Maroon and navy blue are both classic, sophisticated colors that can look beautiful when paired together in an outfit. However, it’s important to pay attention to the undertones and shades of each color to make sure they complement each other.
The Color Theory Behind Maroon and Navy Blue
In color theory, maroon is considered a warm, reddish shade that has undertones of red and brown. Navy blue, on the other hand, is a cooler toned blue with subtle hints of green or purple undertones. Warm and cool colors can work well together in a color palette, creating a nice balance and visual contrast.
However, the specific shades and tones of maroon and navy blue you choose will impact how cohesively they pair together. For example, a bright, warm maroon with orange undertones would clash next to a cool-toned navy with strong purple hints. But a more muted, earthy maroon with brown undertones could complement a mid-range navy blue nicely.
Factors to Consider When Combining Maroon and Navy Blue
Here are some key factors to keep in mind when styling an outfit with maroon and navy blue:
- Undertones – Matching the undertones will create a more cohesive, harmonious look. Go for maroons with subtle brown, burgundy or brick-red undertones rather than bright orangey shades. For navy blue, moderate tones work better than extremely cool shades with bold purple undertones.
- Shade Variation – Stick to the same shade family, like pairing a lighter maroon with a lighter navy blue for visual cohesion. Combining a very light maroon with a very dark navy risks looking disjointed.
- Texture – Interesting textures like velvet, corduroy, wool and satin can help marry the colors together. Matte textures may also tone down the vibrancy for a more subtle look.
- Accessories – Accessories like shoes, jewelry, bags and scarves in complementary metallic shades like gold and bronze help tie the navy and maroon together.
- Proportion – Use one color more dominantly in an outfit than the other. For example, wearing a maroon top with navy pants or a navy dress with maroon shoes.
Do Maroon and Navy Blue Match in Men’s Fashion?
Maroon and navy blue can work well together in men’s fashion when styled appropriately. Here are some examples of maroon and navy combinations:
- A maroon sweater over a navy button-down shirt and jeans
- A navy blazer with tan pants and maroon tie
- Maroon chinos with a navy polo shirt
- A navy suit with a maroon pocket square
Stick to muted, earthy shades of maroon and mid-range shades of navy when coordinating. Bright maroons with bold orange undertones tend to clash with navy in men’s outfits. Also aim for navy blues with subtle green or gray undertones over shades with strong purple hints.
Do Maroon and Navy Blue Match in Women’s Fashion?
Maroon and navy blue can also create polished looks in women’s fashion. Here are some examples of how to mix and match maroon and navy for women:
- A maroon wrap dress with navy heels and clutch
- Navy cigarette pants with a maroon blouse and cropped jacket
- A navy peacoat over a maroon sweater dress and tights
- Maroon skinny jeans with a navy button-down blouse
The colors pair well when using maroon as a pop of color against more neutral navy pieces. Strategic accessorizing with shoes, handbags and scarves can tie the palette together. As with men’s fashion, aim for muted maroon shades and avoid bright, orangey tones next to navy.
Home Decor Color Schemes with Maroon and Navy Blue
Maroon and navy blue translate well from fashion into home decor. Here are some tips for decorating with maroon and navy:
- Paint walls navy and use maroon in upholstery, pillows and rugs as accents
- Choose a maroon sofa or armchair and hang navy artwork above it
- Style a maroon quilt or blanket on a navy bed
- Alternate maroon and navy strips on curtains or use maroon curtain tie-backs on navy drapes
- Incorporate muted maroon flowers and foliage in a navy vase
Avoid bright, heavily saturated shades and opt for muted tones. Brown-undertoned maroons complement navy with subtle green/gray undertones best for home decor palettes. Use texture and metallics like bronze and gold to marry the colors together in a room.
Conclusion
Maroon and navy blue can pair beautifully together in both fashion and home decor when styled with attention to undertones, shades and proportions. Aim for muted, earthy maroons with subtle brown undertones and mid-range navy blues with slight green/gray hints. Accessories like shoes and jewelry help marry the palette together, as do interesting textures like velvet and wool. Use one color dominantly and the other as accents for best results. With the right shades and styling, maroon and navy blue create a sophisticated, polished color combination.