Written by Ben Chuang

Navy blue pants are a staple in any wardrobe, offering a versatile and stylish base for both casual and formal outfits. Whether dressing for the office, a weekend outing, or a dinner date, or, pairing the right shirt with navy blue pants can elevate your look.

The beauty of navy blue dress pants lies in its ability to complement a wide range of colors, allowing for endless outfit combinations. The key to creating a polished ensemble is to choose a shirt color that enhances the shade of blue while maintaining balance and sophistication.

This article explores the best shirt colors to wear with navy blue pants, offering outfit pairing suggestions and styling tips to help you put together the perfect look. Whether you prefer a timeless classic, a bold statement, or something in between, you’ll discover a wide variety of dress shirts for your navy blue dress pants. Read on to discover how to style navy blue pants with a variety of suit colors and patterns.

1. Classic White Shirt

A classic white shirt is the most timeless and foolproof choice to pair with navy blue pants. This combination works for virtually any occasion, from conferences to casual weekend outings. 

A slim fit white dress shirt with tailored navy blue dress pants and brown or black dress shoes creates a sharp, professional look that never goes out of style.

For a more relaxed approach, a white button-down shirt with navy blue dress pants and loafers offers effortless sophistication. Adding a matching belt and accessories, such as a leather watch, can further enhance the classic white shirt's elegance.

For an even more modern touch, consider layering your white shirt with a navy or gray blazer. The contrast between the light shirt and dark pants adds depth and structure to the ensemble.

A white polo shirt with navy pants also works well for semi-casual settings, offering a comfortable yet refined appearance. Whether you're heading to a business lunch, a date, or a social event, the white shirt and navy blue pants combination is a reliable and stylish choice that ensures you always look put-together.

2. Light Blue Shirt

A light blue shirt is another go-to option that pairs beautifully with navy blue pants. The tonal contrast between light and dark blue adds depth to your outfit while maintaining a cohesive look.

This combination is particularly suitable for business-casual settings, as it provides a polished yet approachable appearance. For a classic office look, pair a light blue dress shirt with navy blue dress pants and brown leather shoes.

A tailored fit enhances the sophistication, while subtle accessories like a navy tie or pocket square can add a touch of personality.

To achieve a more relaxed vibe, consider opting for a chambray or linen light blue shirt. The breathable fabric is perfect for warmer months, ensuring comfort while maintaining style. Pair this with navy blue dress pants and white sneakers for an easygoing yet fashionable outfit.

The light blue shirt also works well in layered looks—try wearing one under a navy suit and brown shoes for a refined yet understated aesthetic. The versatility of a light blue shirt makes it a must-have in any wardrobe, offering endless outfit possibilities with navy blue dress pants.

3. Striped Shirt

A striped shirt, whether vertical or horizontal, adds visual interest to an outfit featuring navy blue pants. A white and blue striped dress shirt enhances the professional appeal of navy blue dress pants, making it a great choice for business professional settings whether or not you decide to wear a matching tie.

The vertical stripes create a slimming effect, adding a touch of elegance to your navy blue dress pants. For a polished office ensemble, pair a striped dress shirt with a navy blazer, brown leather belt, and matching shoes. If you’re looking for something slightly more relaxed, a striped non-iron shirt with navy blue dress pants and loafers strikes the perfect balance between casual and refined.

For a casual spin, try a striped t-shirt with denim jeans and sneakers. This laid-back combination works well for weekend outings, beach vacations, or casual get-togethers.

To avoid overwhelming your outfit, opt for subtle, neutral-colored stripes rather than bold, contrasting patterns.

Navy and white stripes, for example, create a nautical-inspired look that is effortlessly stylish. When accessorizing, keep things simple—solid-colored shoes and a 38mm watch can complement the outfit without detracting from the striped pattern.

4. Light Pink Shirt

For a refined and slightly playful approach, a light pink shirt is an excellent choice. This soft hue contrasts beautifully with navy blue, creating a modern and stylish ensemble.

A light pink shirt with navy blue dress pants and brown leather dress shoes exudes sophistication, making it perfect for summer weddings or business-casual environments. The combination of navy and pink strikes a balance between classic and contemporary, allowing you to stand out in a subtle yet tasteful way.

A well-fitted light pink shirt tucked into navy pants with a complementing belt can elevate the overall look. If you prefer a more relaxed approach, a light pink polo shirt with navy chinos and loafers is great for a summer outing.

The warm pastel hue is ideal for spring outfits, giving off a fresh and vibrant feel. You can also layer a light pink button-down over a white t-shirt for a stylish yet effortless look.

When styling a pink shirt, consider neutral accessories such as a gray or navy blazer to keep the outfit balanced. Light pink is a surprisingly versatile color that adds charm and elegance to your wardrobe.

 

5. Light Gray Shirt

A light gray shirt provides a neutral and understated pairing for navy blue pants. This combination works well in both casual and formal settings, offering a refined and contemporary appearance. A well-fitted gray dress shirt with navy blue dress pants and black Oxford shoes creates a sleek and modern outfit that is perfect for interviews or formal dinners.

The neutrality of light gray allows you to play with different accessories, such as a skinny tie or a structured blazer, to enhance the overall look.

For a resort casual outfit, opt for a gray t-shirt with navy blue chinos and white sneakers. This casual yet stylish ensemble is perfect for running errands, meeting friends, or enjoying a laid-back day out. Light gray works particularly well in cooler seasons, as it pairs effortlessly with darker outerwear.

A gray sweater layered over a white undershirt with navy blue pants and brown boots creates a cozy and fashionable autumn look. Whether dressing up or down, a light gray shirt ensures a balanced and sophisticated outfit.

 

6. Patterned Shirt

If you want to add personality to your outfit, a patterned shirt is a great choice with various types of pants. Patterns such as checks, plaids, or microprints work exceptionally well with navy blue pants. A white shirt with subtle blue patterns creates a stylish contrast without being too bold.

For a more formal approach, opt for a patterned shirt with a faint gingham checkered shirt. Pair it with navy trousers and leather dress shoes for a refined, office-ready look.

For a more casual approach, try a floral or polka dot patterned shirt with navy khakis. These prints add a playful touch to your outfit, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings, vacations, or date nights. When wearing patterned shirts, it’s essential to balance the rest of the outfit with a solid-colored tie and shoes.

A patterned shirt paired with the right jacket can add just the right amount of flair while maintaining a structured look. Avoid overly loud or clashing prints, as they can overpower the outfit and make it look busy rather than stylish.

 

7. Navy Blue Shirt

Wearing a navy blue shirt with navy blue pants can create a sleek, monochromatic look when styled correctly. To pull off this outfit, opt for a shirt in a slightly different shade than the pants to add subtle contrast.

A lighter royal blue shirt with dark navy trousers and brown or oxblood leather shoes can create a refined and intentional appearance. This combination works well in formal settings when paired with a coordinating blazer or a statement belt to break up the uniformity.

For a more casual take, a navy polo or chambray button-down with navy chinos can create an effortlessly stylish weekend look. The key to making a monochrome outfit work is incorporating different fabrics and accessories to add depth.

A leather strap watch, contrasting belt, or suede shoes can bring visual interest while maintaining a cohesive style. If the look feels too uniform, layering with a gray or beige blazer can introduce an extra dimension without disrupting the navy aesthetic.

 

8. Burgundy Shirt

A burgundy shirt paired with navy blue pants creates a rich and sophisticated look, perfect for winter outfits. The deep, warm tones of burgundy complement the cool, dark navy, making this combination particularly striking.

A burgundy dress shirt tucked into navy trousers with a brown leather belt and matching shoes exudes confidence and refinement. This pairing works well for business-casual settings and gala dinners where you want to stand out without being overly bold.

For a casual yet put-together outfit, consider a burgundy Henley or Oxford shirt with navy chinos. This pairing looks great with chukka boots or leather sneakers, depending on the level of formality desired.

Layering with a wool coat can add an extra touch of elegance while keeping the look seasonally appropriate. Burgundy is an excellent color choice for those looking to introduce more depth and warmth into their navy blue ensembles.

 

9. Olive Green Shirt

An olive green shirt is an underrated yet stylish pairing with navy blue pants. The earthy tones of olive green create a natural contrast against navy, giving off a rugged yet sophisticated appeal. A slim-fit olive dress shirt paired with navy dress pants and dark brown or black belt can create a distinguished look ideal for job fairs or evening outings.

The muted green provides just enough contrast without overpowering the richness of navy blue, making it a balanced and refined choice.

For a relaxed, everyday outfit, an olive green button-up or Henley shirt with navy chinos and slip-on shoes offers a laid-back yet fashionable aesthetic.

This color combination works especially well in fall and winter, as it pairs effortlessly with earth-toned outerwear such as mohair coats or leather jackets. If you're looking for a more modern twist, try rolling up the sleeves and accessorizing with a leather watch or bracelet to add character to the outfit.

 

10. Black Shirt

While some may hesitate to pair black with navy, the blue suit black shirt combination can be incredibly sleek when styled properly. A black dress shirt with navy dress pants creates a modern, streamlined look that works particularly well for creative black tie attire.

The key to making this combination work is ensuring a well-fitted silhouette and choosing high-quality fabrics to maintain a polished appearance. Black dress shoes or dark brown leather shoes can complete the ensemble without disrupting the balance of the outfit.

For a more relaxed yet edgy vibe, a black polo or fitted black button-up shirt with navy chinos can create an effortlessly stylish casual outfit. White sneakers or Chelsea boots can add a contemporary touch while maintaining the dark, moody aesthetic.

If layering, a charcoal blazer or dark gray coat can help bridge the contrast between the two dark hues, preventing the outfit from feeling too heavy. Despite its unconventional nature, the black and navy pairing exudes confidence and modern sophistication.

 

11. Mustard Yellow Shirt

For those looking to add a pop of color, a mustard yellow shirt with navy blue pants creates a bold yet well-balanced look.

The warm golden hues of mustard complement the cool undertones of navy, making this combination visually appealing, especially with matching yellow socks.

A mustard dress shirt with navy trousers and brown or burgundy shoes offers a standout ensemble suitable for creative workplaces, autumn outfits, or stylish casual outings.

 

12. Denim Shirt

A denim shirt with navy blue pants is a stylish and contemporary pairing that blends casual and refined elements. The key to making this combination work is selecting a denim shirt in a lighter wash to create contrast against the darker navy pants.

A light blue denim button-up tucked into navy chinos with a brown leather belt and boat shoes offers a relaxed yet sophisticated look that is perfect for weekend outings or smart-casual settings.

For a more laid-back approach, an untucked denim shirt with navy joggers or tapered chinos can create a modern, effortless style.

White sneakers or desert boots enhance the casual vibe, while rolled-up sleeves and minimal accessories keep the outfit relaxed and stylish.

 

Final Thoughts

Navy blue pants are an essential wardrobe staple that can be effortlessly styled with a variety of shirt colors to create classic and contemporary looks. Whether you're dressing for a formal event, a casual outing, or a business-casual setting, the versatility of navy pants allows you to experiment with different hues and patterns.

From the timeless elegance of a white shirt to the bold appeal of mustard yellow, each pairing with navy pants offers a unique aesthetic that enhances your overall style.

Understanding how to balance colors, textures, and accessories ensures that your navy pants outfit remains polished and well-coordinated.

 

FAQs about How to Pair with Navy Pants

What color shirt can you wear with navy blue?

Navy blue is a versatile color that pairs well with a variety of shirt colors. Classic choices for navy blue pants include white and light blue for a timeless, polished look, while pastel shades like pink, lavender, or mint green add personality to your navy pants.

earth tones such as beige and olive can create a refined appearance to navy pants, whereas bolder colors like burgundy can make a stylish statement.

What colors to avoid with navy blue?

While navy blue pants are quite adaptable, certain colors may not complement it as well. Black can sometimes create a harsh contrast that feels too heavy with navy pants, while dark brown may blend too closely without enough distinction.

Bright neon colors can clash with the depth of navy blue pants, and some shades of dark purple don't offer enough contrast with navy pants, making the overall look appear muddled.

What color shirt to wear with navy blue pants and brown shoes?

A white or light blue dress shirt is a foolproof choice when wearing navy blue pants with brown shoes, as it maintains a clean, balanced look. Soft pastels like pale pink or light lavender also work well with navy blue pants, adding a bit of warmth and personality.

If you want a more relaxed or business-casual feel, opt for an earth-toned shirt like beige with navy pants to create a sophisticated contrast.

What dress shirt goes with navy dress pants?

For a classic and professional ensemble, a crisp white dress shirt is the best match for navy pants. Light blue offers a slightly softer yet still refined alternative, while pastel colors like pink or lilac can add a modern touch to navy pants.

If you're looking for a bit of pattern with navy pants, a striped or checked shirt in complementary shades can add depth without overwhelming the look.