It’s one of the most universally flattering colors around and can look less harsh than black. But what is the best way to wear navy blue? What colors go with navy? How can you put together stylish navy outfits?

Below are some ideas for you on how to wear navy, including color palettes for you to choose from.

Reasons navy blue is such a fabulous color to wear

Here are just some of the things we love about navy:

Navy is a universal color

Unlike black, which can be harsh, it flatters the vast majority of skin tones.

It looks stylish year-round

While it’s not always in stores in great quantities all year, it looks fabulous at any time of year, whether you opt for a navy party dress at Christmas, or you wear a striped navy tee during summer.

Cropped tee, wide leg pants and sneakers | 40plusstyle.com

Similar cropped top (here and here), pants, sneakers, bag, earrings and sunglasses

It can be formal or casual

You could wear navy as a mother-of-the-bride in lovely lace, or you could choose a chunky navy sweater. It’s one of the most versatile colors out there!

Navy goes with every other color in your closet

If you are having one of those I-have-nothing-to-wear moments, adding more neutrals to your closet can help you get the most out of the clothes you already have.

Because it’s a classic shade, you can afford to think about navy clothes and accessories as an investment that you will keep for years.

Designers showcasing navy blue color palettes

Every season, designers always opt for at least some navy blue outfits, and this winter and fall are no exception. You’ll see that many designers this season decided to go top-to-toe navy.

What to wear with navy blue - designer pieces | 40plusstyle.com

CourrègesLoeweCarolina Herrera

Exactly what is navy blue?

Before moving onto some of the best navy clothes and accessories and navy outfits, let’s consider exactly what we mean by navy blue.

Navy blue was first used as a term for the specific shade of dark blue worn by the British Royal Navy.

Now, it is still used to refer to a blue color which is almost black, but you will find there are variations in shade. Some are so close to black that you would think they actually were black from a distance, while others have more blue in them.

Navy Outfits For Women: The Best Navy Pieces In Stores Now

Next time you think about adding more black to your closet, how about some navy instead?

If you don’t have any – or enough – navy in your closet, below are some of my favorite navy clothes and accessories in stores now.

Navy top

A tunic top is one of the handiest items of clothing to have in your closet as you can wear it with your leggings and skinny jeans.

how to wear navy - navy top | 40plusstyle.com

LARACE V-Neck Tunic Top

How to wear navy blue - Claudia wears navy and khaki | 40plusstyle.com

Claudia @glamupyourlifestyle above (read her style interview here) tucks her navy top into khaki pants. She adds a pop of color with her lipstick.

Recreate her outfit with this similar polo shirt, jeans, sneakers, bag and necklace.

navy shirt

A navy shirt is great to wear over your leggings or skinny jeans, or to tuck into your wide pants and pencil skirts.

Lyssé Schiffer Shirt | 40plusstyle.com

Lyssé Schiffer Shirt

navy t-shirt

The twist front on the Zella T-shirt (below) adds a point of difference to an otherwise simple style. Wear with your leggings for exercise, or your shorts or jeans for casual days.

Zella Twist Front T-Shirt | 40plusstyle.com

Zella Twist Front T-Shirt

Navy blue dress

Rather than a little black dress, you could opt for a little navy dress. The COS shirt dress (below) is a versatile choice to dress up or down, and has sleeves long enough to cover your upper arms.

COS Belted Linen Shirt Dress | 40plusstyle.com

COS Belted Linen Shirt Dress

How to wear navy - Sharryn in a tiered navy dress | 40plusstyle.com

Sharryn @thestylishwoman (read her style interview here) wears her tiered navy dres with black shoes and accessories.

Get her look with this similar maxi dress (another option here), sandals, clutch, earrings and headband.

navy blazer

Everyone should have a blazer in their closet, and this navy blue style is an absolute classic.

J.Crew Willa Italian City Wool Blend Blazer | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Willa Italian City Wool Blend Blazer

Navy coat

A trench coat is one of those wardrobe essentials that will always be a good investment. Rather than classic beige, you could opt for navy.

Wantdo waterproof double-breasted trench coat | 40plusstyle.com

Wantdo Waterproof Double Breasted Trench Coat

How to wear navy blue - Kylie wears a blue trench coat | 40plusstyle.com

Kylie @kylish_aus above opts for a classic outfit that will look stylish year after year.

Get her look with this similar top, trench coat, jeans, sneakers, crossbody bag, earrings and sunglasses.

Cardigan

A long cardigan is great for adding not just warmth but also long, lean, flattering lines.

ANRABESS Open Front Knit Cardigan | 40plusstyle.com

ANRABESS Open Front Knit Cardigan

Navy pants

Rather than opting for black pants next time you choose a pair, how about navy blue? They’re just as versatile.

Massimo Dutti Straight Satin Trousers | 40plusstyle.com

Massimo Dutti Straight Satin Trousers

Mixing navy with a pop of color and pattern | 40plusstyle.com

Similar printed top (plain option), pants, jacket, sneakers and sunglasses

Navy skirt

You could team the navy blue skirt (below) with a t-shirt and sneakers or wear for a more formal dinner or event with a silk shirt and heeled sandals.

Massimo Dutti Waffle-Knit Wrap Midi Skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Massimo Dutti Waffle-Knit Wrap Midi Skirt

navy swimsuit

While a black swimsuit is a true classic, you could also choose navy blue. You’ll also find more swimsuit inspiration in this article on the best bathing suits for women over 40.

J.Crew High Support One-Piece | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew High Support One-Piece

Navy shoes

A pair of navy sandals would look beautiful for summer, or for a night out. Or how about a pair of ankle booties as summer turns to fall. You can also think about navy loafers and classic pumps.

navy shoes | 40plusstyle.com

Lucky Brand Saimy Block Heel SandalNaturalizer Vera Ankle Strap SandalFranco Sarto Racer Pointed Toe PumpFranco Sarto Carolynn Tassel Loafer

Navy handbag

A navy bag should go with all the things in your wardrobe that a black bag could be worn with.

Tory Burch Ella Nylon Tote | 40plusstyle.com

Tory Burch Ella Nylon Tote

Other navy blue accessories

As well as a classic navy handbag, you could think about adding other beautiful navy accessories to your closet.

navy accessories | 40plusstyle.com

Longchamp Mini Le Pliage Cuir Leather Top Handle BagNina Ophelia Frame ClutchBocar Multi Layer Seed Beaded NecklaceZENZII Beaded Hoop EarringsNine West Teardrop Earringsrag & bone Floppy Brim Felted Wool FedoraTory Burch 53mm Rectangular SunglassesTanpie Leather Waist Belt

How to wear navy: Color palettes and styles for you to choose from | 40plusstyle.com

Fly London sandals, similar jumpsuit (another option here), hat and sunglasses

Colors that go with navy

So now that I’ve extolled the virtues of navy, what should you wear with your navy?

What are the colors that go with navy? What matches with navy blue.

Scroll down for some of my favorite navy color combinations.

How to choose the best navy outfits

With all the versatility offered by navy blue comes choice.

So, just how do you go about narrowing down what you will wear with your navy?

You could take a look at color palettes such as those below and then create an outfit based on your favorite. Or, just choose one of the colors you like to wear – it’s hard to get it wrong when matching colors with navy.

How to wear navy blue with other blues | 40plusstyle.com
how to wear navy blue with neutrals | 40plusstyle.com
how to wear navy blue with orange | 40plusstyle.com

navy with green

Wearing navy with green is a particularly modern way to wear your dark blue right now, given that this shade of green is so on trend. Choose a shade of emerald or lime green that will contrast well with your navy.

If you already have a navy dress, you could update your outfit with green accessories. Or you could add a green jacket or sweater to navy pants.

Navy blue and green looks | 40plusstyle.com

Outfit 1: COS Asymmetric Gathered Midi DressNaturalizer Vera Ankle Strap SandalNina Ophelia Frame ClutchNine West Teardrop Earrings

Outfit 2: Zella Twist Front T-ShirtCOS Wide Leg PantsFranco Sarto Carolynn Tassel LoaferTory Burch Ella Nylon ToteZENZII Beaded Hoop Earrings

Outfit 3: COS Oversized ShirtMassimo Dutti Straight Satin TrousersLucky Brand Saimy Block Heel SandalLongchamp Mini Le Pliage Cuir Leather Top Handle BagBocar Multi Layer Seed Beaded Necklace

How to wear navy blue - navy and green outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Boma @mrs.gaf above shows how well navy blue goes with lime green.

Steal her look with this similar blazer, jeans, pumps, handbag and earrings.

How to wear navy blue: with cream or beige

Another timeless way to wear navy is to pair the color with neutrals like cream or beige. These colors can also provide a great base if you want to add a pop of another color.

Navy and neutrals can be a great combination whether you are looking for a casual look or something more formal.

You could, for example, wear a beige pencil skirt and navy blouse for work, or you could look at beige or navy chinos for a casual weekend vibe. Or, you can add a beige blazer to your navy pants.

Navy and beige outfit ideas | 40plusstyle.com

Outfit 1: Caslon Knot Detail Cotton Blend TankCOS Pleated Tailored CulottesDREAM PAIRS Espadrille Wedge SandalTory Burch Ella Nylon ToteZENZII Beaded Hoop Earrings

Outfit 2: Zella Twist Front T-ShirtCOS Linen ShortsTory Burch Miller Leather SandalLongchamp Mini Le Pliage Cuir Leather Top Handle BagZENZII Beaded Hoop Earrings

Outfit 3: Urban Coco Open Front Office BlazerCaslon Knot Detail Cotton Blend TankMANGO High Waist Culotte Wide Leg JeansFranco Sarto Racer Pointed Toe PumpTory Burch Ella Nylon ToteNine West Teardrop Earrings

navy and black

The old adage that you shouldn’t wear navy with black is just one of those outdated rules like not wearing white shoes after Labor Day!

It can actually be a very chic combination.

It’s often a very Parisian combination to wear! To stop the two colors from looking as if they are bleeding together, use different textures, or use black as an accessory to your navy.

Navy and black outfit ideas | 40plusstyle.com

Outfit1: COS Asymmetric T-Shirt DressNaturalizer Vera Ankle Strap SandalNina Ophelia Frame ClutchBocar Multi Layer Seed Beaded Necklace

Outfit 2: Lyssé Schiffer ShirtMANGO High Waist Culotte Wide Leg JeansFranco Sarto Racer Pointed Toe PumpNina Ophelia Frame ClutchNine West Teardrop Earrings

Outfit 3: Eliza J Lace Bodice JumpsuitSteve Madden Loreli Ankle Strap SandalOlga Berg Cece Straw Woven Box ClutchKate Spade New York Pearl Raffia Hoop Drop Earrings

How to wear navy blue - Deborah wears a navy and blue outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Deborah @deborahgates_ above shows how you could update a black outfit with blue outerwear.

Get her look with this similar top, pants, topper, sandals, earrings and necklace.

navy and silver

If you want to add a touch of glamour to your navy, then silver will go beautifully. You could add silver shoes and accessories to your navy dress, wear a navy crop jacket over a silver dress, or add a sequin top to your navy blazer.

Navy and silver outfit ideas | 40plusstyle.com

Outfit 1: GRACE KARIN 3/4 Sleeve Cropped CardiganMassimo Dutti Satin Camisole DressNaturalizer Vera Ankle Strap SandalNina Ophelia Frame ClutchNine West Teardrop Earrings

Outfit 2: COS Belted Linen Shirt DressMassimo Dutti Vinyl Flat Slider SandalsMassimo Dutti Leather BagKarine Sultan Alice Statement Necklace

Outfit 3: J.Crew Willa Italian City Wool Blend BlazerL’AGENCE Vida Metallic TankMassimo Dutti Straight Satin TrousersNaturalizer Vera Ankle Strap SandalMassimo Dutti Leather BagKarine Sultan Medallion Drop Earrings

Navy blue and white

Crisp and clean, navy and white is an incredibly chic combination.

It was, for example, chosen by many of the guests at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s 2018 wedding.

There are plenty of beautiful navy and white options on the high street. This combination can also go beautifully with other neutrals such as tan and taupe.

Navy and white outfit ideas | 40plusstyle.com

Outfit 1: Elan Long Sleeve ShirtdressJ.Crew High Support One-PieceTory Burch Miller Leather SandalTory Burch Ella Nylon ToteKLFrogPond Tassel Drop Earrings

Outfit 2: COS The Clean Cut T-ShirtMassimo Dutti Waffle-Knit Wrap Midi SkirtSam Edelman Ethyl Low Top SneakerLongchamp Mini Le Pliage Cuir Leather Top Handle BagBocar Multi Layer Seed Beaded Necklace

Outfit 3: Cara Cara Asbury Tie Waist ShirtMANGO High Waist Culotte Wide Leg JeansLucky Brand Saimy Block Heel SandalNina Ophelia Frame ClutchNine West Teardrop Earrings

How to wear navy blue - Emms wears navy pants and striped top | 40plusstyle.com

Emms @beautifuleveryday_uk above chooses a navy outfit and metallic shoes.

Check out this similar top, pants (another option here), sandals, bag and hoop earrings.

Navy blue and orange

Of course, navy doesn’t have to be worn just with neutrals like black, white and taupe. It can go beautifully with so many colors. For major impact, try wearing with orange, red or yellow.

This can be an unexpected color combination but yet a classic one.

Navy blue and orange outfit ideas | 40plusstyle.com

Outfit 1: COS T-ShirtMassimo Dutti Straight Satin TrousersFranco Sarto Carolynn Tassel LoaferTory Burch Ella Nylon ToteBocar Multi Layer Seed Beaded Necklace

Outfit 2: Lyssé Schiffer ShirtCOS Pleated Midi SkirtNaturalizer Vera Ankle Strap SandalNina Ophelia Frame ClutchNine West Teardrop Earrings

Outfit 3: COS Belted Puff Sleeve DressTory Burch Miller Leather SandalTory Burch Ella Nylon ToteZENZII Beaded Hoop Earrings

Navy with blue

Wearing navy blue with pale blue tends to be something you associate with men’s fashion.

There’s a classic combination of navy chinos and a pale blue shirt that never dates.

But, navy and pastel blue aren’t just for men to wear to work! It’s a combination that looks equally classy for women too!

Navy and light blue outfit ideas | 40plusstyle.com

Outfit 1: COS Belted Linen Shirt DressLucky Brand Saimy Block Heel SandalLongchamp Mini Le Pliage Cuir Leather Top Handle BagBocar Multi Layer Seed Beaded Necklace

Outfit 2: COS Oversized ShirtZella Strength Run Hike High Waist 7/8 LeggingsFranco Sarto Carolynn Tassel LoaferTory Burch Ella Nylon ToteKLFrogPond Tassel Drop Earrings

Outfit 3: Lyssé Schiffer ShirtWit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution High Waist Flare Jeans Lucky Brand Saimy Block Heel SandalLongchamp Mini Le Pliage Cuir Leather Top Handle BagFANCY SHINY Raffia Earrings

How to wear navy blue - Eileen wears a navy suit | 40plusstyle.com

Eileen @eileenternullo above wears a pale blue top and scarf with her navy suit.

Steal her look with this similar blazer, trousers, shoes, scarf, bag, earrings and sunglasses.

Your navy looks together in one capsule

Below, you can see some of the looks from above together in one capsule. You could definitely mix the clothes, shoes and accessories up to create different looks.

Navy capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

shop THE items above here:

Read our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works best for you.

More navy capsule inspiration

The below capsule is past season but should still give you plenty of navy outfit inspiration.

Navy capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com
A navy capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

Do you know how to wear navy blue? What are your favorite navy blue combinations?

Continue reading:

  1. The Ultimate Checklist Of Wardrobe Essentials: Which 28 Essential Pieces Do You Need In Your Closet?
  2. A Capsule Wardrobe For The Classic Style Personality
  3. How To Wear Gray: Color Palettes And Ensembles For You To Choose From!

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How to wear navy: Color palettes and styles for you to choose from | 40plusstyle.com
Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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