How to Wear Navy and Black Together: 5 Chic Looks for Work (2024)

Same sought-after color combo, all new pairings.

By Tory Hoen

Brace yourself. Today we tackle a divisive topic: how to wear navy and black together. For some, this combination has long been considered a sartorial faux pas. I grew up under a less rigorous set of rules, but still, I avoided the different ways to wear navy and black for the majority of my young life. That all changed when I moved to Paris and realized that this controversial color combo was not only acceptable, but actually de rigueur for Parisians.

Upon arriving in the French capital, the first thing I noticed was what appeared to be a city-wide ban on color. It seemed like nine out of ten Parisians were clad in head-to-toe black. But upon closer inspection, I realized there was color in the mix—navy!—and it was everywhere. Black sweaters were accented with navy scarves; navy dresses were topped with black leather jackets; dark denim was complemented by oversized black sweaters. Everyone from business people to high-fashion trendsetters were rocking the look. In an effort to assimilate, I adopted navy and black as my go-to colors and never looked back.

You might be thinking, “That’s all well and good if you’re zipping around Paris on a scooter, but what if you’re a professional woman who needs to dress for the office or a particularly important Zoom call?” Fair question. Below, we present five ways to wear navy and black for all your work-life scenarios.

Keep it Subtle

Not ready to dive deep into the black and blue waters? That’s fine! Dip your toe in with a classic, elegant pair of black heels. They’ll elevate (literally and figuratively!) any blue dress or top, adding a bit more power to your look without making too big of a statement (save that for the earrings!). Not so into heels these days? We hear you. Our mold-to-your-feet Rowan flats are a special and practical alternative on days when you’re hitting the pavement or strolling in the park.

Embrace Different Shades of Navy

Black and navy aren’t exactly opposites on the color wheel. I mean, how many times have you held up a shirt or a dress and wondered, “is this black or dark blue?” Pairing a few different shades—like dark navy shorts with a black silk tank and dusty indigo cardigan—guarantees the black and navy shades stand out, while making the whole outfit look sharp and purposeful. You can also achieve the look by pairing darker and lighter shades of blue together. The Constance dress in night appears black when juxtaposed with the lighter navy Lilia jacket.

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Go for a Pop

Here at M.M., we’re firm believers that every color goes with black. That’s why we designed our arpeggio print with shades that do the color pairing for you. A pop of pattern can make any look go from subtle to superwoman. So why not swap out a soft neutral with a boldly patterned blue-and-black top? An unexpected pairing will make you stand out in a crowd of creams and grays.

Put Blue on a Pedestal

The most classically chic way to pair navy and black is to use black as a base, and let the blue stand out up top. What’s great about this look is that not only do black pants elongate your legs, but a blue top frames the face and draws the eyes up. It’s a win-win all over.

Just Go For It

If you’re going to embrace this color combo, we say go all the way. Try pairing the Wren top and Amelia joggers in arpeggio print for a head-to-toe washable silk look that’s both incredibly comfortable and multi-dimensional. Strappy sandals on the bottom echo the pattern without being too matchy-matchy.

Written By

Tory Hoen

Tory Hoen is the author of the novel The Arc. She spent five years as the Creative Director of Brand at M.M.LaFleur (where she founded The M Dash!) and has written for New York Magazine, Vogue Fortune, Bon Appétit, and Condé Nast Traveler.

See more of Tory's articles

As an enthusiast and expert in fashion and style, I have a keen understanding of color coordination, clothing combinations, and the principles of fashion aesthetics. My knowledge extends to the utilization of color palettes, the fusion of different hues, and the subtleties of mixing various clothing pieces for impactful yet elegant ensembles.

The article you've shared revolves around the fashion debate of pairing navy and black, a topic that's historically been considered controversial. Tory Hoen, an experienced figure in the fashion industry, introduces various strategies to merge navy and black in outfits for different occasions.

The concepts highlighted in the article encompass:

  1. Navy and Black Combination: Initially perceived as a fashion faux pas, the article challenges this notion by showcasing how Parisians embrace the combination of navy and black, considering it not only acceptable but also fashionable and de rigueur in the fashion-forward city.

  2. Versatile Pairings: The article introduces different combinations using specific clothing items like the Anna jacket, Archie jeans, Rowan flats, Lagarde shirt, Ella sandals, Cookie cardigan, Lisey cami, Caitlin shorts, Shinique earrings, Lilia jacket, Constance dress, Lyssa earrings, Foster pants, Wren top, Orchard skirt, Sedgwick belt, and Claressa earrings. These items are utilized in various ways to demonstrate the adaptability of navy and black pairings.

  3. Subtle Approaches: It suggests subtle ways to incorporate navy and black for those hesitant to dive into this color combination entirely, such as using classic black heels or mold-to-your-feet Rowan flats to complement blue dresses or tops.

  4. Playing with Shades: Embracing different shades of navy and black, the article emphasizes the contrast between various tones to create sharp and purposeful looks. Pairing dark navy with lighter shades of blue or black creates visually appealing outfits.

  5. Bold Additions: Introducing pops of pattern or bold colors to the ensemble, the article suggests incorporating tops with patterns or vivid colors that complement the black and navy combination, making the wearer stand out.

  6. Color Placement: Suggests styling black as a base to emphasize navy as the standout color, creating a chic contrast that draws attention upward while elongating the legs.

  7. Full Commitment: Encourages fully embracing the navy and black pairing by donning head-to-toe outfits featuring these colors, illustrating a multi-dimensional look while maintaining comfort and style.

Tory Hoen, the author, brings substantial experience from her role as the Creative Director of Brand at M.M.LaFleur and her contributions to various prestigious publications like New York Magazine, Vogue Fortune, Bon Appétit, and Condé Nast Traveler, showcasing her expertise in the realm of fashion and style.

How to Wear Navy and Black Together: 5 Chic Looks for Work (2024)
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