What Goes With a Dark Navy Blue Shirt?

Neutral is anything but dull when you swap the beige and the charcoal for a navy-colored top. This versatile color can take you from a weekend on the farm to a Saturday night on the town. Dress it up or down by playing off the dark blue hue with jolts of bright color or lived-in denim and earthy accessories. Explore this color's full potential with options including a preppy nautical vibe to a sophisticated pairing with black.

If pairing a navy shirt with white bottoms makes you feel like heading for the deck of a catamaran, go with the nautical trend. Sailing colors can look chic if you don't go overboard. Pair your navy shirt with white shorts or capri pants, adding sandals or canvas slip-ons in white, navy or a combination of the two. Layer a navy button-down shirt over a t-shirt with a nautical screen print or a striped tank top. Slip the navy shirt on over a white sundress for a breezy summer look. Add nautical stripes to your accessories, such as a canvas tote or lightweight scarf. Pair a navy boatneck top with a short white skirt for a clean look that can go from a casual office setting to dinner and a movie.

Create an edgy, yet sophisticated monochrome look by pairing navy with basic black. The trick is to not pick a shade of navy too dark or it will look like you thought it was black and mistakenly mismatched your outfit. Try a navy blouse with black skinny pants. Finish off the outfit with black wedges or strappy heels and a sleek black clutch. Pair a hip-length body-skimming navy top with a black miniskirt or pencil skirt. Cinch the waist with a skinny black patent belt and finish off with black heels.

Since navy is considered a neutral color -- in the same family as black, brown and gray -- style it with eye-catching brights or muted pastels. A navy top will get a jolt of color when paired with fuchsia skinny pants or becomes a business-casual staple when matched with a lavender pencil skirt. Navy gives a dose of preppy cool to skinny plaid pants and flats in an unexpected jewel tone such as green. Color can also be added in through your choice of accessories. A red plaid purse will liven up a navy top and cream pants, while sparkly, embellished shoes add glam to any navy outfit.

Navy is a great neutral to convey a western, rugged or outdoorsy look when paired with denim and leather accessories. A dark navy shirt looks best paired with light stonewashed jeans. Add leather boots in a medium-brown or black hue and a slouchy leather hobo bag for urban-to-rural chic. For a trail-ready look, add hiking boots and a leather backpack or messenger bag. Pair your navy shirt with jean shorts and add brown leather sandals for a look that works well for off-roading or strolling on the boardwalk.