Style Challenge: Unlikely Pairings

This isn’t your mother’s style challenge.

We’re breaking taboo and diving straight into this infamous color pairing: Black and Navy.

Ever wonder how some women make this combination look effortlessly chic and not like you got dressed in the dark? In the States we’ve been more apprehensive about simultaneously donning these particular colors, but Europeans have been making it a daily staple for years. The devil is in the details.

Try it in your closet:

  1. Beginner - Pair one navy item (like a blouse or pair of pants) with an all black outfit. Make sure your shoes and accessories are all in black as well.

  2. Advanced - Add a contrasting color. Once you’ve nailed the black and navy combo, try adding a contrasting neutral like white, grey, or brown. Don’t add more than one contrasting color and make sure you have multiple black items to tie the whole look together.

Remember to:

Play with texture. Materials like velvet, leather, and lace can make these combos look and feel more expensive.

Work your accessories. The more items you can use ground your outfit with, like bags, belts, shoes, or headbands, the more intentional it will read.

Bright navy works best. More contrast between colors will ensure you can tell the difference between shades and keep it from looking like a mistake. And nope, denim does not count as navy!

Ready to try it in your closet? Click the link below for photos, outfit inspiration, and item recommendations.