WE'RE IN THE NAVY NOW!

Classy and effortless, I love navy. Either on its own or partnered up, it’s one of my colour heroes. Staple pieces in navy will work hard in your wardrobe and provide you with a framework which can be added to with ease.

La Redoute

It can add elegance to a casual outfit or offer a glamorous alternative to the little black dress. It’s become a style icon when paired with white stripes in a breton top and a navy blazer with jeans is a classic heavyweight. 

Lipstick Boutique

Jigsaw

The great thing is everyone can wear navy, it’s just a matter of finding the right navy for you. If you are cool skin toned then dark navy or charcoal navy will flatter you best whereas marine or french navy will be better for warmer skin tones.



Colour Combinations
Of course, you can keep it classic  with white but think about alternatives that will give it a modern and unexpected look. Think about your own colouring when pairing up, for instance, if you have dark hair and  a cool skin tone then  a pop of a high contrast colour such as fuchsia or bright green will look vibrant on you and fair  haired coolies could go for a softer look with a baby blue or periwinkle additive. 

Marks and Spencer

Questionair

If you have dark hair and warm skin tone then try pairing it with mustard or rich toffee and if you’re fair with a warm skin tone, try with orange or aqua. French women love to pair it with black and this combo can look super chic and confident if it suits your colouring.

Phase Eight

M & Co.

AX Paris

What about the boys in blue?
When advising male clients about creating a capsule wardrobe, my recommendations always include a good dose of navy. It’s clean and masculine and I call it a building block colour because of its versatility and range. 

A few key pieces in navy provide a great bedrock on which to build a stylish wardrobe. Top of the shopping list would be a navy wool suit. It works for business and casual. The jacket can be worn separately (great with a pair of inky blue jeans) and the trousers can be worn with various shirts and knitwear. A navy sweater in a fine knit, a navy cardigan and a navy pea coat would also be on the essentials list.

Burton Menswear

Guys need to think about colour combinations too.  For example,  navy and white with a touch of red will certainly grab attention and give an air of authority but remember such high contrast does not suit everyone’s facial colouring.

Finding out what works with one’s skin and hair tones is key to wearing colour and colour combinations successfully. At the very least, attention should be given to the amount of contrast you have. If your hair is dark and your skin light you have a higher contrast than someone whose hair and skin tone are similar and who, therefore, have a more muted, lower contrast look. Aim to get the colours in an outfit to share the same degree of contrast as your complexion and hair.

All photographs courtesy of www.prshots.com