Navy and Camel Outfits

Navy and Camel Outfits

Navy and camel is the pairing that quietly makes everything look better. Navy knits, skirts and dresses, camel coats and jackets, and brown leather to finish.

Navy and camel is what I end up wearing on the days I have no idea what to wear. It's the uniform of people who always look put together, and it has none of the harshness of black. Think of a navy peacoat against a sandy beach, or an old camel blanket on a dark blue sofa.

Navy is the key. It's softer than black next to your face and much kinder to warm colors. Camel next to black can look stark. Camel next to navy looks rich.

Start with a navy piece you'll wear constantly. Khaite's Dylan top in Dark Navy Waffle is a textured knit, and the Angel top is a simple fitted tee. Allude's cropped cashmere cardigan is so dark it's almost black, which makes it very useful. For skirts, Anine Bing's Bar satin maxi is liquid and long at $325, and Bernadette's Oscar taffeta midi is gathered with bows at the waist. Isabel Marant's Delfi dress is navy silk satin with a twist at the front, the one to wear with a camel coat thrown over the top.

Texture matters with navy, because it can look flat in photos. A waffle knit, a satin skirt or taffeta with a bit of shine keeps it from reading as a school uniform.

Navy pieces

Camel is where you can spend if you want to, because a good camel coat can last for years. Cult Gaia's Emm coat is a long, belted camel wrap at $898, and Khaite's Garret jacket is a zip-up camel layer with a high funnel neck.

Somewhere in between, Veronica Beard's Bateman suede jacket is cropped and warm-toned, and Nour Hammour's Nera leather jacket is a short, belted camel trench.

Knits make the pairing soft. Khaite's Lorelai sweater is a short-sleeved camel crew, and La Ligne's Ben is a V-neck at $275. Simkhai's Fenwick turtleneck is cashmere and under $400. Max Mara's camel wool wide-leg pants are the bottom half you'll wear with every navy top you own.

A navy sweater, camel pants and brown boots is my answer to most weekday mornings.

Camel likes texture too. A brushed wool coat, a suede jacket or a chunky knit all look richer than a flat, shiny fabric in the same color.

Camel pieces

Brown leather is what ties navy and camel together. Black shoes with this pairing look a bit harsh, while brown looks like it belongs.

Khaite's Clive boot is a slouchy dark brown Western shape, and the Nevada stretch boot is sleek and pointed. Aquazzura's Sellier knee boots are a clean, tall riding style. For a lower heel, Le Monde Beryl's Babouche pumps are croc-effect leather.

For bags, Balenciaga's Le 7 Bowling bag is structured and a little retro, Bottega Veneta's Notturno is intrecciato in a warm tan, and Kallmeyer's Magazine shoulder bag is glossy patent in deep brown. Dragon Diffusion's Rosanna mini is woven leather at $500, and it's the one I'd buy first.

Match your bag and shoes roughly, not exactly. Two browns from the same family look more natural than a perfect set.

If you mostly wear black shoes, try this pairing with a dark brown boot first. It's the smallest change and it makes the biggest difference.

Brown leather bags and shoes

Our honest take

Navy and camel won't get you stopped on the street, and that's sort of the point. It's a pairing you'll still wear years from now, and it flatters almost everyone.

What I'd skip: navy that's too bright, which reads as sporty, and camel with a strong yellow cast, which can look sallow on paler skin. I'd also skip buying a new camel coat before checking what's already in your closet. Plenty of us own one already.

If you take one thing away, it's this: swap black for navy on the days you wear camel. That one change warms up everything. Add brown leather instead of black, and the whole outfit starts to look considered without any extra thought.