Navy and white work well when one colour forms the base and the other returns as an accent. A navy trouser with a white top looks calm and business-like, a white trouser with a navy top fresh and summery. A stripe in navy and white connects both and gives just enough pattern. Navy is softer than black, while white keeps the combination fresh. Below you can read how to combine both colours for women and men.
Why navy and white work so well
Navy is a dark blue shade that looks less harsh than black. It has the contrast of black, but without the severity. White brings light and freshness. Together the colours work both for business and for summer. You can easily adjust the ratio to the occasion.
The ratio decides the look
| Ratio | Look | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Mostly navy, white as accent | Business-like, calm, slim | Navy trouser and navy top with white collar |
| Half and half | Classic, balanced | Navy trouser with white blouse |
| Mostly white, navy as accent | Fresh, summery, light | White trouser and white top with navy cardigan |
| Stripe | Playful but polished | Striped knit T-shirt with plain trouser |
For a more formal moment you can use more navy; for a summery look, more white.
Which white do you choose with navy?
Not every white is the same. Bright white gives the sharpest contrast and looks fresh and business-like. Off-white or cream is softer and warmer and suits a tanned skin or gold jewellery nicely. Preferably do not combine two different shades of white in one outfit, because one of them will quickly look yellowed. If you choose a striped top, let the white of your trouser match the white in the stripe.
For women: five combinations
- Navy trouser with white blouse. The most business-like version. An Arabelli trouser in navy with high waist and pleats, with a white blouse tucked in. Add loafers or pumps.
- White trouser with navy top. Summery and light. The Cosette in white is an ultra high-waist slim-straight trouser that is not see-through, which makes the difference with a white trouser. Combine it with a navy knit top or polo.
- The stripe. The Fiori T-shirt in navy striped is a fine-knit T-shirt with tweed look and buttons. Wear it on a white or navy trouser, or on jeans at the weekend.
- Navy with a detail. The Anastasia in navy is a sleeveless knitted polo with a paisley neckerchief. On a white trouser it is a complete summer look with exactly one accent.
- All navy with white shoes. Navy top, navy trouser and white leather sneakers. Calm, modern and slim.
For men: five combinations
- Navy polo with white trouser. The classic summer look. The Alistair in navy is a knitted piqué polo with stripe detail. With the Harrison trouser in white, a tapered trouser with a single pleat and belt loops, you are ready for a terrace, a boat or a summer dinner.
- White shirt with navy trouser. Business-like and timeless. Leave the tie at home and roll the sleeves up neatly.
- Navy from head to toe. Navy polo with navy trouser and white sneakers for a modern, calm look.
- Striped polo with plain trouser. A polo with stripes on the collar and sleeve, combined with a plain navy or white trouser.
- Navy blazer over white. A white T-shirt or white polo under a navy blazer with a light trouser. Smart casual at its best.
Navy and white in different fabrics
With such a simple colour combination, material and texture stand out extra. So preferably combine two different textures: a knitted navy top with a smooth white trouser, or a white blouse with a matte navy trouser. That way the outfit stays interesting without extra colour. Two identical, smooth fabrics in navy and white can quickly look like a uniform.
Fine-knit pieces with a tweed look or a ribbed structure work especially well here. That gives a simple combination more depth. A stripe can also suggest texture: a narrow stripe looks refined, a wide stripe sportier.
Accessories with navy and white
With navy and white you can easily use accessories as an accent. Cognac and brown leather give warmth, gold suits off-white, silver suits bright white. A red or burgundy bag or scarf can work as an accent. Stick to one striking detail.
Navy and white for different occasions
- Office: more navy than white, with plain fabrics and a sleek fit.
- Weekend: stripe and jeans, with white sneakers.
- Summer dinner: mostly white, with a navy layer over the shoulders for when it cools down.
- On the water: navy and white is almost a given there. Choose fabrics that can handle wind and a splash of water.
Care: how to keep the contrast beautiful
Navy sometimes loses a little depth through many washes and sunlight, and white can yellow. Wash navy inside out and at a low temperature, and wash white separately or only with other white clothing. Do not let white pieces dry in the sun for too long if they contain a synthetic fibre. Take a look at our care instructions page for the instructions per material.
Build your own navy and white wardrobe with the trousers for women or the polos for men.
Shop the look
Fiori: fine-knit T-shirt with buttons, navy striped
Arabelli: high-waist trouser with pleats, navy
Cosette: ultra high-waist slim-straight trouser, white
Anastasia: sleeveless knit polo with neckerchief, navy
Alistair: knitted piqué polo with stripe detail, navy
Harrison: tapered trouser with pleats, white
Frequently asked questions
Can you wear navy and white at the office?
Certainly. Choose more navy than white, plain fabrics and a sleek fit, for example a navy trouser with a white blouse or shirt.
Which shoes go with navy and white?
White leather sneakers, cognac or brown loafers and navy suede shoes. Black shoes are possible, but look harsher.
Can you combine navy with cream instead of white?
Yes. Cream makes the combination softer and warmer. Just do not combine two different shades of white in one outfit.
