Yes, you can combine navy and black very well. Mainly make sure the two colours clearly differ from each other and vary the texture if you like. A black knitted top with navy trousers, or the other way round, works for many occasions.
Where does the idea come from?
The old rule that navy and black cannot go together is followed much less strictly these days. What matters more is that the colour difference stays visible.
Three keys to a successful combination
- Clear contrast. Choose a navy that is clearly blue, not an ink blue that looks almost black. Look at the combination in daylight.
- A difference in texture. Combine a knitted or ribbed top with smooth trousers, or a matte fabric with a fabric with a slight sheen. Texture shows that these are two deliberate choices.
- One main colour. Let one colour dominate and use the other as an accent. A clear main colour keeps the combination calm.
For women
The Arabelli high-waist pleated trousers in navy with the Ophelia ribbed quarter-zip polo in lyocell in black is a simple combination of navy and black. The rib structure of the polo contrasts with the smooth, pleated trousers, and the high waist creates a clear separation between the two colours. Tuck the polo in, choose black loafers or ankle boots, and you have a look that works as well at the office as at dinner.
If you want to turn it around, choose black trousers with a navy knitted top or blouse. You will find more trousers in the collection trousers for women and office combinations in Office for Women.
For men
For men, a navy polo with black trousers works well. The Montgomery softly draping modal polo in navy with the Vincent slim-fit trousers in black is modern and calm. The difference between the supple polo and the closer-fitting trousers adds extra texture.
The other way round works too: the Trenton open merino wool polo in black with navy trousers. Or choose the Alistair knitted piqué polo in navy with the stripe detail, combined with black trousers and black shoes. You have an outfit that suits the office, a lunch or an evening in the city. You will find more polos in the collection polos for men, and business combinations in Office for Men.
Combination table
| Top | Bottom | Shoes | Occasion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black ribbed polo | Navy pleated trousers | Black loafers | Office, dinner |
| Navy modal polo | Black slim-fit trousers | Black leather sneakers | Smart casual, city |
| Black merino polo | Navy trousers | Black or dark brown loafers | Dinner, office |
| Navy cable-knit sweater | Black skirt or trousers | Black ankle boots | Weekend, lunch |
Shoes and accessories
Black shoes go easily with a navy and black combination. Dark brown is possible too, especially with navy trousers, but makes the whole look warmer and less sleek. Choose accessories in silver or gold, depending on your preference: silver looks cool and modern, gold warmer and more classic. If you want to keep the combination calm, do not add too many extra colours.
A third shade for calm
If you find the combination still a little dark, add a light shade. A white shirt under a navy sweater with black trousers, or a cream scarf over a black coat and navy trousers, breaks up the darkness and makes the whole look fresher. Light grey also works well as a bridge between navy and black.
Why it works so well in autumn
Navy and black suit a dark autumn wardrobe well. Both colours are also practical: they show stains less easily, combine with almost everything in your wardrobe and stay relevant all season. That makes the combination easy to reuse in autumn.
Navy and black in the evening
In the evening, under artificial light and candlelight, navy and black move visually closer together. That means the combination can also work well for a dinner or evening occasion. A black satin-look blouse above navy trousers, or a navy merino polo with black trousers, is understated festive. Add a piece of jewellery that catches the light, such as a gold earring or a silver watch, and the look is complete.
Common mistakes
- Two almost identical shades: an ink blue sweater with black trousers quickly looks like a mistake. Choose a recognisable navy.
- The same fabric top and bottom: without a difference in texture the combination loses its depth.
- Too much dark without light: an entirely dark outfit can look heavy. A white shirt, a cream scarf or a light piece of jewellery brings balance.
With enough contrast and calm accessories, navy with black is usable on many occasions.
Shop the look
Arabelli: high-waist pleated trousers, navy
Ophelia: ribbed quarter-zip polo in lyocell, black
Montgomery: softly draping modal polo, navy
Vincent: slim-fit trousers with mid-rise, black
Trenton: open merino wool polo, black
Alistair: knitted piqué polo, navy
Frequently asked questions
Is combining navy and black a style mistake?
No. As long as there is clear contrast between the two colours and you play with texture, it is a refined and modern combination.
Which shoes do you wear with navy and black?
Black shoes are the most logical choice. Dark brown is possible with navy trousers too, but makes the whole look warmer.
Can I wear a navy suit with black shoes?
Yes. Black shoes with a navy suit are classic and formal. Dark brown is slightly less formal.
