11 Styling Tricks for Wearing Black and Navy Together
We're not sure why there's still a handful of archaic fashion "rules" floating around, but we're here to dispell the biggest misconceptions of them all. No white after Labor Day? False. Never mix brown and black? Forget about it. Among those infamous style myths is another: mixing black and navy together in a single outfit. It's one of those "rules" that stand to be disproved, because whoever said the combination of darker neutrals was across the board a style error was clearly just not executing it right.
As we head into the cold, darker winter months, it's inevitable that the vibrancy of our clothing will dim along with the weather, meaning that wearing darker colors like, ahem black and navy, just seems to better characterize our mood around this time. So, you might find yourself gravitating toward a combination of black and navy more frequently, and this is your official green light on wearing the combination—but not before you read up on our expert styling tips, of course.
Don't believe us that this color combo can be done stylishly? Keep reading to see for yourself by getting inspired by the following 11 black-and-navy outfits that prove a darker color palette can still be so chic.
We love a good navy pinstripe but especially when the business-casual separate is given the streetwear treatment (sneakers and oversize sunglasses).
A navy sweater is somehow one of those wardrobe staples we all seem to have. With a black pencil skirt, it makes for the kind of refined and polished attitude we look for in our work wardrobe.
This color combo is a good way to elevate otherwise casual pieces, like a pair of track pants.
Dark neutrals are the best way to dip your toes in a trend you're still unsure about. A simple navy tee does the trick with a cool lace-up skirt.
Blue velvet is our favorite kind of velvet. Mix in different textures to play up the luxe fabric.
Navy trousers keep a black blazer from looking like it was meant for a corporate boardroom.
We love how this look utilizes the black turtleneck to its fullest potential. Bright colors keep the black and navy from looking anything but dull.
A pair of black leather boots is just what the doctor ordered to bring this summery floral dress into fall.
A bold graphic sweater gets balanced out with cool black trousers.
Navy and white make for an instantly polished combo. Add in a black belt, and these neutrals look their best.
Toughen up a flirty skirt with a cropped moto jacket.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.
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