Lighten Up Your Navy Outfits This Spring
I’ve been singing the praises of navy quite a bit lately! It’s a versatile wardrobe neutral that works year-round (just adjust the fabric and weight for the season) and is easy to style with other neutrals or colors. If you’re trying to replace black in your wardrobe, putting together a travel capsule wardrobe, or just looking for timeless and versatile basics, navy can be a great starting point. Here’s how I styled a navy cardigan and dark wash jeans in a spring outfit.
How to lighten up a navy cardigan & jeans for spring
My sizes: Cardigan – Small, Jeans – Petite 8
While I’ve been leaning into some of my lighter neutral pieces lately, a head-to-toe look in navy always makes me feel grounded. If you tend to wear dark colors year-round, here are a few tips to lighten up the look for spring and summer:
- Show some skin. Push up your sleeves, opt for a pant that hits above the ankle (or cuff a longer style), try a scoop or v-neck top. (This is also a great way to add some structure and definition if you’re wearing relaxed or oversized pieces.)
- Opt for lighter, seasonal accessories. Ditch the dark leather bag for one in raffia, straw or a woven leather or faux leather material. Instead of dark, closed shoes, try a sandal or d’Orsay, slingback, or open toe style.
- Navy doesn’t have to be boring or stodgy. Look for interesting shapes or textures, fun details (like the heart on this lightweight merino cardigan, currently on sale!).
I love this little merino cardigan from Chinti & Parker, and it’s currently on sale! I’ve purchased a few sweaters from this brand over the years, and have always found the quality to be VERY good. The fabric on this sweater is very soft and it’s a lighter weight so good for travel. (Nordstrom also now carries several C&P styles, many currently marked down.) They usually run true-to-size.
The jeans are one of my favorite barrel-leg styles, and I was so happy when Ruti added a dark wash to the options. I find these run slightly small in the waist, and size up for a comfortable fit. They’re available in Regular and Petite lengths. AND, get $55 off with code SS25!
I purchased these fisherman sandals last year. They’re still available in a few sizes HERE. Similar looks from Everlane, Anthropologie, Dolce Vita, G.H. Bass, Easy Spirit, Freda Salvador.
Some exciting news!
The Red Leopard Color Event is returning to Los Angeles! We had such fun last year, we had to do it again….
Manina from Red Leopard will be joining me for a 3 day event to be held at Jonathan Novak Contemporary Art Gallery in Century City. This year’s event will be over the Memorial Day weekend, May 24-26. We’ll be offering color analysis sessions, and may have some special guests too! Book HERE or email me for more information.
As a way of giving back to the community, we will be donating two of our color analysis sessions to individuals who lost their homes in the Eaton or Palisades fires. If you or someone you know lost a home and is having to rebuild their wardrobe, and is interested in having a personal color analysis, please email me at info @ unefemme.net with details.
I think a personal color analysis is one of the best investments you can make in your wardrobe and yourself. Knowing your best colors can help you save money on your wardrobe, get dressed with confidence, and feel great! If you’re unable to attend the event, but still interested in a personal color analysis, I have openings for in-person color analysis (West Los Angeles area). Visit my Color and Style Services page for details and to book your session.
Sifting through the Nordstrom sale…
Nordstrom currently has 15% off a wide swath of beauty and fragrance products! Here are a few of my picks:
- Chantecaille Waterproof Brow Definer. (I use Light Taupe)
- Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream A rich moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid. Good for normal to dry skin.
- Diptyque “La Droguerie” candle. I use mine often and just ordered another one of these. It’s great for removing cooking and other odors!
- Diptyque “Orpheon” fragrance. One of my favorites!!
- Aesop “Reverence” hand wash. LOVE this hand wash, it’s the one I use at home. (Also makes a nice gift, especially when paired with the Hand Balm.)
- Kosas Air Brow brow gel. Fills in and keeps brows in place. I use this most days. The color selection is amazing!
- Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip & Cheek stain. A sheer hint of natural looking color.
- I love Jane Iredale brushes too!
- YSL “Libre” eau de parfum. Another fragrance favorite.
- Leonor Greyl PARIS “Shampooing au Miel” volumizing shampoo. I’ve used LG products in the past and have been very impressed with them. This one has been on my list to try so it’s going into my cart!
More navy cardigans on sale…
Is navy a major player in your wardrobe? How do you like to wear it in the spring and summer months?
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I’ve added more and more navy lately and did a navy based capsule for a recent work trip. For me spring has always been crisp navy and white. Some accessories I will add this year are the green Madewell bandana, the taupe woven “moyen messenger” from Quince and some light taupe loafers. Too cold for fisherman sandals (got the creamy white Everlane pair.) Waiting on some taupe Gola sneakers. When it rains I have several different Longchamps to pull out-dark fuchsia, red, bilberry, or a green and white LL Bean. Too cold for straw/rattan bags. It can still snow here in Missouri! We can have 40 degree temperature swings in one day!
As a blue autumn, I wear marine navy all year round, but like you, I lighten it up for spring/summer. I will pair it with camel, ivory, or lighter teals. Occasionally will wear it head to toe, but moreso in the fall and winter.
As a winter, I find myself wearing more and more navy and less black (although I still love to wear black.) When shopping, I have to remind myself that I don’t need yet another navy v-neck top! My travel capsules usually are based in navy as well.
I’m just going to have to go try these jeans on, aren’t I;)
Great outfit. I love that fun heart on your cardigan.
How nice that you are doing the colour analysis again with Manina of Red Leopard. It is such a good investment to know which colours suit you and which do not. (And know the tricks to get away with the wrong colour near your face.)
Greetje
Navy is my foundational color. So much nicer and flattering than black. Love your suggestions for styling this color. And that cardigan with the heart is so cute, but in a fun grown up way.
I have been using navy so much more as a neutral since having my color analysis done and finding out black was NOT my color! I love it and it is so easy to mix and match with my other colors.
Navy is my base neutral. For Spring, I will wear it with white and pink!