How To Wear Navy Blue and Black Together Like A Parisian

How To Wear Navy Blue & Black Together Like A Parisian

Parisian women have some of the best street styles with classic and chic outfit combinations, including wearing navy blue and black together. Today, I will share several outfit combinations and ways you can easily incorporate navy blue and black like a Parisian.

If you ask most people if they would wear navy blue and black together, they would say no because they are unsure how to pair the two colors together without looking like they clash. However, Parisian women can do this and look effortlessly chic and modern at the same time.

I am not sure why this is such a fashion faux pas for most, as when paired right, the color combination of navy blue and black looks incredibly chic and elegant.

Maybe that’s why Parisian women have been wearing this color combination forever. After all, they are the definition of chic and elegant.

Navy blue and black are my favorite color combinations to wear together, but my biggest fashion inspirations are French and Parisian women.

Parisians generally stick to neutral color palettes with black, grey, brown, and navy blue tones. These colors make it relatively simple to put together timeless outfit combinations

Here are several very influential Parisians, Inès de La Fressange and Caroline de Maigret, each wearing their own take on navy blue and black. You can see several images of both these ladies all over Pinterest wearing navy blue and black together.

One of my all-time favorite style icons is Emanuelle Alt, who is a master at wearing the color combination together. Alt does it so effortlessly and makes it look so classic and elevated. Her former Vogue partner, Geraldine Saglio, also knows how to make this color combination stand out.

What Makes Navy Blue And Black Work Together

Like black, navy blue conveys power, intelligence, and confidence. I don’t know about you, but I love wearing colors that make me feel this way.

This isn’t a color combination that is worn a lot in the States, and I haven’t figured out why. I assume it’s just because, for so long, there’s been a “quiet” rule that you can’t wear these two colors in the same outfit. European designers have been using this color combination for years.

The colors aren’t too off from each other, so however you wear them together, make sure one stands out. How many times have you looked in your closet and wondered if that top was navy blue or black?

How I Wear Navy Blue And Black Like A Parisian

Sézane Coat (similar here), Sézane Jacob Jumper (Wearing a M), Mother Denim (TTS), Sézane Bucket Bag, Mango Boots which are old (similar here)

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Sézane Chlo Top (Wearing size 6), AGOLDE Straight Leg Denim (TTS), Sam Edelman Slingbacks (TTS), Celine Belt.

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6 Simple Rules For Wearing Navy Blue And Black Together

There are six simple rules I like to stick with when thinking about wearing navy blue and black together. Don’t think too much about it; follow these simple rules, and this just might become a color combination you go to all the time. I wear this combination the most during the fall and winter seasons. These are also the same seasons I tend to see most Parisian women wearing this combination, although they certainly wear it in spring and summer.

1. Start With A Simple Foundation

If you aren’t used to wearing this color combination together, then start simple. Maybe a navy blue dress with black pumps or tall black boots.

Or maybe a black sweater with a navy blue scarf. One of my favorite combinations is a navy coat with black jeans.

A popular way to add the two colors amongst French people is with the classic navy Breton top, a pair of black jeans, and a navy blazer.

2. Add A Contrasting Color And Texture

Add a contrasting color when wearing navy and black together, maybe in your accessories or shoes, like brown boots. The contrast helps the outfit look sharp and thoughtful.

You could also incorporate white to look sharp with a basic Navy blazer, white tee, and black jeans.

Parisian women use texture to distinguish between navy and black. A matte navy fabric, like wool or cotton, contrasts beautifully with shiny black leather or sleek satin.

3. Make The Color Standout

Whichever way you choose to wear the two colors, make sure they stand out from each other. If not, then you’ll end up with a black-on-black outfit.

I prefer to wear black on the bottom mostly and Navy on the top when combining the two. Although, it is just as acceptable to wear a pair of navy pants and a black top or sweater.

4. Strategic Layering With Navy Blue And Black Together

Layering is key to creating dimension and breaking up the monochromatic effect. For example, a black blazer over a navy turtleneck or a navy coat with a black dress underneath creates subtle depth.

Nobody layers better than Parisian women, in my opinion. They seem to understand how to do this without looking like it adds too much bulk.

5. Add In A Subtle Statement Piece

Parisian women often add a small, unexpected twist—a bold red lip, a silk scarf, or minimalist gold jewelry. These touches keep the look from feeling too serious or monotonous.

6. Use Accessories As A Focal Point

Accessories are used to tie the look together. A black leather belt or shoes paired with a navy outfit reinforces the mix of the two colors, while items like a navy scarf or bag can create balance when the outfit leans heavily toward black.

Navy Blue and Black Outfit Ideas Together Like A Parisian

Here are 7 outfit combinations to help inspire how to wear navy blue and black together like a Parisian. These outfit combinations can be considered casual or dressy and can easily be worn during any season with some simple swapping out of pieces.

Navy Sweater Blazer + Black Denim

Take a simple long navy sweater such as this one from J.Crew and add a belt around the waist for definition. French women love adding this easy accessory to make the outfit not only chic looking but effortless. If you want to make the look more casual, swap out the pumps for ankle boots and leave the belt off the sweater.

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Navy Slip Skirt + Black Cashmere Sweater

An elevated lunch date look can consist of a navy slip skirt with a black cashmere turtleneck and tall boots in the cooler months. During the warmer months, swap out the turtleneck for a silk tank and a pair of sandals with a silk scarf.

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Black Cashmere Sweater + Navy Pants

A classic work outfit combination with navy blue and black could be a pair of navy ankle-length trousers, a black cashmere sweater, and black loafers. You could also do this outfit in reverse with a navy sweater and black pants.

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Navy Blazer + Black Denim

One of the main French wardrobe essentials consists of a blazer, usually a basic black. However, Parisian women tend to go with a navy blazer as well for it’s elevated and chic style. This outfit could easily be worn for a night out, a lunch date with friends, or an everyday look. It’s also an outfit you’ll mostly find me wearing.

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Navy Dress + Black Wrap Coat

For an elegant evening out or a special occasion, you can still take advantage of wearing this timeless outfit combination together. Wear a long navy wool dress with a long coat in the winter and a navy slip dress and leather jacket in the summer. Add in some accessories and you will be looking incredibly chic and stylish for your event.

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Navy Blazer + Stripe Top + Black Jeans

One iconic navy and blue combination is a navy wool blazer worn with a striped top and dark denim. This is one outfit combination you will surely find in any French woman’s closet.

During the spring season, you could always swap out the wool blazer for a linen one and the striped top for a striped tank.

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Navy Tee + Black Denim

During the warmer months, wear a navy t-shirt with a black denim combination. You could also choose a navy tank instead. Add some sandals and a basket bag for a chic summer look.

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However, you choose to wear these colors together and embrace them. This can be an incredibly elegant and chic look. Next time, you are wondering about wearing these two colors together, try it out and see what you think. You will look like a Parisian in no time.

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