Blue shades that go together

Short answer: Blue comes in more shades than any other colour in a wardrobe. The rule for combining them is simple: two blues that are far apart work better than two that are close.

A big gap or none at all

Navy and light blue work together because the difference is clear and looks like a choice. Two mid blues that almost match do the opposite. They look as if they were meant to be the same but are not, and that reads as a mistake. So choose either a clear difference or the same shade. See bamboo sweatshirts for women.

Why close shades do not work

The eye looks for order. When two colours are nearly the same, it tries to match them and spots the small difference. That creates unease, even if both colours look good on their own. When the shades are far apart, the eye reads them as two separate colours, and the combination settles into place.

Navy is the most neutral

Navy behaves almost like a base colour and goes with everything. It is dark enough to feel calm and has a little more depth than black. That is why navy can be used the same way as black and grey, but with a softer look close to the face. See the range for women.

Navy instead of black

If black feels too harsh, navy is a good alternative. It gives the same calm base, but the contrast with the skin is less sharp. Navy also goes with beige, grey, white and most other blues, so it is easy to build a wardrobe around. Many people find that navy can replace most of their black.

Light blue works as an accent

A light blue is clear enough to act as a touch of colour, yet calm enough to suit the base colours. It adds some light to an outfit in navy, grey or beige without taking over. That makes light blue an easy way to bring colour into everyday life. See bestsellers for women.

Three simple combinations

Navy and light blue are the classic pair because the gap is large. Navy and white give a clean, clear look. Light blue and grey are softer and suit a calm day. What they share is that the colours are either far apart or belong to different families, so there is no doubt.

Blue and other colours

Blue goes well with the neutral colours and several of the natural ones. Navy and beige make a calm combination, and navy and green give a muted contrast. Light blue sits best next to grey, white and navy. If you are unsure, stick to one shade of blue at a time and keep the rest neutral.

Blue in the wash

Dark blue shades can release colour in the first few washes. Wash navy with other dark colours and light blue with light ones. Turn clothes inside out so the surface wears less, and dry them out of direct sun. That way the blues keep their difference and the combinations still look right.

Frequently asked questions

Can you combine two blues

Yes, if they are far apart. Navy and light blue work, while two shades that look alike often come across as a mistake.

Which blue is the most neutral

Navy. It behaves almost like a base colour and goes with everything else in the drawer, including as a softer alternative to black.

How do you use blue as an accent

Choose a lighter shade. It is clear enough to be seen, yet calm enough to suit base colours such as navy, grey and beige.