When I was in college, I was asked (read: forced) to wear navy during one round of sorority recruitment. I landed on a silky jumpsuit that I wore exactly once, and then swiftly sold online. Looking back a decade later, I should have found more joy in stepping out of my shell, color-wise, and not be so set in my native New York ways. I've been committed to all-black outfits pretty much my whole life. However, that might finally be changing.
Lately, I've found navy making a strong comeback in my winter wardrobe. (Trust me, I'm shocked.) I'm not alone in this journey—2026 is already shaping up to be the year of blue: Fashion Editor Lauren Tappan dubbed cool blue as the neutral of the year, and I've been keeping tabs on cobalt blue as a need-to-know shade since last spring. It leans into the return of preppy fashion, and pairs perfectly with Pantone's previous two colors of the year, Cloud Dancer (a creamy off-white) and Mocha Mousse (a perfected brown). It also works really well with brighter shades like fuchsia and fire-engine red, and is the perfect backdrop for silver accessories.
While I figure out whether navy is the new back in my closet, I rounded up enough finds from Mango, Zara, and H&M to make a strong case.
The same goes for this sweater vest/button-down combo.
I need to bring more shape into my go-to winter rotation, so this slightly fitted version is perfect.
I would wear this buttoned all the way up for a dressy denim-on-denim vibe.
I already own this jacket in black, and I'm planning on buying it in blue, too.
Track pants are my favorite denim alternative.
I would layer this over a black turtleneck now and wear it on its own come summer.
Someone please buy this silky top and the matching trousers for me.
Found: the perfect work dress.
Channel your inner finance bro and embrace pinstripes.
Play with sheer textures by layering this dress over a contrasting bralette.
If you have a winter wedding coming up, you need this dress.
