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

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(Image credit: Getty Images/Christian Vierig)

One foolproof way to pull off any color? Wear the same shade from head to toe, making for a strong outfit.

2. Blue

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

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

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(Image credit: Getty Images/Claudio Lavenia)

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

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

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

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(Image credit: Getty Images/Christian Vierig)

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

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

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

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(Image credit: Getty Images/Christian Vierig)

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

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

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

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(Image credit: Getty Images/Christian Vierig)

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

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant 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.