HOW TO WEAR PURPLE - From Deep and Regal to Sweet Pastels.

• The Hatista
• Colour Post
• January 18th 2022 / Revised: March 9th 2023

The last few years we have seen many Purple hues in the collections of all the top designers, and a purple hue has featured in nearly all the Pantone Top Colour reports for the past 7 years. In 2018, Pantone declared Colour of the Year Ultra Violet Purple, and for 2022 Pantone have chosen another Purple - Veri Peri - A paler pastel purple. Galactic, Spiritual, Royal and Optimistic, purple is a colour that can be worn across all seasons, velvets and satins for winter, and incorporated in your florals for Summer. Many are still intimidated by purple though and find if difficult to wear. If you're wondering what to wear with purple, confidence and the correct colour combining is key. You can can pick the intensity, and quantity of Purple that your choose to add. Mix it correctly and you will find purple is super easy to wear.

Here are my style tips on how to filter Purple hues into your outfits in all seasons:

This post includes affiliate links - suggestions of items I've hunted out on the Internet for you. If you see anything you like, click the links and decide to buy the suggestion, then the retailer will give me a little commission (maybe even enough to buy a latte) to thank me.

Regal Purple

Purple is the colour most often associated with royalty, magic, mystery and piety.

A rich jewel deep purple flatters everyone from dark skin tones to fairer skin. Pretty much all Jewel Tones work with each other, so deep Jewel Purples work perfect with Navy, Silver, Gold, Emerald, Sapphire...

Find it in your Florals

Graphic Floral Print dresses are always on trend. Floral dresses are the essence of feminine charm. Ultra Violet is a colour that you will find in 100’s of Floral prints. If you aren’t ready to wear this vibrant tone on it’s own, then a floral print is perfect. You can then select accessories in the Ultra Violet colour to wear with the outfit.

Remember: If choosing florals or other highly graphic prints, then select accessories in single colour (UNLESS like in the outfit below, the Hat and dress are a spot on perfect match for each other, as if they are a continuation of each other). Don’t try wearing a busy, multi-coloured statement hat, and a non matching graphic or floral print. A busy hat + a busy non matching dress looks messy and complicated. If you must wear the biggest, multi-coloured, statement hat for Royal Ascot or Kentucky Derby, and cant find the perfect floral combination in a dress, then wear it with a simple monotone or nude dress.

Spring Orchid and Watermelon

Darker regal purples like this Orchid are sophisticated for weddings in any season, but for Spring and Summer, they work best paired with a complimenting bright or white.

This colour combo of Orchid and Dark Pink Coral / Watermelon is bright and fruity, and not a combo most would first think of. So you probably won't find yourself wearing the same outfit as another guest, but will instead surprise them with your creative use of colour.

Purple and Fuschia - As Nature Intended

If you want advice on what colours compliment each other best, then the best person to ask is Mother Nature. She always gives an honest answer and never get's in wrong.

Fuchsia's of the most common varieties (Tom Thumb etc) are exactly this colour combo of Fuchsia and Ultra Violet Purple, and no one can argue they are not perfect for each other.

Violet - A Soft Purple Hue

This flattering hue is soft enough to work on any complexion but vivid enough to brighten features.

Violet works perfectly with neutrals, so it is ideal with your Nude Shoes or handbags already in the closet. This hue is also great paired with deeper Purples for those that don't want more dimensions to their outfit than all over pastels.

Aubergine / Eggplant with Orange

There is an Orange for every season. You will see Orange in Nature in some form all year round, and is a favourite for Autumn in the less flo hues. Orange pairs well and is fun with Deep Purples.

Pairing these colours embraces Autumn, with the Orange still hanging on to Summer. Full of prep and spontaneity, this colour combo is the perfect mix of cool and warm.

Orange and Purple Eggplant / Aubergine are a style favourite when it comes to contrasting combinations. Visually appealing, the two dynamic shades create a bold and chic look when paired together. The deep rich tones of Aubergine give it just the right amount of contrast to ensure the outfit is not too striking.

Accessorize with Purple Pop

Purple accessories liven up any outfit. If you’re not into purple clothes, make a statement, adding purple accessories to your neutral outfits for noticeable flair. See the Purple boots add energy to the Tan pleated skirt in the below outfit example.

For Spring / Summer weddings or a day at the races, wear with a harmonising colour - like the Yellow in the example below. The Purple pops out, yet it harmonizes well with the outfit.

Some Other Fabulous Purple items I've found for you:

Below is a Gallery of other Internet Finds for adding this Regal Hue to your wardrobe.