Uniform Concept 005: A Navy Refresh

Building your uniform with new ways to wear navy blue.

Lately, I’ve found myself wanting to hit refresh on a lot of the navy pieces in my closet. Navy is such a spring classic and always a color I gravitate towards. Turning to some of my favorite references, I found the fresh navy inspiration I needed to breathe a little life into my spring wardrobe.

References include: Julia Pelipas, Prada SS97 & 2024, Maria Mcmanus SS22, The Row SS20, Miu Miu SS24 & SS23, & Mary Kate Olsen

NAVY, FRENCH BLUE, AND KHAKI

This Toteme pullover is a double-face knit that freshens up a classic color palette. It’s so soft, yet incredibly structured, and I love the way the neckline rises, giving it a sculptural look. Plus it layers really well with button-downs. Pairing with khaki is an obvious, borderline predictable, choice but an almost architectural piece like this skirt (similar) is a nice way to give it an edge.

Another Tomorrow Button Down- similar from Citizens of Humanity and Dries Van Noten, Toteme pullover, Old Celine Skirt- love this one from Marni, also below, Emme Parsons Loafers

Sporty & Rich button down, Toteme pull over, Marni Skirt

A MIU MIU INFLUENCE

Another interesting outfit option is something like this almost monochromatic look with updated details, I feel like this is a take from how Miu Miu does navy. This bomber caught me by surprise. There’s something about it that feels really fresh, especially in the cotton twill. I thought it would be great with a hint of French blue underneath, grounded with brown accessories.

I love the combination of the patent with the suede- I think its the something pretty (patent) with something raw (suede). If I were actually channeling Miu Miu, I’d wear the top a little cropped, and the skirt and belt slung low.

Dries Van Noten Bomber Jacket, Toteme poplin button down, The Row bag, Toteme belt, Toteme skirt, Aeyede patent brown flats

KNIT LAYERING

Gucci showed a monochromatic knit polo with a knit cardigan over top for fall 24 and I loved it. I think the key here is to wear different textured knits. You could also do it with a button-up, or mix elements like the zipper with the sailor collar below.

Old Miu Miu Cardigan, similar one here- love this Doen one too- more feminine, Staud polo, Maria Mcmanus trousers

La Ligne Cardigan, Staud polo, High Sport pant in navy- how great is this new subtle check pattern!

INSPIRED BY MIUCCIA PRADA

When I flipped thru the FW24 Prada slideshow the last slide got me- Miuccia’s outfit! I immediately took it to my closet to see how I could recreate it. The skirt here is low-waisted enough to feel modern, but not so low that I don’t feel my age. The key pieces to this whole look, to me, are the longer, straighter-cut blazer, the belt, the bag, and the shoe. I like that the ballet flat comes up a little higher on the foot, complementing the amount of leg showing.

Veronica De Piante Blazer, Wyeth button down, Toteme Belt, Toteme Skirt, Alaia ballet flats-they sell out and come back in stock- keep your eye on MyTheresa and Net. In the mean time size 35.5 available at Vestiare.

Neous ballet flats, Veronica de Pinate Blazer, Chloe bag

UPDATED BASICS

Finally, these pieces are quintessential spring looks to me with really well-done and interesting updates. A trench with a hood you can tie. A polo with a cute scallop trim on the sleeve. A classic gold hoop, but heavy, sculptural, and squared off. A timeless canvas bag in the east-west shape of the moment. A flat with a really flattering cut at the toe. And a nice, updated trouser.

Cos Trench coat, &Daughter polo, Jil Sander earrings, Savette bag, Cos trousers, Le Monde Beryl flats

See you next week!

x

ali