Timeless Fashion: 10 Classic Navy Essentials That Never Go Out of Style

(ABOVE) Pictured here are eight of the 10 navy essentials I would want in a timeless wardrobe . Continue reading to find out what I believe are the remaining two essentials, plus photographs and shopping links.

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May 5, 2023 / Video Post Notes

10 NAVY ESSENTIALS THAT NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE

These Are 10 Navy Items I Would Choose; What About You?

With the approach of summer in Florida also comes hurricane season, which–ever since Irma (2017) and Ian (2022)–always has me contemplating what we would do if we lost our home and its contents. Everyone has their own idea about what they consider clothing “essentials”. For me, it is those individual pieces that each are an integral part of the foundation of an outfit–dressy, casual, or both. These clothing pieces are like the essential features of a house. Without windows, a roof, a kitchen or a bathroom, for example, I would not have a sensible, harmonious, and pleasing structure in which to live. The same applies to an outfit. Without classic outfit basics with which to work, I wouldn’t be able to create a sensible, harmonious, and pleasing outfit to wear.

In January, I published the post and video, Timeless Fashion: 10 Classic Wardrobe Essentials That Never Go Out of Style. In it I showed the pieces with which I would want to begin my wardrobe if I had to start all over again. Those 10 items were either black, white, or off-white.

Many women don’t like to wear black, or don’t think black looks good against their skin tone. I do like black, but I also am a fan of navy, which is a softer, less harsh option to black.  I love navy in particular for spring and summer, because it feels nautical. For all of these reasons, I decided to put together a selection of navy essentials that I think should be included in any basic foundation-pieces list. I show all of them below, plus several black accessories and winter-white tops that pair beautifully with the navy items I show.

Save And Extra 12% -15% Off at LilySilk

Several items in this post and video are from LilySilk, and as a thank you they are offering an opportunity to save anywhere from an extra 12% to an extra 15% off your purchase. For 12% off all purchases at LilySilk, use code JLJ12 at checkout. Or, for 15% off all purchases over $280.00 at LilySilk, use code JLJ15 at checkout. To ensure that you get the exact item I show, simply click on the item link I provide and then use one of my two discount codes.

By the way, If you’re looking for gift ideas, LilySilk is a good place to shop. They carry a large selection of silk or cashmere clothing, particularly ladies’ silk tops, but also accessories, pajamas, and bedding. What’s more, whether it is a gift for someone else or for yourself, all items from LilySilk arrive in gift boxes, wrapped in ribbon. This special extra touch always makes me feel so pampered.

I would love to know what you think. If you were starting all over with your wardrobe, what additional color to black would you choose? I look forward to hearing your feedback, because I love learning from all of you.

I hope Spring is going well for you so far.

Thank you so much for visiting my blog!

~ Janis

Janis Lyn Johnson
Classic-Style Lover. Happily Married. Born in 1960. Fan of Understated, Timeless Fashion and Healthy Living.
Editor
JLJBackToClassic

My Previous Posts:

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Vlog: SLG’s in My Louis Vuitton Trouville; Shirtdress OOTD; Lunch Campiello, Naples, FL
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Vlog: Fendi Selleria Mini Peekaboo, Tan Tunic Sweater, White Jeans OOTD; Lunch The 239, Naples, FL
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Vlog: Christian Dior Lady Dior Bag, Leopard Top, Ivory Trousers OOTD; Lunch Ridgway, Naples, FL
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Vlog: Louis Vuitton Vernis Alma BB, Pink Cardigan, Ruffle Blouse, Grey Pants OOTD; Lunch Sante Fe Cafe, Waterside Shops, Naples, FL
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Vlog: Louis Vuitton SLG’s in My Ralph Lauren RL Handbag; Striped Oxford Shirt, Ankle Jeans, Cardigan; Lunch Grain de Cafe, Naples, FL
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Timeless Fashion: 10 Classic Wardrobe Essentials That Never Go Out of Style
Blog Post, YouTube Video

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Scenes From The Video

#1

Navy Print Casual Top: Breton Tee

(ABOVE & BELOW) The Breton Tee. Size XXS. The Breton was first introduced in 1858 as part of the uniform for French Navy seamen. Coco Chanel thought it was perfect for her, too, and unveiled a women’s version in 1917 as part of her collection–its popularity continues to this day. My particular tee is guaranteed to block 98% of UVA/UVB rays (UPF 50+) and is made of 52% cotton, 43% bamboo viscose, and 5% elastane. I wear a Breton tee year-round–with everything from swimwear and shorts to dressy trousers and pencil skirts. I love this tee.

Breton Tee

#2

Navy Casual Pants: Chino Trousers

(ABOVE & BELOW) The Chino. Size 2. Chino trousers are a wonderful alternative to dark-wash and medium-wash jeans.  They are a casual pant, but they make an outfit more refined and polished than denim jeans, which is why they would be my first choice if I could have only one pair of casual navy pants. You can choose between a looser fit or slim fit. It’s up to you. If you are a casual person, you might prefer a relaxed fit. If you tend to be a bit dressy even on casual days, then choose a slim fit. These are a relaxed fit (and come in several different colors), but I also have slim fitting navy chinos, because I like to have both options. If you like the comfort and ease of a pull-on style, consider these Pull-On Chinos, which I featured in this post. They also are available in navy.

Navy (Indigo) Chinos, Relaxed Fit (available in a variety of colors)

Navy Chinos, Slim Fit

Pull-On Chinos (available in 6 colors, including navy)

 

#3

Navy Dressy Pants: Silk Trousers

(ABOVE & BELOW) Navy Silk Wide-Leg Pleated Trousers. Size 6 (c/o LilySilk). When I want to create a dressy outfit, the first thing I think of is my silk pieces. These trousers are grade 6A mulberry, which is the finest silk available. It has that pearly, glossy kind of finish only found in quality silk garments. Because they are made by LilySilk, the price is more reasonable without sacrificing quality. If I could have only one dressy navy item, it would be these trousers! I think they are absolutely gorgeous. They’re elegant, but so comfortable, and could be worn to the office with a blazer or cardigan, dressed up for a date night out, or dressed down with a white tee and navy or white sandals. I wanted a loser, flowing look in the legs, so I ordered a larger size (6) than I would normally. I was able to do that, because the back of the waist band is elasticized. If you are interested in these trousers, you might have a look at the sizing chart that LilySilk sent me below. I found it helpful, because it gives more details than the chart you will find on line.

NOTE: To receive an extra 12% off all purchases at LilySilk, use code JLJ12 at checkout. Or, to receive 15% off all purchases over $280.00 at LilySilk, use code JLJ15 at checkout.

Navy Silk Wide-Leg Pleated Trousers (back waistband elasticized, available in winter white and navy)

(ABOVE) Navy Silk Wide-Leg Pleated Trousers detailed sizing chart (centimeters). According to LilySilk, due to manual cutting, there is a tolerance of 2-4 cm between the actual length and the sizing chart.

 

#4

Navy Print Casual Skirt: Gingham A-Line Skirt

(ABOVE & BELOW) Navy Gingham A-Line Skirt. Size 2. When it came to choosing my fourth item, I considered a dress but, for me, a skirt is more versatile, as it cam be paired with a variety of tops to make it look like a completely different outfit each time. I also like to wear a skirt instead of shorts, because it’s more dressy and less restricting than shorts. Of course, I wanted a classic print and style, so it would be timeless, and that led me to this gingham A-line skirt. Understated navy and white prints like gingham are vibrant and eye catching without overshadowing the woman who wears them. This skirt is an A-line style, which means it’s fitted in the waist and gently flairs out from the top of the hips. Therefore, it’s easier to fit–unlike pencil skirts, which often I must have altered. NOTE: Misses: 20 1/2″; Petite: 19 1/2″; Plus: 22 1/2″; Plus Petite: 20 1/2″.

Navy Gingham A-Line Skirt

 

#5

Navy Sweater:  Crewneck Button-Front Cardigan

(ABOVE & BELOW) Navy Crewneck Cardigan. Size XS. When it comes to a layering piece, many women would choose a navy blazer, which is a smart idea. I have several, in fact. However, if I were starting over I would begin with a navy cardigan because it’s more feminine and more versatile. It can be worn so many different ways: draped over the shoulders, arms tied around the neck or waist, buttoned up on the front or turned around backwards so it looks like a pullover. It even can be worn with a formal ball skirt. A blazer just can’t do all of that–and it’s also more masculine. I do like that look occasionally, but not all the time. Here, I show two different styles: one that is a bit longer in length and is a more classic fit (like the one I’m wearing), and the other is shorter and more of a skinny/slim fit.

Navy Crewneck Cardigan (23″ length)

Navy Crewneck Cardigan (21″ length)

 

#6

Navy Casual Belt: Woven, Leather Trimmed Stretch Belt

(ABOVE & BELOW) Navy Woven Stretch Belt. My parents introduced me to this style of belt years ago for casual wear, and I have been a fan of it ever since. I have several versions of it, and show two of them below. With one, the metal-buckle tongue fits through holes in the leather trim. With the other, the metal-buckle tongue fits through stretch webbing, so one size fits all. It’s actually the one I prefer. However, I couldn’t find it on line with a gold buckle, like I have–only with a silver buckle–so for this post and video I wore my other one instead, since it is available.  I like the brown-leather trim on these belts, because I often wear brown-leather handbags with navy. This belt looks wonderful with white jeans and a navy top, dark-wash jeans and a white top, and much more. I so recommend it!

Navy Woven Stretch Belt (metal-buckle tongue fits through leather-trim holes)

Navy Woven Stretch Belt (metal-buckle tongue fits through stretch webbing)

 

#7

Navy Casual Shoe: Ballet Flats

(ABOVE & BELOW) Navy Smooth Leather Ballet Flats, Metal Detail. Size 10. I wear ballet flats when I want comfort and a cute, feminine but more casual look. I love loafers, but much like a blazer they create a masculine look–which I do love sometimes. More often, however, I want a softer polished look to my outfit and ballet flats offer that. They make the foot look pretty–no matter how big a foot you have (I wear size 10!). I have it in multiple colors and consider the navy ones an essential.

Navy Smooth Leather Ballet Flats, Metal Detail (memory-foam padding, ribbed insole)

Navy Smooth-Leather Ballet Flats (memory-foam padding, arch support)

Navy Stain-Resistant Suede and Smooth-Leather Ballet Flats (Insolia Flex® technology)

 

#8

Navy Dressy Shoe: Kitten-Heel Pumps

(ABOVE & BELOW) Navy Leather Kitten-Heel Slingback Pumps. Size 10. I wear kitten-heel slingbacks so often, because they are wonderful for lengthening the leg without sacrificing comfort. I easily walk in them, because the heel height is only two inches. Navy, black, and white are my most-worn pairs. I love, love, love them!

Navy Leather Kitten-Heel Slingback Pumps (more colors available)

 

#9

Navy Casual Handbag: Nylon and Leather Top-Handle Bag

(ABOVE & BELOW) Longchamp Small Le Pliage Original Top-Handle Bag. Longchamp is a leather-goods brand that was established in France in 1948. The Le Pliage handbag was introduced in 1993, and to this day is a popular, must-have classic around the world. It’s called Le Pliage–which means “folding”–because the bag folds up into a compact size, making it perfect for travel or for storage. It comes in several sizes and styles, as well as a wide selection of colors, including a design-your-own XS version ($335).  I’m tempted to purchase this particular bag one of these days, because of the additional/removable crossbody strap. Another navy option for summer, and one that works with both casual and dressy outfits, is a faux-raffia clutch. It’s adorable and is inexpensive–and a clutch will never go out of style.

Longchamp Small Le Pliage Original Top-Handle Bag ($125; more colors available)

Longchamp Design-Your-Own Le Pliage Bag ($335; shown is the xs crossbody top-handle mock-up I created on line)

faux-raffia clutch ($98)

 

#10

Navy Dressy Handbag: Navy Shoulder/Crossbody Gold-Chain Bag

(ABOVE & BELOW)  Salvatore Ferragamo Vara Bow Crossbody Bag (various colors/styles on sale here). I bought this saffiano-leather crossbody bag about 10 or so years ago, along with a matching, reversible (to black) leather belt. I love them with both dressy and refined-casual outfits. Ferragamo is a wonderful leather-goods brand and the quality is lovely. Their prices also are much more reasonable than, say, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, or Hermes. Although my exact navy/small isn’t currently available, I recommend the black medium as another  ideal size and color for timeless looks. I often wear black accessories with navy in dressy outfits. For example, in the Navy Silk Trousers outfit you’ll see lower in this post, both the Leather Skinny Belt and Slingback Stilleto Pumps are black. My bag is the only navy accessory. The outfit would look just as pretty with a dressy black bag. To see me in another post wearing black accessories with navy and pink, click here.

Navy Leather Top-Handle Crossbody Bag  ($450)

Navy-Crystals Clutch/Shoulder Bag (was $78, now $54.60)

Navy Faux-Raffia Clutch (was $98, now $72.50)

Black Salvatore Ferragamo Medium Vara Bow Crossbody Bag (also brown; various colors/styles on sale here)

Beige Salvatore Ferragamo Medium Vara Bow Crossbody Bag (also brown; various colors/styles on sale here)

Black Salvatore Ferragamo Medium Vara Bow Shoulder Bag (also brown; various colors/styles on sale here)

Beige Salvatore Ferragamo Medium Vara Bow Shoulder Bag (also brown; various colors/styles on sale here)

 

 

The 5 Classic Black or White Essentials Also Shown

#1

Casual Top: White Linen Peasant Blouse

(ABOVE & BELOW) White Linen Peasant Top. Size PP. I wear white linen all summer, because it’s so cool, comfortable, and classic. Linen tops pair easily with both casual or dressy outfits, depending on the other separates and accessories you choose.

White Linen Peasant Top

 

#2

Dressy Blouse: Winter-White Silk Tie-Neck Blouse

(ABOVE & BELOW) Winter White Grade-6A Mulberry Silk Tie-Neck Blouse. Size XS (c/o LilySilk). As I said with my Navy Silk Trousers earlier in this post, when I want to create a dressy outfit, I often reach for my silk pieces. Grade 6A mulberry is the finest silk available; it features a pearly, glossy kind of finish only found in quality silk garments. A white silk shirt is so versatile, because it can be worn with jeans and flats for a casual look or paired with a taffeta ball skirt for a black tie event. This one is from the wonderful brand LilySilk, so the price is much more reasonable than you might find elsewhere, but without sacrificing quality. Their items are beautiful, and the value is wonderful.

NOTE: To receive an extra 12% off all purchases at LilySilk, use code JLJ12 at checkout. Or, to receive 15% off all purchases over $280.00 at LilySilk, use code JLJ15 at checkout.

Winter White Grade-6A Mulberry Silk Tie-Neck Blouse (more colors available)

 

#3

Sweater: Winter-White, Grade-A Yarn Cashmere Pullover

(ABOVE & BELOW) Winter-White Cashmere Sweater. Size XS (c/o LilySilk). Nothing can compare to a quality cashmere sweater. It goes with everything from shorts or jeans to a dressy dress (simply throw it over your shoulders). This one is woven from Mongolian grade A-yarn, worsted cashmere, so it’s luxuriously shear and soft. I love it so much that I also have it in black.

NOTE: To receive an extra 12% off all purchases at LilySilk, use code JLJ12 at checkout. Or, to receive 15% off all purchases over $280.00 at LilySilk, use code JLJ15 at checkout.

Off-White Cashmere Sweater (update June 7, 2023: also just bought/recommend this Ivory Cricket Sweater)

 

#4

Dressy Belt: Black Leather Skinny Belt

(ABOVE & BELOW) Black Leather Skinny Belt. One Size (c/o LilySilk). As you can see in my photograph above, all items from LilySilk arrive in gift boxes, wrapped in ribbon–including this belt I ordered. It is all leather and so pretty! When I want a dressier look, I wear this belt with dresses, skirts, or trousers.

NOTE: To receive an extra 12% off all purchases at LilySilk, use code JLJ12 at checkout. Or, to receive 15% off all purchases over $280.00 at LilySilk, use code JLJ15 at checkout.

Black Leather Skinny Belt (also in winter white)

 

#5

Dressy Shoe: Black Leather Stiletto-Heel Slingback Pumps

(ABOVE & BELOW) Black Leather Pointed-Toe Slingback Pumps. Size 9.5. My favorite dressy shoe is a high-heel slingback pump. It is the most comfortable version of a heel–and I would not be without my black slingbacks ever.

Black Leather Pointed-Toe Slingback Pumps (also in sand)

 

The Outfits

(ABOVE) In this video and blog post I’m wearing Gabriel Lipstick, Tea Rose (Gabriel, Amazon).

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MY MAKEUP (Clean Ingredients)

FACE:Mineral Fusion Powder Foundation, Warm 3 (Amazon, Walmart) /  CHEEKS:  Gabriel Powder Blush, Willow/ EYES: Honest Beauty Get It Together Eyeshadow Palette, purple shade all over lid and under lashes (Target, Ulta) / smudged the line on eyelid and under lower lashes with the Sigma E21 Smudge Brush (at Neiman Marcus); set with RMS Beauty Un-Powder Powder (Nordstrom, Amazon) / LIPS: Gabriel Lipstick, Tea Rose (Gabriel, Amazon) / LASHES: Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer in One (At Ulta, Amazon, Target) / CHEEKBONES HIGHLIGHTER: Triple Purified 100% Petroleum Jelly (Amazon, Target) applied to cheeks and cheekbones as highlighter.

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YouTube Video

(ABOVE) If you are seeing this message, then I have published the video and it should be appearing above. However, if for some reason the video isn’t appearing above–and you have refreshed your page and cleared your cache–you also can view the video at my JLJ Back To Classic Channel on YouTube.

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Classic Black Sunglasses (narrow, medium, wide widths)

 

Boucheron Quatre Large, 18k gold, diamonds (preloved here)

14k Gold, Pave Diamonds

Roberto Coin 18K Gold and Diamonds Bangle

Mineral Fusion Powder Foundation, Warm 3 (Amazon, Walmart)

Gabriel Powder Blush, Willow

Gabriel Lipstick, Tea Rose (Gabriel, Amazon)

Gold Dual-Ended Retractable Lip Brush, for lining and filling-in lips with lip color

Honest Beauty Get It Together Eyeshadow Palette, purple shade all over lid and under lashes (Ulta, Target)

Sigma E21 Smudge Brush, to smudge liner on lid and under lower eyelashes (Neiman Marcus)

RMS Beauty Un-Powder Powder, for setting eyeliner (Nordstrom, Amazon)

Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer in One (Ulta, Amazon, Target)

Set of Four Portable Eyelash Combs, Pink, to comb out mascara

 

Vaseline Triple Purified, 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly, applied to cheeks and cheekbones as highlighter (Amazon, Target)

Nourish Organic Shea Butter, I rotate this with petroleum jelly (Amazon)

1-Ounce Glass Jars (Set of 6), for storing Petroleum Jelly, Shea Butter, Etc. (Amazon)