Style Guide: Navy Dresses For Weddings

how to wear a navy blue dress for wedding

Navy blue is a versatile and elegant colour for a wedding guest outfit, and with the right accessories, you can create a stylish look. The key is to strike a balance with your accessories, ensuring you don't clash colours or upstage the couple getting married. You can pair a navy blue dress with contrasting colours like yellow, red, orange, or coral, or opt for a more subtle approach with nudes, beiges, and champagnes. When it comes to shoes, nude heels or pumps are a safe choice, but you can also experiment with coloured heels or metallic shoes. Jewellery-wise, pearls, silver, and gold all complement navy blue well, adding either a cool, sophisticated touch or a warm, rich contrast.

Characteristics Values
Colour Navy blue is a stylish, timeless, and elegant colour choice for a wedding.
Fabric Luxe materials such as satin, crepe, or chiffon are recommended for formal weddings. Velvet and lace are suitable for winter weddings. Silk or satin are ideal for summer weddings.
Style Midi dresses, 90s-inspired slip dresses, and A-line silhouettes are popular choices.
Accessories Contrasting colours such as red, orange, yellow, or coral add a bold statement. Animal print bags, silver or diamond earrings, necklaces, and delicate bracelets are also good choices.
Shoes Nude heels or pumps create an elongating effect. Metallic shoes, such as gold or silver, add a touch of sparkle. Coloured heels in red, pink, or yellow can make an exciting contrast.
Jacket Denim jackets, blazers, leather moto jackets, and long bohemian-style cardigans can be paired with short or mid-length dresses. Faux fur jackets or oversized cardigans complement long dresses.

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Shoes: Nude heels or pumps are a versatile choice, but for a bolder look, opt for red, pink, or yellow

When it comes to shoes, nude heels or pumps are a safe and versatile choice, especially for formal weddings. They create a seamless, elongating effect on the legs and suit almost any wedding setting.

However, if you want to make a bolder statement, opt for coloured heels in red, pink, or yellow. These colours will create an exciting contrast against the dark navy dress. For a more casual wedding, swap stilettos for wedges or booties. You could also experiment with trend-forward styles like multicoloured shoes and lace-up metallic heels. If you're attending a summer wedding, sandals with satin bows or braided leather straps are a good option.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose shoes that you can comfortably wear for the entire event. Test them out beforehand, and if you're buying new shoes, allow enough time to break them in.

To complete the look, consider a functional handbag or clutch in a complementary colour. A bright-coloured purse can serve as a focal point, especially if your shoes or jewellery also feature this colour, creating a cohesive look.

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Jewellery: Silver, gold, rose gold, or pearls all complement navy blue

Jewellery is an essential part of accessorising a navy blue dress for a wedding. Silver, gold, rose gold, and pearls can all complement navy blue. Here are some tips on how to style them:

Silver Jewellery

Silver jewellery can add a cool, sophisticated touch to your navy blue dress. Consider pairing your dress with simple silver jewellery, such as small to medium-sized necklace, earrings, or a bracelet. Silver earrings or a necklace can be a good choice, especially if you plan to wear a simple, plain dress. A delicate bracelet can also be a beautiful addition without being too overwhelming.

Gold Jewellery

Gold jewellery can add warmth and richness to your outfit. Opt for small to medium-sized pieces, as large statement pieces might feel too gaudy for a wedding. A simple gold brooch, bracelet, or earrings can provide an elegant touch of glitz to your dark dress.

Rose Gold Jewellery

Rose gold jewellery is a great option if you prefer a more feminine appeal. Remember, when wearing metallic jewellery, it's best to not mix metals, so stick to one type of metal for your accessories.

Pearls

Pearls are a timeless and foolproof choice when accessorising a navy blue dress. Their white or cream hue beautifully contrasts with the deep blue, lending a touch of elegance to your outfit. Choose a pearl necklace, earrings, or bracelet for a classy and understated look.

Other Jewellery Considerations

When accessorising a navy blue dress for a wedding, you can also consider adding small jewels or beaded hair pins to your hairstyle, providing a delicate sparkle that complements your dress. Additionally, if you want to make a bold statement, you can opt for coloured jewellery or accessories in contrasting colours like red, orange, yellow, coral, or champagne.

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Handbags: A clutch or small handbag in a bright colour or metallic shade adds a sparkly touch

When it comes to accessorising a navy blue dress for a wedding, handbags can play a pivotal role in completing your look. A clutch or small handbag in a bright colour or metallic shade can add a sparkly touch to your outfit. If you're aiming for a traditional aesthetic, a clutch or small handbag is a good choice. On the other hand, if you're going for a more relaxed vibe, a tote bag or shoulder bag would be better suited.

For a formal wedding, a small clutch is a perfect accessory. You can opt for a metallic gold or silver clutch to add a sparkly touch. A cream or nude clutch can provide a softer contrast, while still maintaining the elegance of your navy blue dress. If you're feeling adventurous, a brightly coloured purse can serve as a focal point, especially if your shoes or jewellery incorporate this colour as well, creating a cohesive and stylish look.

If you're attending a less formal wedding, you can opt for a structured bag in a neutral or metallic shade. This combination of a structured bag with a navy blue dress is both stylish and practical. A silver purse, for instance, can be paired with matching silver jewellery, creating a sophisticated and elegant look. Alternatively, you can pair a colourful red, yellow, or green purse with jewellery that matches the hardware of the bag.

To truly make a statement, consider an animal print bag. Animal prints, from neutral snake prints to leopard prints, give a navy blue dress an edge. You can match a purse with animal prints to shoes that have similar tones. This unique combination will surely turn heads and make you stand out from the crowd.

Ultimately, the key to accessorising a navy blue dress is to stay true to your personal style and feel comfortable and confident. With a navy blue dress as your canvas, you have the freedom to play with colours and styles. So, whether you choose a bright-coloured clutch or a metallic handbag, make sure it reflects your joy and celebrates the joyous occasion of the wedding.

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Jackets: For a winter wedding, pair with a denim jacket, blazer, leather moto jacket, or long cardigan

A navy blue dress is a staple piece that can be styled in many ways. For a winter wedding, you can pair it with a jacket to stay warm and look stylish. Here are some jacket options to consider:

Denim Jacket

A denim jacket is a perfect pairing for a navy blue dress, especially if the dress is short or above the knee. The different texture and lighter shade of the denim will add dimension to your outfit and help shape your silhouette. You can go for a solid colour or a patterned denim jacket to add a unique twist to your look.

Blazer

A blazer is a versatile option that can be dressed up or down, depending on the style of the wedding. It adds a touch of sophistication to your outfit. You can also experiment with different colours and prints to find the perfect blazer to complement your dress.

Leather Moto Jacket

For a more edgy look, a leather moto jacket is a great choice. The contrast of the sleek, structured jacket with the flowy dress will create a stylish ensemble. The leather material will also help to keep you warm during the winter wedding.

Long Cardigan

A long bohemian-style cardigan can add a cosy and chic layer to your outfit. If you're attending a winter wedding, opt for a longer cardigan to provide more coverage and warmth. You can also style it with a belt to define your waist and add a touch of glamour.

When choosing a jacket to pair with your navy blue dress, feel free to experiment with different colours, prints, and textures to find the perfect combination that suits your taste and style.

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Belts: A statement belt can add glamour and define your waist

A statement belt can elevate your navy blue dress and accentuate your waist, creating a stylish silhouette. The right belt can add a touch of glamour to your outfit and make your overall look more sophisticated.

When selecting a belt, consider the style and material of your dress. A thin or wide belt can pair well with a simple, understated dress, while an embellished or beaded belt can add some sparkle and glamour to a plain navy blue dress. If your dress already has some embellishments or intricate details, opt for a simple belt to avoid overwhelming your outfit.

The formality of the wedding is another important factor to consider. For a formal or black-tie wedding, a wide or beaded belt can enhance the elegance of your look. For a casual or daytime wedding, a simple thin belt or a colourful sash can create a fun and playful vibe.

To create a cohesive and streamlined look, choose a belt that complements your dress's colour and style. A matching colour can unify your outfit, while a contrasting colour can add interest and make a statement. Additionally, consider the metal accents on your belt, such as the buckle or embellishments. Gold or silver belts can add a touch of shine and elegance to your outfit, especially when paired with matching jewellery or accessories.

Remember to strike a balance with your accessories when wearing a statement belt. Ensure that the belt remains the focal point, and avoid adding too many competing elements that may detract from its impact.

Frequently asked questions

Nude pumps or heels are a classic choice, creating a seamless, elongating effect on the legs. For a formal or black-tie affair, embrace a pared-down approach to accessories and opt for subdued shoe options. If you're attending a semi-formal wedding, you can go for strappy snakeskin-print block heels. If you're planning to dance the night away, flats are your best option. You can still keep the celebratory look with fun details like lace patterns or bejeweled toes. If the wedding is casual, swap your stilettos for wedges or booties.

Navy blue is a versatile and timeless colour, and with the right accessories, you can create a chic and elegant look. You can add a touch of glamour to your outfit with metallic, bejewelled accessories. If you want to add a pop of colour, consider red or yellow accessories. A clutch or small handbag will complement a traditional aesthetic. A slim, embellished belt can define your waist and add a touch of glamour. For a spring or summer wedding, consider accessorising your hair with fresh flowers that match your other accessories.

If your dress is short or mid-length, you can pair it with a denim jacket, a blazer, a leather moto jacket, or a long bohemian-style cardigan. If you have a long dress and are on the taller side, consider pairing it with a faux fur jacket or an oversized cardigan.

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