We’d assumed that the taboo on mixing neutrals went out when the swinging sixties came in, but we still hear it whispered occasionally. However, in our opinion (and in yours, too, we’ve noticed), anything goes nowadays.
Take black and blue, for instance. The latter comes in so many shades, and even the former is more complicated than you think – have you ever tried to match black tights to your skirt?! So dark colours together will benefit from contrasting textures or edges, because they’re never ever going to be exactly the same, are they, so why try (and fail)?
Throw a denim jacket over a black leather mini and booties, and you’ll see what we mean. Emphasise your choice with opposites such as nude or grey accessories. Team the same skirt instead with a silk shirt and oversized cardigan, or work it with a blue sweater. For an alternative style, drag a poncho over slouchy trousers and chain boots (we’re thinking Chanel).
What can be smarter than navy and black? Check out Alexa Chung (of course), Victoria Beckham and Sofia Coppola (especially), who all grasped this early on. Pull a black faux-fur jacket over a dark blue jumpsuit, and paint your nails the colour of midnight, or make the top portion leather and pair with a satin skirt. Couple a black crop top with a dark denim trouser suit, or cover a navy shift with a smoky moto.
Lighten the colour slightly for a more cheerful note. We can’t help but say “wow!” at the image of indigo shoes with a black outfit, or a cobalt skirt with jet leather bomber and tights. Combine a royal blue dress with ebony heels or thigh-high boots, or pull a sapphire sweater over a faux-leather pencil or pants, and render the whole stunning with a plaid scarf.
Copy Reese Witherspoon’s chambray shirt and black skinnies, or go even lighter in powder blue pumps, and grade hues in layers. Grow your enthusiasm for patterns, from florals to spots and stripes, and diversify with a monochrome polka dot blouse under a blue jumper matched to your shoes. Accessorise with animal prints, and add a pop of white.
You can’t really go wrong with neutrals – after all, they’re never going to clash, are they? In the case of black and blue, you’re going for a chic look, and despite the fact that we’re only styling two colours here, we’re leaving you with plenty to think about!
Black And Blue Outfit: The featured photo is of Caroline Louis wearing a blue sleeveless robe coat from Choies, black skinny leather trousers from BLK Denim and black ankle boots from Christian Louboutin
Darja Barannik demonstrates just how to wear the black and blue trend, pairing a navy sweater with a black mini skirt and leather boots to create a cosy winter style which we adore.
Brands not specified.
Laurie Ferraro shows us just how to wear black and blue, in this wonderfully simple outfit consisting of black jeans, patent shoes, and a dark blue overcoat. We love the subtlety of this look.
Jacket: Oak + Fort Jacket, Jeans: DSTLD, Boots: Balenciaga, Purse: Furla.
Lace will always be the classic style of choice for achieving elegance and grace in an outfit. Kat Tanita wears a tiered navy midi skirt with a simple black V neck tee and a matching double breasted over coat. We love this look!
Skirt: Caroline Issa, Heels: Stuart Weitzman, Coat: Tory Burch, Top: Aritzia.
Black And Blue Casual Outfits: Johanna Olsson is wearing a baby blue By Malina shirt under a Won Hundred sweater paired with a black 3.1 Phillip Lim fillip Lim clutch bag
Olivia Palermo is wearing a navy blue jacket from Akris and the black leather trousers and ankle boots are from Daryl K and Aquazzura respectively
Ellen Claesson is wearing a grey jacket from IRO, dark blue turtle neck from Filippa K, black trousers from Gina Tricot and the sneakers are Adidas Stan Smiths
Pavlína Jágrová is wearing a blue roll neck with a black coat, jeans and ankle boots
Black And Blue Outfits: Bo Mulder is wearing a blue sweater dress from Pinkyotto, and a black faux fur trimmed coat
Jacey Duprie is wearing a blue coat from J. Crew and the black jeans are from James Jeans
