Is Navy the New Black? The Runways Say Yes, and Our Style Editor, Too — Here's How to Bring it Home

Navy is giving the timeless hue a run for its runway. Discover why we can’t resist the fashion-to-interiors crossover in this lineup of dark decor

Navy decor trend
(Image credit: Image Credit: James Merrell. CB2; Wayfair; Amazon; Saks Fifth Avenue)

Black is timeless. It’s professional, powerful, dramatic — a color that commands attention. But ubiquity can also breed predictability. What if there was a color with the same stately effect as black, but fresher, and slightly less expected? Turns out, there is, and you probably already own it. Enter: navy.

According to fashion — and where we get all of our news these days: TikTok — navy is quickly supplanting black. Fall 2024 runways were a tidal wave of navy, making up 11% of Louis Vuitton’s collection, 25% of Miu Miu’s, and a whopping 33% of Coach’s. If recent trends (Leopard print, the Mob Wife aesthetic, and the suede revival) are anything to go by, it’s only a matter of time before we see this fashion shift bleed over as a new home decor color trend, too.

Navy feels less severe, softer, richer — what the chronically online call “Old Money." Where black can feel urbane and all-business, navy suggests leisure, luxury, and prep. “Navy is such a great shade as it can act both as a neutral and as a pop of color, depending on how it is styled,” says Valerie Stafford, partner and lead designer at Rumor Designs. Still, if you’re a black devotee, don’t worry. Valerie assures us that navy and black can coexist beautifully: "It's all about balance and making sure you have your common thread throughout the space, without making things overwhelming.”

Even as a committed black-loving New Yorker myself, I’m feeling compelled to bring this dark-hued alternative into my home. Navy has earned its spot as honorary color of the year—a versatile, moody alternative that’s like black yet entirely its own. Here's where to shop the look.

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Julia Demer
Style Editor

Formerly covering fashion at L’Officiel USA, style maven Julia Demer brings her love of design to Livingetc’s world of interiors. As the title’s New York-based Style Editor, Julia's work reflects a sharp eye for detail and an innate passion for aesthetics. Her journey began with a strong foundation in design, honing her craft at renowned establishments like The Row and even establishing her own eponymous fashion brand. Julia’s design background is evident in the way she thoughtfully curates shopping edits, always maintaining a focus on emerging trends while preserving timeless sensibilities. For Julia, fashion and interiors go hand in hand, reflecting her lifelong commitment to perfecting the art of style.