My Closet Is One Big Navy Blue Sweater
Taking stock of my closet the other day, I counted seven different types of Navy Blue Sweater. They were all roughly the same hue, but their fabrics ran the gamut: shaggy wools, slinky cashmeres, ribbed cottons. Folded in my closet in situ, they looked nearly identical; it was impossible to distinguish the boxy crewneck from the oversized knit polo. Jeez, I thought to myself, with not a little chagrin. Do I really own seven of the same sweater? I do—and frankly, I refuse to apologize for it.
Like most folks, I've always had at least one dark blue knit in my rotation. But recently, it's become a default. On most days, I size up my closet, survey the selection, and then shrug my shoulders and give in: Guess today is another navy sweater day.
I'm not in denial about my, uh, collection. I'm aware that it probably seems like overkill. (Did I mention I have seven?) But to me, a deep bench simply means I'll always have the perfect starter for any occasion. Because for a whole lot of guys, the navy blue sweater occupies the rare sweet spot between casual and formal—and whatever it lacks in personality, it makes up for in dependability. Need to dress down a suit? Navy knit polo or V-neck sweater. Upgrade your sweats and sneakers? Navy cashmere crewneck. And that's not even getting into the magic of the navy blue sweater in cotton, which feels less precious and only looks better the more lived-in it gets. (Plus, it's machine washable!)
Merino Wool V-Neck Sweater
At this point you're probably thinking, Wow, this dude has totally lost it. And also: Why navy? Why not black, gray, or green? First of all, you're not wrong. Second of all, who are you kidding—I own sweaters in all those colors, too. But over the years, I've found that navy sweaters complement the most stuff with the least effort. They look killer with chinos in khaki, olive green, black, and, surprisingly, navy. (The textural contrast is key.) They play nice with slate-gray wool trousers or black work pants. And there might not be a single piece of clothing that looks better with faded blue jeans.
Todd Snyder
Recycled Cotton Polo in Navy
I guess what I'm saying is that my penchant for navy sweaters isn't about sweaters, or at least not just about sweaters. The preference speaks to a larger shift in how I dress years in the making. I'm 32, and I'd like to think I'm not a total menswear grump—I still nurse a soft spot for funky shoes and the occasional weird jacket; I can't imagine begrudging anyone else for taking risks on their own style journey.
But the older I get, the less likely I am to explore uncharted territory, and the more I find myself drawn to clothing I already know I like (especially if I'm dropping a solid chunk of change on cashmere). I'm well aware that there's a whole world of freaky sweaters I'm missing out on, but there's comfort to be had in tallying the cost-per-wear of my navy standbys—even if, deep down, I know the next one is just around the corner.
Hilary Duff Breaks Out $25K Blue Birkin She Bought 20 Years Ago: 'Decided To Dust Her Off'
Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Vanity FairHilary Duff is breaking out the Birkin.
The 36-year-old actress reached in the back of her closet to revive a blue Hermès Birkin bag for a getaway with her family. "Bought this girl almost 20 years ago in Paris and decided to dust her off and let her see the light of day for our weekend away," Duff wrote alongside a photo of the 35cm design via a since-expired Instagram Story. "She cute."
The highly-coveted piece retails for around $25,000, and also features gold hardware and a gold-plated lock.
Duff was photographed carrying the bag throughout 2011. One of her standout style moments with the Birkin came in June of that year when she paired the purse with a coral sweater and blue jeans while out and about in Los Angles. Duff further accessorized with black Ray-Ban sunglasses and dangling orange and white earrings.
See the Lizzie McGuire star grow up in front of our eyes
A few months prior, she rocked the bag at Los Angeles International Airport. Duff kept her outfit casual, opting for a loose gray top, charcoal skinny jeans and a black scarf. She added a pop of color to her ensemble with yellow flats.
Duff's Birkin isn't the only thing in her wardrobe that has Us swooning.
Hilary Duff is seen on June 17, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. GONZALO/Bauer-Griffin/GC ImagesIn March 2023, she rocked a Dolce & Gabbana gown featuring a corset top and nude skirt at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
She teamed the intricate gown with a pearl choker and sparkly rings. Her makeup included filled-in eyebrows, soft eyeshadow and peachy lips. Her blonde hair was parted down the middle and worn in wet beachy waves.
Thank You!You have successfully subscribed.
Stars including Suki Waterhouse, Rihanna, Sienna Miller have changed the definition of maternity style, making their baby bumps the focal point of an outfit. Waterhouse — who announced in November 2023 that she's expecting her first baby with Robert Pattinson — flashed her belly while taking a stroll in Los Angeles. At the time, she […]
On the red carpet, Duff posed with husband Matthew Koma, who wore a maroon velvet suit.
The couple are currently expecting their third baby together. They already share daughters Banks, 4, and Mae, 2. Duff is also the mom of son Luca, 11, whom she shares with ex-husband Mike Comrie.
Zooey Deschanel Rocks Royal Blue For Paris Fashion Week — Get The Look
Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services.
Zooey Deschanel seriously slayed a monochromatic moment.
The New Girl actress, who's in Paris for Haute Couture Week, attended the Patou show on Thursday, January 25. She wore a royal blue pullover sweater with a chunky knit, pairing it with a lighter blue miniskirt. She also added on blue tights, blue heels and, you guessed it, a blue bag to complete the look.
Winter often has us falling back on black and gray clothing, but a bold pop of blue could be just the thing to pull anyone out of a style slump. Let's start with a sweater like Deschanel's!
Zooey Deschanel at Paris Fashion Week on January 25, 2024. Edward Berthelot/Getty ImagesGet the Aelfric Eden Oversized Knit Sweater for just $53 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, January 26, 2024, but are subject to change.
Amazon shoppers are "delightfully surprised" by this woven blue sweater, calling it "super, super soft" and "super, super warm." It plays with a variety of chunky knit patterns, sealing things in with ribbing at the neckline, cuffs and hem.
This pullover comes in the perfect bright hue of royal blue. Take a cue from Deschanel and pair it with any other cerulean or sapphire shade in your closet, or keep it simple, maybe with black leggings and your favorite booties.
Thank You!You have successfully subscribed.
Want to see some other sweater styles we spotted for a different take on this look? Check out what else we deemed cart-worthy below!
Shop more royal blue sweaters we love: PRETTYGARDEN You save: 7%Not your style? Explore more sweaters here and don't forget to check out all of Amazon's Daily Deals for more great finds!
