Samantha has been working in media for over a decade and joined InStyle's team as the Senior Fashion Editor in 2019. She previously held roles at Coveteur, POPSUGAR, Refinery29, and Men's Fitness, covering both fashion and celebrity/entertainment. In her spare time, she enjoys performing sketch comedy with her friends, watching Love Island, and endlessly scrolling through social media. She is originally from Staten Island, but currently resides in Brooklyn (and sometimes, Schenectady!) with her fiancé J.T., their dog Poppy, and way too many clothes. Samantha graduated with a B.A. in journalism from Rider University.

When we think about summer outfits, navy blue pieces are definitely part of the mix. A navy and white striped sweater is basically a beachside staple, while a dress in the same shade is a lighter, less serious version of an LBD. While this color is a key part of our year-round wardrobe — we love it in the fall, winter, and spring, too — we still encounter the occasional fashion dilemma. Choosing which colors to go with navy blue might feel tricky at times, but the solution is rather simple: navy looks great with everything.

After taking a peek at some street style inspiration, we've realized this color is probably the most versatile … ever. Red, pink, beige, black — mysteriously, it works with them all. Plus, after things cool off and we're back to bundling up, there will be no shortage of ways to wear it.

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

It's one of the most popular pairings out there — crisp, clean, and super sleek.

Why Not Try … A white dress with a structured navy blazer, or a white button-down with a navy midi skirt.

Two neutrals turn show-stopping when worn together. Plus, you can amp up your look with vibrant footwear or accessories.

Why Not Try … A beige jacket layered over a navy jumpsuit, complete with green heels. Or wear a navy sweater with khaki pants and a printed scarf.

It was once considered a faux pas, but that's no longer the case. Instead, these colors create a striking and unexpected combination.

Why Not Try … An oversized navy shirt with black bike shorts, or a black tank dress layered over a long-sleeved, navy turtleneck.

This duo always looks sharp, whether you're going casual or dressing up for the office. We recommend sticking with a lighter shade of grey to provide some contrast.

Why Not Try … Breaking up your grey sweats with a navy jacket, or wear a navy vest with grey slacks.

Navy and green give us preppy vibes, likely because many plaid prints include the same combination.

Why Not Try … A forest green suit with a navy shirt, or navy pants with something lime on top.

Don't forget the power of these two basic colors. Should you be stumped when it comes to shoe choice, brown is always a winner with a navy outfit.

Why Not Try … A navy maxi with the addition of a brown bag or boots.

While slightly patriotic and nautical, a little bit of red will somehow make blues seem even brighter.

Why Not Try … A red jacket over a navy set, or a red dress with a navy hat.

Yellow tends to pop when styled with almost any color, but against a darker shade, it'll really wow.

Why Not Try … A navy dress and yellow heels, or a navy sweatshirt with cropped yellow pants.

Reach for something vibrant, such as bubblegum pink pants, which will really shine against neutral wardrobe staples.

Why Not Try … A navy blazer and flared pink pants, or a navy cardigan over a pink dress.

Technically, orange is the opposite of blue on the color wheel, so when styled together, they make quite the impact.

Why Not Try … An orange turtleneck under a loose navy dress, or orange shorts with a navy tank top.

The contrast between two shades of blue will help your stand out in the crowd, and this particular outfit proves that navy and metallics are also cool and eye-catching.

Why Not Try … A navy jacket over a slinky baby blue dress, completed with silver boots. Or go with a navy suit accented with a baby blue bag.

When all else fails, monochromatic outfits are an easy yet fashion-forward choice.

Why Not Try … A navy coat over navy co-ords, or a navy tee with a navy mini skirt.