Not a Fashion Bruise- The Elegance of Black and Blue

4/2/2015

Following my previous post- Myth Busting -Yes, you can wear blue with blue jeans! - I received lots of comments and questions regarding wearing black and blue together.

I was quite surprised. I had no idea so many people feel so strongly about not wearing black with blue.

I would never hesitate to wear them together. In fact, I strive to create outfits that contain these two most awesome wardrobe basics!

As a kid, I don't know that I paired black with blue. I am certain that on some playground in my youth, I heard someone say that wearing the two colors together resulted in a bruise...but the idea didn't stick with me.

Fast forward to my retail days...

Black and blue, especially navy blue, were often used together by my favorite designers. I viewed collections from Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent and Armani and others... all showing a spectacular mixing of black and blue.

I learned to watch for this sophisticated color combination. I encouraged my clients to practice this magical union in their wardrobes. I found myself mixing my basic blacks and blues quite frequently and easily. These two colors play well together!

The resulting look can be chic and European
or laid-back and American-made.

French Vogue's Editor-in-chief, Emmanuelle Alt

Style 'it' girl, Alexa Chung

Chic on the streets of Paris

Below is my personal style idol....

Inès de la Fressange

She does black and blue...so well.
Très français.

Several women told me they have a "pet peeve" about their man wearing black with blue...

While I don't usually post about men's style... I want to include your other half.

Black and blue on men is classic and elegant. It can also be urban and rugged.

Not too shabby, huh?

If you'd like to give it a go...

You can ease into wearing black with blue.

Start by pairing your favorite blue jeans with a black blouse or sweater and black shoes.

Since summer is just ahead, why not consider a blue tee or tank, a black skirt and black sandals?

Honestly, this combo is timeless and good-looking. And even better, it's basically effortless.

Black and blue. How simple.

Most of us have pieces in our wardrobes that are solid black and solid blue.

It won't hurt to try them together!

Show me your fashion bruises! Please email me photos of your own black and blue experiment.
Or tag me on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

Thanks for reading.

xo
Kristen