5 min read
Navy is the most forgiving colour in a wardrobe. It reads almost as dark as black, it suits nearly every skin tone, and it shows a crease less than either black or grey.
The trick is to decide whether you want the navy to lead or to recede, then pick its partner on that basis.
With warm neutrals
Camel, tan and a warm brown are the classic partners. The warm tone softens the coolness of navy, so the contrast reads rich rather than hard. A navy jacket over a camel knit, or navy trousers with a tan shoe and belt, is hard to get wrong.
Cream and oatmeal do the same work in a lighter key. Navy with cream is sharper than navy with white, because cream carries a little warmth and sits better next to the face in most light.
With cool neutrals
Grey is the natural companion. Navy with a mid grey is quiet and modern. Navy with charcoal reads more formal, and navy with a pale grey is softer and more casual.
White is the highest contrast partner. Navy and white is crisp and graphic, which is why it works so well in stripes. Use it when you want the outline of the outfit to be clear.
With colour
Burgundy, rust, olive and forest green all sit beside navy without fighting it, because they share its depth. A navy suit with a burgundy knit reads considered and slightly autumnal.
One accent is usually enough. Two strong colours next to navy start to compete with the navy rather than support it.
The takeaway · Navy goes with warm neutrals like camel and cream, with grey and white, and with deep colours such as burgundy and forest green.