Growing up dark neutral pairings like navy and black were taboo. It was always either navy or black, black or brown, brown or navy. But as I near the end of my twenties it turns out these exact neutral pairings are anchors in my personal style. Doubling up on neutrals actually brings out the best in both colors. Black and navy in particular because both play the perfect canvas for one another. The navy becomes more rich and jewel toned, and the black more crisp and saturated. In my playbook a black and navy combo is one of the most understatedly elegant looks there is. And go figure, it’s French.
As all of the coolest, most chic things in life inevitably turn out to have French roots it’s no surprise that navy and black is a go-to for the French. With a penchant for wearing head-to-toe black, French women utilize this avant-garde pairing to put a touch of je ne sais quoi into their tonal dressing. Not to mention, navy and black is practically the definition of effortless. Navy and black separates are basically the building blocks to all wardrobes male and female, so you needn’t have to go shopping any time soon to put together a navy and black look. What really makes this seemingly boring dynamic so chic is that it’s unexpected. Naughty because it leans on unconventional, but in structured separates still very nice.
Navy and black is always a great color pairing for transitioning your wardrobe from winter to spring. For this time of year I usually opt for combinations of spring and winter pieces like this chunky knit and polka dot pants. This oversized sweater was passed down to me from the Mister, and it’s been one of my favorite things to wear this winter. It’s basically a dressed up sweatshirt, and the longer length goes perfectly with slim trousers. Because the sweater is so oversized it doesn’t fit well under most of my coats, but it’s so toasty warm that I have been wearing it in lieu of a coat on milder days.
I’m a major fan of black cropped pants and every spring I look forward to pulling out this polka dot pair. With a higher crop and light fabric these pants are strictly a spring summer piece and a perfect partner for the navy knit in this almost-spring weather. Sometimes if the navy and black fabrics don’t texturally contrast as much as I’d like I’ll add a slight touch (or dot) of white to add another component to the look. In this case the shirt sleeves and polka dot print did the work for me, but a lot of times I’ll look to an accessory or black and white shoes to get the job done.
These slingback are the flats versions of my favorite pair of heels bought a few years ago. An absolute staple in my wardrobe, a good patent leather pointed toe flat will never do you wrong. I’m quite partial to the retro vibes of a slingback and I often find them to be more comfortable for all-day wear than a traditional ballet flat.