Navy blue is a versatile and timeless color that works well for both casual and formal events. It’s a great choice for a wedding guest dress. However, accessorizing a navy blue dress for a wedding does require some thought to ensure you are appropriately dressed for the occasion.
Consider the Wedding Formality
The most important factor in choosing accessories for your navy blue dress is the formality of the wedding. An outdoor daytime wedding in the park calls for more casual accessories than an ultra-formal black tie evening affair. Here are some tips on accessorizing based on the wedding formality:
- Beach casual/daytime casual wedding: Opt for wooden or shell jewelry, woven handbags or clutches, and casual shoes like sandals or wedges.
- Garden wedding/daytime semi-formal: Go for delicate jewelry like floral earrings and pearl necklaces, embroidered clutches, and low heels or dressy flat shoes.
- Evening semi-formal/black tie optional: Choose sparkling jewelry like crystal earrings and rhinestone bracelets, satin clutches, and heels in the 2 to 3 inch range.
- Formal/black tie wedding: Accessorize with your best jewelry pieces – think diamond earrings, gemstone necklaces, and elegant minaudières, plus 3 to 4 inch heels.
Metallic vs. Non-Metallic Accessories
Metallic shoes, bags, and jewelry can add nice pops of brightness to balance out the darker navy blue shade. However, be wary of choosing pieces that are too matchy-matchy. Mixing metals, like pairing gold earrings with a silver clutch, helps make your look more dynamic.
If you want to let the navy blue dress shine as the focal point, accessories in non-metallic materials like leather, suede, velvet, lace, or pearlized finishes can work beautifully. Stay away from black accessories with a navy dress, as this combo can look too harsh and heavy.
Jewelry for a Navy Dress
When it comes to jewelry, you’ll want pieces that either match the metallic or non-metallic finish of the other accessories you’ve chosen. Here are some stylish jewelry options to consider:
- Statement necklace: A big, bold necklace in materials like wood, acrylic, or glass makes the perfect accent for a solid navy dress.
- Layered necklaces: For a more delicate look, wear a few dainty chains in varying lengths, like a paperclip chain with a single pearl pendant.
- Dangly or chandelier earrings: These eye-catching earrings pair nicely with an updo hairstyle.
- Tennis bracelets: A line of sparkling crystals or gems looks elegant on the wrist.
- Cocktail rings: An oversized gemstone or pearl cocktail ring adds flair.
Choosing a Handbag
A navy blue dress gives you lots of options when selecting a handbag. Here are some stylish bag styles to consider:
- Embellished minaudière: A hard-case clutch covered in beads, sequins, or jewels makes a glamorous accent.
- Satin clutch: A sleek satin clutch in a color like champagne or blush is perfect for formal weddings.
- Beaded evening bag: A petite bag encrusted in beads or pearls is cute and dressy.
- Woven clutch: For daytime semi-formal weddings, a woven straw clutch adds nice texture.
If you’ll need your hands free to greet guests or dance, a wristlet or crossbody bag also works well. Just be sure to choose dressier materials like leather, velvet, or brocade.
Shoe Options for a Navy Dress
Footwear is one of the most important accessories for pulling your navy blue wedding guest look together. Consider heel height, color, and embellishments:
- Nude heels: Flesh-toned heels elongate the leg. Go for a 2 to 3 inch heel for a semi-formal look.
- Metallic (gold, silver, etc.) heels: Shimmering metallic heels dress up the look for formal weddings.
- Embellished heels or flats: Shoes covered in sparkling crystals, pearls, or bows add eye-catching detail.
- Blue shoes: Match your navy dress with navy blue heels or flats in a texture like velvet or suede.
Putting the Full Look Together
When accessorizing your navy blue dress, create visual balance by keeping the dress as the main focal point. Accessories should complement the dress rather than compete with it. Stay away from loud prints and overly bright colors.
It also helps to accessorize in groups of three. For example, wear a statement necklace, some sparkly bangles, and embellished heels. Or, opt for chandelier earrings, a beaded minaudière, and metallic strappy sandals. Grouping accessories creates a pulled-together, cohesive look.
Most importantly, choose accessories that reflect your personal style. The right combinations of jewelry, bags, and shoes can take a navy blue dress from simple to spectacular!
