Black shoes are not out of fashion, but in 2026 this high-value color looks much more "in"

Photo: Gwyneth Paltrow/Getty Images

It's officially a new season, bringing a fresh start and a chance to try something new. For those into wellness, that could mean trying a new workout class, while for fashionistas, it could mean adding color to your wardrobe. Spring is all about color, especially this year, with shades like navy and royal blue dominating designer collections. If you're thinking of updating your wardrobe, you might want to take inspiration from Gwyneth Paltrow, who was spotted swapping her classic black heels for a navy pair.

At the 46th annual New York Women in Film & Television Awards this week, she wore a spring-inspired business suit in navy blue. She paired a button-down shirt with a cropped double-breasted blazer and a pleated midi skirt. Her accessories included a black Hermès Kelly bag and navy open-toe sandals from the Portugal-based brand.

Although black heels are not "out of fashion", in 2026 navy blue is the alternative that seems more "on trend".

It's also a slight change from black, as they have a similar "versatility," pairing well with neutral colors like brown and gray, as well as stronger hues like red or green.

Navy blue looks fresher for 2026 because it feels more elegant and adds a soft dimension that black sometimes lacks. It's also less predictable, giving outfits a more interesting and thoughtful look.