Do you know what I like about navy blue this time of year?

It's not black.

It's not the long black winter coat that keeps brushing against the dirty car or getting caught in the driver's side door.

It's not the black salt-stained boots with the annoying zippers.

It's not the black pants with the unraveling hem, the faded black cotton turtleneck or the black knit glove.

Glove, as in singular. Its mate has been missing for weeks now.

Rather, it's the snappy spring cardigan piped in ivory.

It's the navy wool gabardine coat that always behaves itself and wears on and on.

It's the little boy's navy blazer that looks a little too big or small on him. Or the little girl's navy dress with white polka dots and adorable daisy accent.

Oh, and it's not black.

Navy always says spring to me, as do its closest related shades. I picture navy with white or ivory, of course, but also with bright colors that keep things from getting too serious.

Hot pink. Bright green. Yellow. Orange. And, of course, red.

It's a basic color in some women's wardrobes. Not everyone likes or wears it, but it sure has longevity.

You can feel sporty in a navy-and-white striped boat-neck T-shirt, white pants (roll 'em up!) and a colorful wind-breaker.

You can get Ralph Lauren-ish with a crested navy blazer.

You can go preppy with a navy blazer, white T-shirt and broken-in jeans.

Or you can keep it crisp and tailored in a blue-and-white windowpane plaid jacket or the perfect-fitting navy sheath.

"Navy is the color of a quarter to midnight, or just before darkness falls. It connotes seriousness and sophistication, without death. And it mixes well -- though not as effortlessly as black -- with other colors," according to Kim Johnson Gross and Jeff Stone, creators of the "Chic Simple" series of style books.

I like some of the tips offered in their book, "Women's Wardrobe," published in 1995 but still so relevant:

• A navy blazer and a navy-and-white striped shirt is a classic nautical look.
• White, blue or brightly colored jeans get "instant respectability" when paired with a navy blazer.
• Black accessories dress up navy. Brown ones make navy more casual.

And, something I've certainly experienced: Navy blues are difficult to match.

Their advice to help avoid this problem: Buy a navy suit with matching pants or skirt.

These days, I'm beginning to eye those navy pieces hanging in my closet.

Why? They're not black.

smartin@buffnews.com null