So, if you're not able to rely on the compare-and-contrast method, just open up those curtains and let Mother Nature guide you on your way to a properly coordinated palette.
On the other side of the coin, navy blue clothes actually get a bit more depth of character when the sun hits 'em. It doesn't look as dark, and gets (slightly) closer to gray. Here's the thing about black clothing: The color flattens out under natural light. But in the interest of public service, we're letting you know anyway. It was finally redesignated VA-34 on 1 July 1955. The squadron was established as Fighter Squadron VF-20 on 15 October 1943, redesignated as VF-9A on 15 November 1946, as VF-91 on 12 August 1948, and as VF-34 on 15 February 1950. And if the item in question looks just a little bit lighter, and probably a little bit richer, too? You've got navy. VA-34, nicknamed the Blue Blasters, was an Attack Squadron of the U.S. Removal of blue service jacket indoors by officers and enlisted women, when authorized by the CO. The following changes in Wave uniform regulations have recently been approved: Wearing of gilt buttons, instead of blue plastic buttons, by CPOs on blue and white service jackets. Do they match? Your pants, sir, are black. Changes Made in Wave Uniform Regulations. You know, something with the word "black" or "noir" actually written on an interior label somewhere. Probably the best way to tell whether your garment of choice is, in fact, black (or navy), is to compare it to another piece of clothing, the color of which should be beyond question. So, what's a guy to do when he's rummaging through his dresser and trying to grab the right color? There are a couple of easy tricks: Hell, midnight blue actually appears darker than black in certain lights, hence the creation of stylish tuxes like the Mr Porter-exclusive style from Brioni you see at left here. When you look at it on its own, a very dark blue can easily look black - and vice versa. Is it navy or is it black? Seems like a simple question, but as any guy who's ever tried to distinguish between the two in a dimly lit bedroom before heading to work will tell you: It's not. Tweet with the hashtag #ESQuestion to tell us what you want to know. Introducing the first installment in a new column where we provide the answers to your most pressing sartorial inquiries.