Denim at work, Navy edition
In the Outfit Memo: Navy + Black Leather, we established a disciplined formula with navy pieces anchored by sharp black leather elements. The result was streamlined, controlled, and office-appropriate without being boring. For casual days, we continue the same logic with dark blue denim, with the following formula.
1. The dark blue denim base
Denim may currently lean oversized and pooling. For work, we refine it and scale it down to a more fitted cut but still long and straight, checking the following marks: dark blue denim (clean, no distressing), straight and full-length (long enough to cover the pumps). This creates a neutral authority canvas. The denim reads polished, not relaxed.
(Maestra favorite: Victoria Beckham)
2. The black pumps anchor
Pair the jeans with black pointed pump to elongate and elevate, mid or high heel depending on personal comfort. Why black? Black creates a deliberate interruption in the navy column. Matte or patent, black pumps sharpen the look. They prevent tonal navy from becoming timid and bland. The pump is not neutral here. It is the anchor. More black pumps here.
3. The defining Navy blazer
The blazer is the only variable. Same navy. Different cut. Different message.
This is what determines how you show up — depending on mood, room, and role.
Nothing visible underneath. No blouse. No knit. No layering. The absence of a visible top keeps the silhouette architectural and prevents the look from drifting into “styled.” With single-breasted cuts, we particularly like a button stance that sits higher on the torso — closing closer to the neck. It sharpens the line and immediately increases authority, regardless of the blazer’s shape. And speaking of buttons: keep them navy on navy. Matching buttons streamline the look and eliminate unnecessary contrast. All navy blazers options here.
Cinch-waist ladylike blazer.
For deliberate femininity
Hourglass blazer.
For unapologetic sculptural authority
Double-breasted blazer.
For tailored authority with a masculine edge
Single-breasted blazer.
For modern, no-nonsense leadership
4. Accessorize
Keep the palette disciplined. With navy + black, we see two clear directions:
Cool.
Add silver-tone jewelry and muted tones for nails. The clean metal and restrained polish keep the look sharp and modern. This is currently the most popular styling trend.
More silver-tone earrings here,
Warm.
Add gold-tone jewelry and dark aubergine nails for deeper accents and subtle warmth without softening authority.
More gold-tone earrings here.
More OUTFIT MEMOS | Navy
