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Although jewelry is typically the smallest portion of your outfit, it can be the most confusing. It's not always easy to know when to wear silver, gold, gemstones or pearls. This is especially true when you are styling a neutral color, like gray, and a near-neutral shade like navy blue. It's better to let the style set the tone rather than the color when accessorizing neutrals.
Evening Accessories With Navy Blue
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A navy blue cocktail dress is a striking alternative to the little black dress, especially if you have blue eyes or a cool skin tone. Navy blue is rich, regal and classic, so wear jewelry of the same nature. A delicate pair of diamonds in any style that sits close the lobe -- studs, rose-cut drops, pave ball studs -- are a gorgeous touch to a navy blue dress. Wear a lace overlay sheath dress with nude shoes and simple sparkly studs and you are styled to perfection. A navy blue dress accessorized with pearls -- whether earrings, a necklace or bracelet -- amounts to regal style that exudes a quiet confidence.
Daytime Jewelry With Navy Blue
Stick with simple classic jewelry during the day, like silver, gold or mixed metals, in minimalist styles. A navy- and white-striped cropped tweed jacket over a white V-neck with a pair of boyfriend jeans coupled with a pair of thin gold hoops and a gold chunky watch is a stylish, put-together look. When wearing a solid navy outfit that is daytime casual, it's fun to wear jewelry in colors on the opposite side of the color wheel, such as orange, or complementary colors like turquoise. A turquoise cuff or loop dangle earrings with a navy blue A-line jersey dress lends itself to accompanying jewelry in gold, silver or both.
Evening Accessories With Gray
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It doesn't get much sleeker or chic than a gray cocktail dress. While this pale neutral shade packs a big punch, it does have its limitations when it comes to jewelry. Stick to cool tones -- preferably silver or diamonds -- to keep the style understated and elegant. A Grace Kelly inspired mid-calf full skirt in gray with a crisp white button down with French cuffs looks dazzling with a pair of sterling-silver and diamond teardrop chandelier earrings. Lighter silver-toned jewelry will pop against a darker gray dress or outfit, while metallic grays are contrasted beautifully by matte silver accessories.
Daytime Jewelry With Gray
Now that gray is the new must-have neutral, it's easy to incorporate it into a variety of daytime looks. A gray V-neck t-shirt is a wardrobe staple for under a black blazer, with a pair of vibrant skinny pants or your favorite blue denim. Some staple jewelry to match the style is a chunky wire-wrapped smokey quartz ring, a pair of hammered-metal teardrop earrings and a stainless steel boyfriend style watch. Anything gray you pull out of your closet to wear to the office or out with friends will work with any of these accessories. Gray during the day is a safe neutral that supports either warm- or cool-toned jewelry -- or a clever mixture of both.
When we think about summer outfits, navy blue pieces are definitely part of the mix. A navy and white striped sweater is basically a beachside staple, while a dress in the same shade is a lighter, less serious version of an LBD. While this color is a key part of our year-round wardrobe — we love it in the fall, winter, and spring, too — we still encounter the occasional fashion dilemma. Choosing which colors to go with navy blue might feel tricky at times, but the solution is rather simple: navy looks great with everything.
After taking a peek at some street style inspiration, we've realized this color is probably the most versatile … ever. Red, pink, beige, black — mysteriously, it works with them all. Plus, after things cool off and we're back to bundling up, there will be no shortage of ways to wear it.
Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Navy Blue and White
Edward Berthelot/Getty ImagesIt's one of the most popular pairings out there — crisp, clean, and super sleek.
Why Not Try … A white dress with a structured navy blazer, or a white button-down with a navy midi skirt.
Navy Blue and Beige
Hanna Lassen/Getty ImagesTwo neutrals turn show-stopping when worn together. Plus, you can amp up your look with vibrant footwear or accessories.
Why Not Try … A beige jacket layered over a navy jumpsuit, complete with green heels. Or wear a navy sweater with khaki pants and a printed scarf.
Navy Blue and Black
Christian Vierig/Getty ImagesIt was once considered a faux pas, but that's no longer the case. Instead, these colors create a striking and unexpected combination.
Why Not Try … An oversized navy shirt with black bike shorts, or a black tank dress layered over a long-sleeved, navy turtleneck.
Navy Blue and Grey
Melodie Jeng/Getty ImagesThis duo always looks sharp, whether you're going casual or dressing up for the office. We recommend sticking with a lighter shade of grey to provide some contrast.
Why Not Try … Breaking up your grey sweats with a navy jacket, or wear a navy vest with grey slacks.
Navy Blue and Green
Edward Berthelot/Getty ImagesNavy and green give us preppy vibes, likely because many plaid prints include the same combination.
Why Not Try … A forest green suit with a navy shirt, or navy pants with something lime on top.
Navy Blue and Brown
Christian Vierig/Getty ImagesDon't forget the power of these two basic colors. Should you be stumped when it comes to shoe choice, brown is always a winner with a navy outfit.
Why Not Try … A navy maxi with the addition of a brown bag or boots.
Navy Blue and Red
Edward Berthelot/Getty ImagesWhile slightly patriotic and nautical, a little bit of red will somehow make blues seem even brighter.
Why Not Try … A red jacket over a navy set, or a red dress with a navy hat.
Navy Blue and Yellow
Christian Vierig/Getty ImagesYellow tends to pop when styled with almost any color, but against a darker shade, it'll really wow.
Why Not Try … A navy dress and yellow heels, or a navy sweatshirt with cropped yellow pants.
Navy Blue and Pink
Edward Berthelot/Getty ImagesReach for something vibrant, such as bubblegum pink pants, which will really shine against neutral wardrobe staples.
Why Not Try … A navy blazer and flared pink pants, or a navy cardigan over a pink dress.
Navy Blue and Orange
Christian Vierig/Getty ImageTechnically, orange is the opposite of blue on the color wheel, so when styled together, they make quite the impact.
Why Not Try … An orange turtleneck under a loose navy dress, or orange shorts with a navy tank top.
Navy Blue and Baby Blue
Christian Vierig/Getty ImagesThe contrast between two shades of blue will help your stand out in the crowd, and this particular outfit proves that navy and metallics are also cool and eye-catching.
Why Not Try … A navy jacket over a slinky baby blue dress, completed with silver boots. Or go with a navy suit accented with a baby blue bag.
Navy Blue and Navy Blue
Edward Berthelot/Getty ImagesWhen all else fails, monochromatic outfits are an easy yet fashion-forward choice.
Why Not Try … A navy coat over navy co-ords, or a navy tee with a navy mini skirt.