Anything black can do, navy blue can do too. Dare we say it? Beloved for its timeless, chic sensibilities, black will always have a role in style and fashion, but navy’s fresh appeal is giving black the nudge lately. From the runway to kitchen, navy blue is proving again and again to be just as classic, sophisticated and versatile as black—only with a rich, unexpected twist. Le Creuset’s newest color release, Matte Navy, is a sleek take on this timeless navy blue. Our version is a deep, saturated blue—a color reminiscent of distant shores and crisp, tailored blazers—finished with a flat, matte texture that exudes fashionable confidence. But we’re not the only ones to explore navy in place of black. As we see this rich blue hue pop up in kitchens and wardrobes everywhere these days, we’re reminded why navy blue never goes out of style.
Shop Matte Navy
Traditionally Fashionable
Black may reign as queen of fashion, but navy blue’s place in the style canon is firmly cemented.
Best known for the quintessential navy blazer, navy walks the line between approachability and formality, making it the ideal choice for all kinds of occasions. And it’s this balance that makes navy such a compelling color, especially when chosen in place of black.Stylish without being stiff, timeless but always on-trend, navy has a surprising ability to bring instant sophistication to any room or runway. Try it for yourself by swapping in hints of navy blue when you might typically reach for black: a navy handbag, a navy suit, a lampshade. Like black, navy’s appeal has held constant over the passage of time, so you won’t have to worry about chasing a short-lived trend. In your wardrobe or on your kitchen stove, navy blue will look as fresh and fashionable twenty years from now as it does today.
"The deepest blues provide an intriguing alternative to black and a well-used blue is a true stroke of confidence."
Hannah Yeo
Color & Design Expert
Benjamin Moore Paints
Enduringly Versatile
Let’s set the record straight: navy blue is the true universally flattering color. The deep blue shade can lean warm or cool-toned, so it complements a vast range of complexions and plays well with virtually every color in the rainbow. Navy blue brings out the best in pinks of every shade. Navy blue perfectly complements crisp white—hello, iconic Breton stripes. Now picture navy blue with sunny yellow or radiant orange…absolutely invigorating. In fact, navy blue can even tango with black for an ultra-chic style statement.
Enduringly versatile as it is, navy truly enhances or complements colors across the spectrum, making it a great choice to freshen up your look at home this season. Pair our Matte Navy with warm, bright colors like Flame and it will ground and balance the hot hues with a confident energy. Or, use it to accentuate cool tones like Sea Salt and create a layered, calming and expansive visual effect. For a quieter approach, complement Matte Navy with a creamy neutral like Meringue. The navy and cream duo is a traditional classic that will never look dated or tired.
Maybe you’ll never fully replace black in your repertoire, but there’s never been a better time to make room for navy. It brings a rich, sophisticated tradition of style all its own.
