The Most Stylish Colors to Wear With Navy Blue
If your wardrobe is built on a foundation of neutrals like mine is, chances are you have plenty of navy pieces stocked in your closet. After all, beyond black and white, navy blue is one of the most versatile shades you can wear. While it’s a foolproof classic worn on its own, it also complements an array of colors. So what are the colors to go best with navy blue?
Fashion insiders have shown us a range of colors that work. From head-to-toe navy for a monochrome look to a subtle pop of burgundy to unexpected colors like electric green, their stylish looks prove exactly how to pull off an outfit with navy blue. Some of these I’ve tried out before, but others are inspiring me to try some new color pairings. Ahead, see 11 chic ways the fashion set wears navy blue and shop pieces inspired by their looks.
1. Navy
One foolproof way to pull off any color? Wear the same shade from head to toe, making for a strong outfit.
2. Blue
You can also try a tonal look, incorporating different shades of blue in the mix. It keeps things streamlined yet still adds some dimension to the overall outfit.
3. Red
Color theory isn't always correct, especially in the case of blue and red, which aren't complementary colors yet still work. While other shades of blue can look a bit dated with red, a dark shade like navy alludes to a classic color combo.
4. White
You can’t go wrong with navy and white. While navy can be considered neutral and easily be mistaken for black with specific clothing, white acts as a clean palette and helps the darker blue stand out.
6. Beige
If white is too bright for you, tone things down by using beige as the color to stick to a full neutral palette.
7. Yellow
We love the addition of a mustard-like yellow with navy blue if you're more interested in making a bold statement. They both come from primary colors, so it's easy for our eyes to understand and see them together.
8. Burgundy
If you're looking for a color that feels neutral but isn't, that is where burgundy will come into play. It's the perfect color palette for when fall comes around.
9. Green
A favorite color pairing of mine is cobalt blue and green, but navy blue works as well. They complement each other well since they're analogous, or sister colors, on the color wheel.
10. Black
Don't believe when people say navy and blue don't go together—they absolutely can. They both carry a level of sophistication and can end up balancing each other out.
11. Gray
Take notes from menswear and add gray to the list of colors that work with navy blue, whether that's a gray with brown or blue tones.
This post was published at an earlier date and has been updated.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear where she oversees luxury, runway content, and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co., and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
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