Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
Congress Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #0D378A, is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of stability, trust, and authority. Its deep hue suggests a sense of professionalism and reliability, making it a popular choice for branding and design in sectors such as finance, education, and government. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 5.1% red, 21.6% green, and 54.1% blue. The CMYK representation is 90.5% cyan, 60% magenta, 0% yellow, and 45.9% black. The color is often associated with seriousness and formality, making it less suitable for casual or playful contexts. Because of its richness, the color is most often used for backgrounds or other design elements such as borders or headers.
The color #0D378A, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, especially concerning color contrast. When used as a background color, it requires light text to ensure readability. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for body text and 3:1 for larger text elements to comply with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). Using a color contrast checker is advisable to verify compliance. Individuals with visual impairments might find it difficult to distinguish elements with insufficient contrast. Therefore, careful consideration of text and interactive elements is crucial. Avoid pairing this dark blue with other dark hues. Lighter shades of yellow, white, or even light grays can significantly improve accessibility. The color should be tested to see if it works with different screen resolutions and for people with different types of colorblindness.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
Congress Blue (#0D378A) can be effectively used in website headers and footers to establish a sense of authority and trust. Its dark, calming nature makes it suitable for financial institutions, educational platforms, and government websites. When incorporated thoughtfully, this color can subtly guide the user experience. It's imperative to use the color sparingly in conjunction with lighter, contrasting shades in order to ensure a visually balanced and easily navigable layout. Additionally, the color can be used as an accent for call to action buttons to add emphasis.
Fashion
In the realm of fashion, Congress Blue (#0D378A) can be utilized in formal wear such as suits, dresses, or blazers, providing an alternative to black or navy. The color can be paired with lighter, contrasting colors like white, cream, or light gray for a sophisticated and elegant look. The color can also be used for handbags, wallets, and shoes to complete a look. The color can also be used in sportswear and athleisure for a bold, athletic appearance, especially when contrasted with brighter hues.
Artwork
Congress Blue (#0D378A) can be used as the primary color in many artworks. Its deep and saturated hue makes it perfect for impressionist and modern paintings.