In my books, navy stands out as one of the trickiest colours to style. As a loyal devotee to black pieces—my friends would lovingly point out it makes up the majority of my wardrobe—I’ve always struggled with finding the right pieces to pair with this hue. Where black seems to go with absolutely everything, navy feels like its trickier sibling—a bit more specific on what it will or will not accept. That being said, the hue is undeniably chic, and when it’s styled well, looks so impressive and elegant.
Shoes are far and away the thing I find hardest to match with navy pieces, but after some extensive Instagram scrolling, I think I’ve been overcomplicating the issue. Turns out, it’s the classic, neutral hues that go best with navy. White, beige, brown and more all keep the understatedly elegant vibe that navy is imbued with, and also happen to be super versatile tones that will also go brilliantly with most of the other colours in your wardrobe.
Perhaps the most controversial pairing (at least, what I've always been told) is navy and black. For years, it's been insisted that the two should never meet, arguing that they are too close in tone to look good together. But I think this is wrong. Far more stylish individuals than me have proven that as long as you match the right tones, these two are, in fact, the perfect pairing. My advice? Go for lighter navy tones and glossy black shoes to really look like a fashion master.
If you’re also looking to start getting more wear out of your navy favourites, scroll on to see my pick of the best colour shoes to pair them with—and some brilliant outfit inspo to help get you going.
The Best Shoe Colours to Wear With Navy:
1. Black
Style Notes: This look is making me so happy about autumn. I love how Chrissy has fully embraced the navy and black pairing by using other black accessories to tie the whole ensemble together. Genius.
Shop the look:
I love the subtle V-neck detail.
These could be styled so many ways.
These come in so many colours.
Follow Chrissy's example and use white ribbed socks to break up the black and navy.
So elegant.
2. White
Style Notes: Classic, clean and oh-so effective, a splash of crisp white is the ideal match for navy pieces. While you could opt for white heeled sandals or courts, white sneakers keep the look feeling fresh and understated.
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Such a gorgeous blue.
The kind of skirt you can wear for work and at the weekend.
The classic Dad sneaker isn't going anywhere.
No one would believe this is a high-street piece.
3. Gold
Style Notes: Party season will be here before we know it, so we might as well start thinking about dressing up our existing wardrobe with fancy heels. Go for gold and it'll instantly take any navy look up a notch, with minimal effort needed.
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Love the shape of this blazer.
You could easily add tights, too.
To match your shoes.
You'll find any excuse to wear these.
4. Brown
Style Notes: The richness of deep brown hues are made to be matched with navy. These complementary hues work across all seasons, but I especially love how Anouk has used sleek brown suede boots to elevate a simple navy knit.
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You'll wear this on heavy rotation.
Fashion editor favourite.
I'm in love.
To match the dream boots.
5. Red
Style Notes: Adding red shoes is undoubtedly the best option to go for if you want to inject a little colour—it's timeless, chic and just so cool. And not only does Monikh make a case for the shade working with navy, she also shows how effortless it goes with khaki. While red flip flops will work for those warmer autumn days, you could easily switch these out for red trainers when temperatures truly drop.
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This comes in four sizes—XS-4XL.
Firmly on my wish list.
Flip flops with trousers is such a vibe.
A classic.
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