It’s a common fashion dilemma – can you pair a black jacket with blue pants? Or does mixing these dark neutrals create a fashion faux pas? The answer is not as simple as yes or no. When styled thoughtfully, black jackets and blue pants can look quite chic. However, there are a few guidelines to follow to pull off this combination successfully.
The General Rule
As a general rule, black jackets and blue pants work well together if the shades are complementary. Pairing a true navy blue with black is foolproof. However, lighter shades of blue may clash with black. For best results, stick to dark charcoal grey or black jackets with mid to dark blue pants.
Here are some tips for wearing black jackets with blue pants stylishly:
- Match the formality – A casual denim jacket looks out of place with dress trousers. Opt for a blazer, suit jacket or leather jacket instead.
- Mind the fit – Both pieces should fit well to look sharp. Oversized boxy jackets and baggy pants don’t complement each other.
- Create balance – If one piece is slim fit, balance it out with a looser silhouette on the other piece.
- Repeat colors – Bring the look together by repeating blue in your shirt or tie.
- Add contrast – Prevent the outfit from feeling flat by layering on whites, tans or lighter shades.
Do’s and Don’ts
Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when pairing black jackets and blue pants:
Do:
- Do choose a dark navy, royal blue, or midnight blue for pants.
- Do pick jackets and pants in complementary silhouettes.
- Do add lighter layers on top to brighten up the outfit.
- Do accessorize with brown leather shoes and belts.
- Do opt for crisp white or light blue shirts.
Don’t:
- Don’t wear faded black jackets or pants.
- Don’t pair loose baggy pants with an oversized boxy jacket.
- Don’t wear light wash denim jackets with dress pants.
- Don’t choose a bright turquoise or powder blue pant.
- Don’t overload on too many colors and patterns.
Outfit Ideas
Here are some stylish outfit ideas combining black jackets and blue pants for men:
Business Casual Outfits
- Navy chinos, black blazer, light blue dress shirt, brown loafers
- Dark wash jeans, black leather jacket, white T-shirt, Chelsea boots
- Chambray shirt, black bomber jacket, navy pants, white sneakers
Smart Casual Outfits
- Black suit jacket, blue trousers, crisp white shirt, blue tie, oxfords
- Grey wool blazer, navy pants, light sweater, brown brogues
- Black leather jacket, dark jeans, blue OCBD, desert boots
Casual Outfits
- Black denim jacket, blue jeans, white tee, black sneakers
- Black hoodie, navy joggers, tan suede boots
- Black bomber, mid blue chinos, striped tee, white trainers
Guidelines for Women
The guidelines for women pairing black jackets with blue bottoms are similar:
- Match tones and formality
- Mind the fit – tailored pieces look best
- Create balance with loose and fitted silhouettes
- Add lighter pieces on top to brighten up the look
- Repeat blue shades in other pieces
- Add contrast with prints, textures and accessories
Do’s include opting for dark navy, royal blue, and indigo bottoms. Don’ts are mixing faded black with bright blues and wearing baggy or ill-fitting pieces.
Here are some stylish outfit ideas for women:
Workwear Outfits
- Black blazer, navy trousers, white blouse, black heels
- Black suit jacket, blue pencil skirt, silky camisole, pumps
- Grey wool blazer, dark wash jeans, crisp white tee, booties
Daytime Outfits
- Black denim jacket, blue skinny jeans, striped tee, white sneakers
- Leather moto jacket, royal blue sun dress, booties
- Black trench coat, indigo jeans, tan sweater, loafers
Night Out Outfits
- Black crop top, midnight blue skirt, strappy heels
- LBD, navy blazer, nude pumps
- Satin cami, leather leggings, black heel booties
Tips for Different Body Types
Certain silhouettes and styles work especially well for different body types when pairing black jackets with blue bottoms. Here are some tips:
Pear body type:
- Balance broad shoulders with straight leg or bootcut pants
- Choose an A-line jacket that cinches at waist
- Wear dark pants and lighter jacket for proportion
Apple body type:
- Opt for slim cut pants to balance fuller midsection
- Wear longer jackets that hit at mid-thigh
- Look for shoulder pads to add structure
- Deflect from middle with darker pants
Hourglass body type:
- Accentuate your curves with fitted pieces
- Choose structured jackets to highlight waist
- Balance voluptuous lower half with cropped jacket
- Show off legs with shorts or skinny pants
Rectangle body type:
- Create curves with bootcut, flared or wide leg pants
- Add ruffles, flounces and feminine details
- Cinch waist with belts or fitted jackets
- Soften silhouette with an A-line jacket
Conclusion
Pairing black jackets with blue pants can be stylish when done correctly. The key is choosing complementary shades and silhouette shapes. Darker blue tones work best and adding lighter layers on top creates dimension. Tailor the look to flatter your body type. With the right combination of colors, fits and accents, you can look polished and put together in black and blue.
| Dos | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Match tones and formality | Mix faded black with bright blues |
| Mind the fit | Wear baggy, shapeless silhouettes |
| Balance loose and fitted shapes | Overload on colors and prints |
| Repeat blue shades | Pair dressy jackets with casual pants |
| Add lighter layers | Stick to all black with no contrast |
