Blue is a natural color that represents every possible weather condition from the deep navy blue of the night sky to the bright Caribbean blue and the gentle tones of blue-grey. The many shades of blue have typically been worn separate, but with the current trend towards mixing prints, patterns and color, you can forget segregation of hues.
Keep the shade of blue that looks best with your skin tone closest to your face and remember the rule of three. If you are going to mix and match hues, it is best to make it look intentional by pulling together three distinct pieces rather than two; accent with a touch of turquoise, or slip on a pair of silvery blue sandals.
Color blocking with blue, and blue
The wave of available shades of blue make it an ideal color to use in color blocking. Normally a color blocked outfit includes sharply contrasting colors like neon green and navy, or black and white, but a blue on blue color blocked outfit offers a sophisticated twist. Pairing a royal blue pencil skirt with a shimmery light blue blouse creates contrast and then finish the mod-inspired look with a blue belt in a different shade and a fun pair of Jessica Simpson blue heels.
Nothing drab about a blue based monochromatic look
A simple black dress with black heels is far too safe. Instead choose your favorite, most flattering shade of blue. A blue sheath dress with nude heels may be just as simple, but it is a much fresher way to approach this look. In the same way a pair of tailored blue shorts along with a fitted blue blazer can be combined to create a professional short set that eases its way into the office.
Harmonize blue hues for a calming style
Blue-greens such as teals and turquoise harmonize beautifully with shades of blue. The perfect place to relax into the many shades of cool blue is by the pool. For example, consider pairing a turquoise bikini with a blue cover-up and then add a pair of embellished sandals like these Cuff T-strap shoes covered in seed beads.
Denim decisions
Blue denim accurately describes a variety of shades of blue from very dark to nearly white. Wearing blue with blue is easy to do when you start with denim shorts. These lightweight dark denim shorts from Lacoste are the perfect base for a blue on blue outfit. For example add a white t-shirt layered with a blue scarf and blue ballet flats. You can also change it up with a blue floral blouse and leather sandals.
More by Sylvie Branch:
Tie-Waist Pants: Cool and Comfortable Looks for Summer
Summer paisley is taking over where animal prints left off
3 fresh ways to wear a denim skirt
