When I was in college, I was asked (read: forced) to wear navy during one round of sorority recruitment. I landed on a silky jumpsuit that I wore exactly once, and then swiftly sold online. Looking back a decade later, I should have found more joy in stepping out of my shell, color-wise, and not be so set in my native New York ways. I’ve been committed to all-black outfits pretty much my whole life. However, that might finally be changing.
Lately, I’ve found navy making a strong comeback in my winter wardrobe. (Trust me, I’m shocked.) I’m not alone in this journey—2026 is already shaping up to be the year of blue: Fashion Editor Lauren Tappan dubbed cool blue as the neutral of the year, and I’ve been keeping tabs on cobalt blue as a need-to-know shade since last spring. It leans into the return of preppy fashion, and pairs perfectly with Pantone’s previous two colors of the year, Cloud Dancer (a creamy off-white) and Mocha Mousse (a perfected brown). It also works really well with brighter shades like fuchsia and fire-engine red, and is the perfect backdrop for silver accessories.
While I figure out whether navy is the new back in my closet, I rounded up enough finds from Mango, Zara, and H&M to make a strong case.
Zara
Combination Poplin Knit Jumper
This pre-layered top makes getting dressed easier.
Zara
Combined Poplin Shirt
Zara
Peter Pan Collar Cardigan
A delicate lace trim adds sweetness to this otherwise simple piece.
Zara
100% Wool Jumper With Shoulder Pads
I need to bring more shape into my go-to winter rotation, so this slightly fitted version is perfect.
Zara
ZW Collection Wool Blend Cape
I love a coat that is the outfit.
I would wear this buttoned all the way up for a dressy denim-on-denim vibe.
H&M
Activewear Jacket with SoftMove™
I already own this jacket in black, and I’m planning on buying it in blue, too.
H&M
Lace-Trimmed Jersey Pants
H&M
Cashmere-Blend Sweater
I would layer this over a black turtleneck now and wear it on its own come summer.
Mango
Asymmetrical Satin Top (Was $96)
Mango
Pleated A-Line Dress
Channel your inner finance bro and embrace pinstripes.
Mango
Pinstripe Wide Leg Trousers
Don’t forget the matching pants.
H&M
Wide High Waist Jeans
I love how rich the dark wash on these jeans is.
Zara
Triple Stripe Effect T-Shirt
Zara has been nailing it with the pre-layered tops lately.
A little sporty and a little chic—a perfect sweater.
Mango
Striped Blouse With Tie Neck Collar
I love the high-neck design on this top.
Zara
Faux Leather Vest With Loops
A patent sheen makes this perfect for nighttime.
Zara
Metallic Thread Fringed Knit Dress
Play with sheer textures by layering this dress over a contrasting bralette.
Mango
Devoré Dress With Bell Sleeves
Mango
Wide Leg Jeans With Crystals
Party jeans are a wardrobe essential.
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