A Simple Navy and White Formula For Easy Spring Dressing
The post is sponsored by Nordstrom. Thank you for supporting the brands that work with AWSL.
I’m excited to partner with Nordstrom again this month to share a small edit of pieces I just added to my wardrobe. I gravitated to navy with white because I wear this combination a lot in the spring and summer. It has a timeless vibe and is softer than black-and-white, yet still has enough contrast to look fresh and crisp.
I also often travel with navy and white because it mixes so well with other pops of color.
I started with this Caslon double-breasted knit blazer because it’s so perfect for mild weather. The soft cotton blend is as comfortable as a cardigan, but it has more structure, so it looks a bit more polished. It certainly has a nautical vibe with this striped sweater, but it easily goes over anything.
This blazer reminds me of my Frank & Eileen Knit Peacoat, but it’s a little more refined because it doesn’t have the frayed edges. I found it ran slightly large, so I sized down to a small.
Here’s a better look at the striped sweater on its own. It’s a simple crewneck style with short sleeves in a lightweight merino wool blend, so it would travel well. Mine is ivory and white, but it also comes in nine other solid colors. I found it a great length for wearing over a waistband, but you could tuck it in if you prefer.
I styled them with these MOTHER Lil’ Kick It straight-leg jeans in the Made in the Shade wash. If you’re not familiar with the L’il line, it’s MOTHER’s petite collection, with the proportions adjusted throughout, including a shorter rise, inseam, and higher knee placement, so they fit petites more thoughtfully than a standard hem job. These have a 29″ inseam and a 9 3/4″ rise, so I could wear them with wedge sandals or flats.
I accessorized with my Jenny Bird bold silver hoops and navy sneakers. I honestly did a double-take when I saw these Munro Tilly Sneakers at Nordstrom because I thought Munro had gone out of business. I’ve been wearing Munro footwear for years, so I know I can count on them to be comfortable. Judging by the crowd of ladies around the display table, I’m clearly not the only one. The salesperson told me their styles are flying out the door.
These are an easy, everyday sneaker in navy leather, which Munro calls Denim. They also come in black or a white option which is available in narrow, medium, and wide widths.
Once you get them laced the way you like, the side zip makes them easy to slip on and off, and the removable insole is useful if you wear an orthotic. They work with jeans, casual dresses, and travel outfits without veering into gym-shoe territory.
MEPHISTO LISSANDRA PLATFORM WEDGE
My second outfit is this Halogen Twist Stripe T-Shirt Dress, which is casual on its own but easy to elevate a bit with the right accessories. I love that it’s size-inclusive and comes in regular, petite, and plus sizes. This petite is too short in the torso for me, which isn’t uncommon with my long torso, so I’m swapping it for the regular.
It’s made from a cotton-spandex blend, so it has just enough stretch, doesn’t cling, and feels easy to wear. It has more shape than the average t-shirt dress because the asymmetrical waist twist adds definition and shaping, while the off-center seam and back vent keep it comfortable and easy to move in.
I topped it with the same knit blazer, but this time in white, and added my super comfy Mephisto Platform Wedge sandals. These are one of those rare shoes that manage to be both supportive and attractive. They have the brand’s Soft-Air construction, a contoured footbed with arch support, and adjustable velcro closures so you can get the exact fit where you need it. The low platform gives you a bit of height, but the pitch stays manageable, which makes a big difference by the end of the day. These come in twelve colors this season. I sized up in mine, because they tend to run a bit short.
I finished with my Madewell Handwoven tote bag, which comes in five colors this season, including an amazing scarlet. I added my Monica Vinader Muse Wave hoops and a swipe of my new lipstick in Plum Blossom.
Nordstrom is my favorite department store for so many reasons, including their size inclusivity, variety of price points, and amazing customer service. You can shop all my looks and see more favorites on my Nordstrom storefront here.
Is navy and white a spring favorite for you?
I wear navy year around. I may have a bit too much navy. I really like it. It goes great with the white and so many bright colors can pop off it.
Both of the shoes are interesting. I wonder if they come in narrow…
The sneakers come in white in narrow.
Navy and white is always a great alternative to black and white. I love both. I’ve never seen those shoes but they look wonderful. 🌼
Munro Shoes did close in early 2025. However, it was acquired by Vida Shoes International and they plan to invest in its growth and legacy (yes, I copied it from the internet). So happy to see their return as they actually make shoes in my size (10.5M). And, they are super comfortable.
As for navy, it’s my favorite color. Actually wore navy sweater and white jeans today. I wear navy year around.
Yay! I’m so happy they’re back
I am also surprised to hear Munro has resurfaced. They used to be my “go-to” shoe. Thanks for sharing!
Love your striped tee shirt dress and blazer look!
Jennifer, I too did a double-take when you linked the Munro sneakers. I thought very limited sizing so clicked through and see there are several new styles! Excellent news that Munro is back.
You look beautiful in everything but especially stripe t-shirt dress and white knit blazer.
I was SO excited to find them. I love how comfortable they are.
Finally an attractive dress without puff sleeves or ruffles! I love it on you and yes to navy and white! I wear it year round just in different fabrics and textures. I also love navy and pale grey. Black doesn’t go with my pale complexion. I have a pair of black trouser style jeans and one pair of black slacks.
I love it with pale gray too.
I, too, am finding that Navy is a far better dark neutral on me than black as I grow older and my hair and skin coloring decreases. Navy and White ( or better, Ecru) is a very easy wearable combination, especially for traveling. I have purchased the Eileen Fisher Ink instead of black recently and am impressed at how nicely that has paired with a lot of the warmer EF colors, especially Wheat, Blood Orange and even Teal. The tough part is finding a good Navy closed-toe shoe or sandal.
I agree about the shoes. Try a subtle charcoal instead of navy.
I love navy, not just for spring/summer (think velvet, satin, cashmere for colder seasons). Much more flattering to my coloring than black and every color I might want to pair with black (vibrant pink, lime green, coral, red, turquoise) also pairs well with navy. So it’s also been a great base for travel wardrobes, with smaller accent pieces in favorite colors. The one area where it comes up short is shoes, many more choices in black. In spring/summer I often pair gold shoes/handbag with navy.
Metallic is great with navy. I also like gray shoes with navy. Almost any color shoe goes with navy even brown. I’d just avoid navy shoes.
Just the jacket I was looking for so bought it in navy. White was tempting me.
You’ll love it Sylvia.
OMG I love Munro shoes!! Hope they are back in business!!!
Me too!
Agree that navy and white is now one of my favorites. Too many years before it was always black as the dark color of choice and navy has overtaken my shopping in the past few years.
Same. I still have lots of black in my wardrobe but if an item is also offered in navy, I buy that.
I’m always looking for comfortable sneakers with removable insoles. The Munro sneakers you are wearing are very stylish. I can’t tell from the Nordstrom link but is the denim a navy leather or a navy suede?
It’s navy leather.
I love your navy & white! That is one of my favorites too.