Proof Black and Navy Are the Unsung Heroes of Summer

Now that the longer days and higher temperatures are here, the tendency is to ditch dark colors. That way you have room for all those bright whites and lighter hues you’ve been waiting to wear. Sure, these lighter looks are great, but it’s not totally crucial that you put away the blacks and (darker) blues. And since everyone else is busy stowing away their darker looks, opting for black and navy, aka summer darks, will actually help you stand out from the summer fashion pack.

To keep your darker looks from being too heavy, opt for light, breathable fabrics and easy-breezy silhouettes. This is where a few well-placed cut-outs come in handy. Don’t be afraid of playing peekaboo, either. Embrace both mesh and crochet to stay and look cool. Hey, you can always use them as swimsuit cover-ups.

The variety is actually pretty impressive. From playful playsuits to satin skirts to sleek slip dresses and even fancy pairs of shorts, there’s certainly plenty to choose from. All at a range of affordable price points.

Scroll down to see our favorite black and navy pieces for summer. Keep these summer darks around for fall because layering will help extend their life and justify their prices.