little more interesting. The brighter blue breaks up the deeper navy without looking too mismatched.

Navy Blue and Ecru

While bright white can sometimes feel a little stark against navy, an egg-shell-style ecru gives it a softer, more relaxed look. It's a combination I'd wear on repeat, especially when I want something that feels classic but not overly preppy.

Navy Blue and Red

Navy and red might seem like an obvious pairing, but it's all about how you wear them. I love the idea of keeping the outfit mostly navy and adding a little red through a scarf, bag, or pair of shoes.

Navy Blue and Royal Purple

I wouldn't have thought to put these two colors together a few years ago, but that's exactly why I love the combination now. Their similar undertones make them work surprisingly well together, while the purple adds a little unexpected richness.

Navy Blue and Olive Green

Navy and olive green are two colors I tend to treat as neutrals, so it makes sense that they look so good together. There's something about the slightly utilitarian feel of olive against navy that makes the pairing feel especially cool.