In The Navy – How To Wear Navy To Work?

In this post you will learn how to wear navy to work and how to combine it with other colors in a stylish way. Keep your business look stylish, elegant and timeless with these attainable workwear style tips from your very own virtual personal stylist, yes that’s me!

I am deeply in love with navy blue for several seasons now. It’s an universally flattering color and one of the best shades to choose in your working wardrobe. It oozes trust, professionalism and respect. It’s no wonder that it’s also one of the most popular uniform colors out there and a choice of many other business professionals. I recommend it to most of my clients and now I am recommending it to you.

Navy is a very chic and elegant color, and most certainly less severe than black. It looks AMAZING on most people. There is a shade of navy for everyone, I promise. You can also try ink, dark blue, dark petrol or deep cobalt if you feel that navy doesn’t suit you.

Gone are the days of boring uniform-like pantsuits that are diplomatic in a sense that they look equally dull on everyone. The modern navy is sleek, sexy and modern. It works hard for you around the clock. Yes, navy is also a great choice for evening wear so consider it for your next party outfit. Think navy silk, satin, lace, velvet and even (vegan) leather. I’m already swooning here!

Navy Looks To Wear At Work

In this post I am showcasing 6 effortless chic and timeless navy looks to wear at work. I have combined navy with sophisticated beige, cool grey, rich bordeaux red, chic nude, and even edgy black. Yes that is allowed nowadays, even encouraged if you ask me. Hope you like these office style ideas as much as I do!

These looks were originally created with Style Fruits shopping app that has now been discontinued. I still love these looks and find them relevant so I wanted to use them in this updated style guide.

This way I can also highlight the fact that great personal styling stands the test of time. Some of my clients come to me telling that their wardrobes still look amazing years after my visit. That type of feedback really warms my heart!

I am also a big advocate of making your style more sustainable and to help you to make better style choices. Yes, you could buy new items from (local) sustainable brands or get everything second hand. But what is actually more sustainable is wearing what you already have.

1. Navy + Edgy Black

Edgy sophistication for women who fear nothing. This color combination is often considered a no-no but remember the heydays of Phoebe Philo’s Céline and nod along. It can look really amazing! The secret is to keep the look sleek, clean and above all intentional. That way nobody thinks that you dressed up in the dark and mixed navy with black by accident.

2. Navy + Cool Grey

Modern understated elegance for every day. This is by far a less severe look thank the black and navy above but the logic remains the same. It’s unexpected and bold in it’s simplicity. Let your accessories do the talking and maybe add an unapologetic matte red lip.

3. Navy + Rich Bordeaux Red

Preppy chic and sporty style that is perfect for business casual days. This combination works really well and is always in. You can lighten it up with a lighter color Oxford shirt or a crisp white blouse. I like gold accessories for this look more than silver but chic pearls would look really fresh too.

DID YOU KNOW? Navy is also a GREAT color to wear at job interviews. Get more image consulting tips, workwear inspiration, style advice, shopping ideas and more in blog.

4. Navy + Elegant Taupe

Soft and sophisticated look for every day use. A classic color combo doesn’t get much more wearable than this, right? These workwear separates are the kind that you can buy now and wear in 10 year’s time without anyone blinking an eye. Make your look season appropriate by changing your accessories depending on your mood or the latest fashion.

5. Navy + Sophisticated Beige

Timeless elegance with a hint of bourgeois chic. This is my favorite way to wear navy. I like to keep my accessories on the glam side and sometimes I’ll throw in a sexy leopard print to make things more interesting. In my opinion this combination makes everything look more expensive and it adds sophistication to your style. Give it a try!

6. Navy + Chic Nude

Sexy and modern way to wear navy to work. As we know a nude pump makes many looks more relevant and elegant. Navy is no exception and I am encouraging you to try it when the temperature allows you to wear nude pantyhose or go tightless. I love this look with sophisticated gold accessories and chic monograms.

Get More Ideas On How To Wear Navy

My blog is an endless resource of great workwear style. Some of my blog posts contain shoppable LIKEtoKNOW.it links that you can shop 24/7 from the comfort of your own home.

• The Best Navy Work Dresses
• How To Look Stylish When Working From Home?
• The Best Business Casual Fashion Brands

I have also pinned all these navy workwear looks on my Pinterest board Working Wardrobe. You can save them on your own style board for your fashion inspiration and get even more ideas on how to wear navy to work.

Style dilemma: Navy is not your color after all? Try a green office look or go for a white workwear style instead.

This post was originally published on 2nd November 2015 and updated on 6th November 2023.

Enjoy looking chic at work in professional and elegant navy!