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Light blue runs the gamut of cool nearly white to powder blue to faded denim. Coordinating your light blue top with slacks makes the difference between a blah, washed-out ensemble and a a cool, crisp outfit. Your first decision is to determine your outfit's focal point. If you want all eyes on your torso, complement your baby blue blouse with more neutral slacks. If you prefer to draw eyes downward, go bolder or more saturated with your hues on the lower half of your body.
Pale Neutrals
Pale colors work with baby blue, but take heed: Wearing all blue with your top and slacks makes you look like an extra on "Grey's Anatomy." Likewise, pale pastel slacks in pink, yellow, green or lavender will have people wondering if you were dipped in Easter egg dye. Veer toward pale neutrals instead, such as basic khaki pants in off-white. Channel old West style by pairing light blue with earthy tan slacks and finishing with a pair of cowboy boots.
Basic Black
For a more citified look that works at the office or for urban exploring, style your blue top with black pants. A sky-blue tunic gets grounded by simple black leggings, while a blue Oxford cloth shirt has corporate cool when paired with tailored black trousers. For a little variety, wear monochromatic pinstripes in black and navy or steel blue. The overall look will read as black but with subtle dimension.
Dark Denim
Faded denim is a washout with light blue, but dark denim strikes a stylish note. Pair a light blue cardigan with indigo-wash jeans that flare at the bottom for a flirty, feminine look. If you have a baby blue top that feels too billowy, style it with skinny jeans in super-dark blue or blue-black. Medium-rinse blue jeans that are in a slouchy boyfriend style look summery and casual with a faded denim shirt.
Pretty Prints
If you want your light blue to appear more neutral, pair it with printed slacks. You can ignore the blue completely and focus on wearing a bold print with bright colors, or pick up the blue with complementary splashes of yellow or pale orange. When you wear complementary colors together, they intensify each other. For a simpler look, pair a blue blouse with pants in a stark black-and-white print such as pinstripes, dots or a small floral.
