This debate is one of the longest-running in fashion discussion. Think the fashion worlds equivalent of Britney vs. Christina among tweens. It is a topic that automatically brings people to their edge of the seats, often inciting a flow of conviction, sometimes to the extent of ignoring copious amounts of sweat even in a 100% silk taffeta Prada dress. I am referring to the debate as to whether navy (or brown) and black – together - is a fashion statement or a fashion disaster. For such a pretty subject, it can get quite ugly…
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Credit: Style.com (except last); Versace F/W, Salma Hayek in Prada, Balenciaga F/W, The Sartorialist
Long thought of as a fashion Don’t, the navy-blue combo has, in my opinion, been slowly emerging from beneath a cloud of doubt. Like the “rule” of matching your shoes to your bag, I thoroughly believed this paradigm had been tossed out like last year’s mukluks. If not, I would expect this to be, at a minimum, commonly accepted by my more fashionable friends. Much to my surprise, however, some of them still refuse to wear this combo.
When questioned, I am often given the response that, ” It looks like you tried to match, but failed.” Frankly, I don’t buy this argument. Here are some reasons why I believe this argument is about as valid as anything George W. says about politics.
1. If this were true, how do you explain tone-on-tone neutrals? Beige and sand don’t exactly match either.
2. For every shade of navy available, there seems to be 263383 shades of black. I think it is 100 times easier to find a complementing navy top to match a pair of black slacks than to have to find a matching shade of black.
3. Have you never worn a black top with a pair of dark jeans?
In spite of my arguments, I am sure that there are some of you out there that will take this to the grave. But hey, this is fashion, and everyone is entitled to their own opinion. This also explains why I still have to read reviews of Heatherette.
I hate brown and black together, it’s a travesty.