Tuesday, March 13, 2012

the unexpected color combination experiment: blue + black

I still remember in high school when I was ignorant to fashion (and many other things) and was convinced that if I wore blue I had to pair it with brown. I have no idea why. The fact of the matter is, black is a neutral and can be paired with any color. Black and blue, my friends, is a beautiful pairing and the first combination to be explored in the unexpected color combination experiment.


Results. Truth: black and blue go together. In fact, I may even like blue paired with black more than blue paired with brown. This color combination is unexpectedly modern and sophisticated. 

I would recommend keeping the rest of your outfit simple, and really play up the unique color pairing. For example, anything other than black pumps with this outfit would have made the entire thing look a bit unorganized. Keeping the tights, cardigan, and shoes solid black really made this outfit work.

Figure. Black next to potential blue choices: royal blue; powder blue; navy blue.

I prefer pairing vibrant blues with black, but any color blue will work. For example, a soft, powder blue looks lovely next to black. Even navy blue will work pending it is done thoughtfully. Again, the key is keeping it simple and intentional.


Brace yourselves, dear readers, for this unexpectedly paired outfit received a compliment. Yes, a co-worker told me, "cute outfit!" The impossible does happen. And, I agree with my kind co-worker, I loved wearing this outfit. I felt confident, modern, and fashionable.


In conclusion, black and blue is a perfectly beautiful, unexpected, and modern color combination. Stay tuned for three more outfits for the unexpected color combination experiment.

30 comments:

  1. I love your outfit. The shade of blue you're wearing is really nice; I tend to overstuff my wardrobe with navy blue though.

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    1. thanks lyn! i actually have a ton of blue, but this shade is among my favorites!

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  2. adorable!! I've always liked blue + black, though I agree that the vibrant blues work much better....they're happier in any case :). The grey tones in your outfit also accent that color combo really well!!

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  3. you so fly. you look great!

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    1. haha thanks sarah. that means a lot coming from you since you are quite the fashionista yourself!

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  4. You have significantly stepped up your fashion game since leaving USC. :-)

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    1. yeah, right? jeans and t-shirts reserved for the weekend now. amazing what having a real job will do. :)

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  5. I like blue and black too, in fact I am wearing those colors right now! The gray adds a nice touch as well.

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  6. Ooh, I love the cobalt shirt. You're right - it looks awesome with black!

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  7. Cute cute outfit! Love the skirt and the color combo.

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    1. thanks, madison! skirt is from Loft (just in case you wanted one yourself )

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  8. So office chic! I love blue and black together - and I'm a fan of Loft too ;) We don't have it in Canada but every time I'm over the border I hit one up!

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    1. haha oh yeah i keep forgetting how your choices are limited - or i guess just different. Loft skirts fit me great!

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  9. I'm in love with that outfit! So cute. You definitely succeeded in pulling off black and blue. I wore a black tank top with a navy short sleeve cardigan with navy jeans, black belt, and black sandals and it was actually really cute!

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  10. I remember the days when black and navy were a big no no! I love the combination and that outfit is really cute :)

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    1. i know. i remember it being this really strict rule in my head. funny how things change.

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  11. I love all your experiments! :)
    I love the black and blue combo but dont think I could pull it off like you can!

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    1. i'm glad you like them shannon! im sure you would look great in black and blue!

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  12. Gorgeous! I like black and blue salads too! And bruises are black and blue. I think they were meant to go together!

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    1. thanks pj! black and blue were just meant to be, weren't they? :)

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  13. Black and blue are a perfect match. I love the outfit! It looks gorgeous on you :]

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  14. i love blue and black together and i love that you added the gray, too. this outfit looks fabulous on you!

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  15. After reading this post this morning, I arrived at my first class to see my professor wearing a blue shirt with a black sweater over it! She looked cute...but I like your outfit even better!
    Can't wait to see the next color combo!

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  16. THANK YOU! I love blue and black together! I wore a royal blue dress with a black cardigan for a presentation last week and got compliments on it! I don't like 'rules' about colors...fashion has no rules ;p

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