Purple is one of those colors that can start arguments. Is it purple? Is it pink? Is it mauve? Is it something in between? This article has purple outfits and inspiration on how to wear purple to get you thinking about what shade is the one for you.
No wonder there are differences of opinion about purple when there are so many shades of it.
The only definition of purple is that it is a color somewhere between red and blue. But then when you start to maybe add a bit of white, some black or a little yellow into the mix, you can create so many shades. But, no matter what shade you choose you’ll find some purple outfits to inspire you below.
Why wear purple outfits?
Purple is a color often associated with royalty and nobility. So, why not treat yourself like the queen you undoubtedly are and add some purple to your closet? Below are some great color combinations to get you started if you are thinking about how to wear purple.
At one point, purple seemed to have fallen out of favor. But, designers have now been embracing it and there were plenty of purple outfits seen on the runways of many of the big-name fashion houses for the new winter and fall season.
Givenchy – Adeam – Salvatore Ferragamo
Ulla Johnson, Alberta Ferretti and Richard Malone all gave us shades of deep purple for winter and fall 2020.
While purple can often be polarizing, with people either loving it or hating it, there are so many different shades that you’re sure to find one that you love.
You could opt for anything from the palest lavender through to the brightest violet or the deepest plum.
The color lovers site is a good tool if you are not sure which colors go together, or you are looking for different combinations. You can find palettes, which I’ve used in the combinations below, to help you to shop your closet.
Here are some fabulous choices to wear with purple to get you started. Don’t forget to let me know how you wear purple in the comments.
Purples clothes and accessories to choose in stores now
Before taking a look at what colors to wear with purple, let’s take a look at some of the most stylish purple clothes to choose from.
Purple blouse
A purple blouse can create a real statement with a simple pair of black or white pants, or a pair of jeans.
Psyche @economyofstyle above opts for a casual yet stylish purple outfit.
Check out this top that you can wear with this similar pair of purple joggers, sneakers, crossbody bag and earrings.
Purple t-shirt
How about a purple t-shirt rather than the usual black, white or gray? LARACE swing tunic top (below) features flattering draping around the belly area if you would like to hide a tummy.
It also has a v-neck, which is useful for creating an elongating effect, and the sleeves will cover the upper arms if this is an area you prefer to cover.
Purple sweater
If you are treating yourself to a new sweater as the weather turns colder, purple knitwear could be a stylish addition to your closet.
OmicGot off the shoulder sweater
Purple cardigan
Rather than a sweater, you could also look at a flattering cardigan, like the drape front option (below) which has very good reviews on Amazon with one wearer saying it is the best cardigan she has ever owned!
Lock and Love draped open frsont cardigan
Purple jacket
You could always opt for a smart purple blazer.
Melissa @melissabultburns above wears or purple blazer with jeans.
Get her look with this similar printed blouse, blazer, bootcut jeans, shoes and a bag from Chanel.
Or, you could choose a more casual moto style.
Purple coat
Are you investing in a new winter coat this year? Rather than opting for a neutral shade, you could choose purple to add a big impact to any outfit.
Aprsfn mid-length wool blend coat
Purple dress
Mel @bagandaberet above (read her style interview here) pairs her purple maxi dress with leather boots.
Recreate her outfit with this similar maxi dress and boots.
JASAMBAC tie waist pencil dress
Purple skirt
For a more formal option, you could choose a purple skirt.
Lock and Love flare midi pull-on skirt
Purple pants
Of course, you don’t have to stick to purple only on the top of your outfit. You could add impact with a pair of purple pants and keep your top half neutral.
Cemi Ceri high waist dress pants
Purple jeans
If you’re more of a jeans person than a smart pants person, you could choose a pair of purple jeans to update your jeans-and-sweaters outfits for the winter season.
Laura @ljcstyling above opts for an outfit of neutrals and accessorizes with black.
Check out this similar sweater, jeans, boots, backpack and wear it with belt from Gucci.
LOVER BRAND FASHION high waisted skinny jeans
Purple leggings
With many of you at home more than usual right now, you may prefer to think about purple loungewear rather than anything too formal. A pair of leggings are perfect for days at home or for getting out for some exercise.
Heathyoga high waisted leggings
There’s plenty of inspiration on what to wear your leggings with in this extensive guide to how to wear leggings over 40.
Purple shoes
If you don’t want to add purple to your outfit with your clothing, a pair of purple shoes or boots would be a stylish, and unexpected choice.
Purple accessories
If you aren’t keen on wearing purple in your outfits, then a great way to add a touch of purple is with your accessories. You could, for example, wear a crisp white shirt and your favorite jeans along with a lavender handbag or shoes.
BOSTANTEN leather bucket bag – C.C cable knit beanie – Achillea pashmina scarf – Akola drop earrings
How to wear purple
Now, let’s take a look at some ways to way your purple clothes and the colors that go with them.
Purple with white
Sheree @shesheshow opts for purple and white, adding a touch of green with her sunglasses.
Steal her look with this similar shirt, pants, sandals, bag, scarf and sunglasses.
Outfit 1: Beyond Yoga hoodie – Sweaty Betty long cardigan – Girlfriend Collective high waist leggings – PUMA Carina sneaker – Gaiam Essentials yoga mat
Outfit 2: Urban CoCo open front blazer – Curves 360 by NYDJ sleeveless blouse – Karen Kane ankle pants – HEAWISH suede flats – Nordstrom pendant necklace – Brahmin satchel
Outfit 3: Design by Olivia moto jacket – Club Monaco mesh stripe sweater – Amy Lynn bias cut satin slip skirt – STANTEN leather bucket bag – PUMA Carina sneaker
Purple and black
I always think a pale purple is one of those tricky colors to get right. It can end up looking too “little girl”. But, this shade has definitely been a favorite on the catwalks recently.
And, I think if you “ground it” with darker shades, then it can stop it from looking too sickly sweet. Black is always a safe and stylish choice.
Outfit 1: Karen Millen biker jacket – Karen Millen asymmetric wide leg jumpsuit – IDIFU block heel sandals – Nina satin beaded clutch – Kendra Scott drop earrings
Outfit 2: LARACE swing tunic top – Beyond Yoga high waist leggings – adidas running shoe – Dreubea faux leather tote
Outfit 3: Nordstrom notch collar textured coat – Boden silk shirt – NYDJ wide leg pants – CL by Chinese Laundry peep toe bootie – BOSTANTEN leather bucket bag – Nordstrom pendant necklace
Purple and green
Purple looks fabulous teamed with neutrals but it can also be worn with other strong colors. Kim @kimair above (read her style interview here) opts for an unexpected color choice which works wonderfully by pairing her lilac shirt with green combats and bright shoes.
Check out this similar blouse, pants, pumps, handbag, hoop earrings and sunglasses.
Outfit 1: Beauhuty front surplice wrap top – Karen Millen tailored wide leg trousers – CL by Chinese Laundry peep toe bootie – Dreubea faux leather tote
Outfit 2: Karen Millen short pleated trench – Boden silk shirt – Lock and Love flare midi pull-on skirt – DREAM PAIRS over the knee boot – BOSTANTEN leather bucket bag – vxsvxm plaid scarf
Outfit 3: ODCOCD suede jacket – AG asymmetrical midi slipdress – DREAM PAIRS over the knee boot – Brahmin satchel
Purple outfits with neutrals
Wearing purple with neutrals gives an earthier, slightly more bohemian vibe.
It can give a relaxed, casual feel to a color which can otherwise be associated with royalty and evening wear. A purple dress and tan sandals would work well for summer vacations.
You can find purple clothes which mix in shades of tan, gray and yellows to create a softer, very subtle purple.
Outfit 1: Club Monaco cashmere sweater – Milly jacquard silk blend pants – J. Reneé slingback pump – Nina satin beaded clutch
Outfit 2: BP. crop sweater – Nordstrom wide leg flannel pants – BOSTANTEN leather bucket bag – Reebok sneaker
Outfit 3: Barefoot Dreams long cardigan – LARACE swing tunic top – Beyond Yoga high waist leggings – Reebok sneaker – Dreubea faux leather tote
Purple with red
Another combination you perhaps don’t see very often, but purple and red can work well together.
You could either opt for a deep shade of purple and an equally deep red, or team your reds and burgundies with violet.
You could team red with a vibrant purple, or with a more subtle hue like mauve or lavender.
Claudia @beafitmom.nl above teams a red top with a suit featuring shades of purple and she co-ordinates with purple booties.
Recreate her outfit with this similar top, pants, booties and fedora.
Outfit 1: JASAMBAC tie waist pencil dress – DREAM PAIRS kitten heel pump – JNB suede clutch – Akola drop earrings
Outfit 2: GRACE KARIN V-neck sweater – Karen Millen wide leg trousers – CL by Chinese Laundry peep toe bootie – Dreubea faux leather tote
Outfit 3: Karen Millen cotton tweed biker jacket – Halogen crossover wrap dress – HEAWISH suede flats – FashionPuzzle tassel zip crossbody bag
Purple outfits together in one capsule
Take a look below at some of the outfits featured in this article together in a capsule wardrobe for winter. You could easily switch around many of these items to create countless different looks for the upcoming season.
shop the items above here:
Which of these purple outfits is your favorite? Do you already have a purple dress or orther purple clothes in your closet?
Continue reading:
- How To Wear Red – Your Comprehensive Guide On Wearing The Color Of Love!
- How To Wear Pink – A Comprehensive Guide With Lots Of Ideas And Color Combinations!
- The Best Winter Coats For Women This Season And How To Choose A Coat
Like this article on how to wear purple? Save it on Pinterest!
Feature image by Sheree @shesheshow
Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.
You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!
I LOVE bright and dark purples with red! I think lavender and black look a bit odd, though, so I do navy instead. It looks awesome! Lilac and tan, too.
I used to wear a lot of purple berry shades when I was younger. Not worn it for years as mauve/lilac felt a bit old fashioned, knew an older lady who wore a lot but I suppose if it’s in your style it’s ok. Like rich dark berry shades best.
I am a lover of purple as well (light and dark) as it goes well with my complexion. Purple combines easily with reds and blues (denims!) and all the neutrals. I will try to give oranges and yellows a go this spring, who knows how it will work out. And looking like a bridesmaid? come on, a 40 + will never have this styling problem.
I love purple (all shades) and haven’t seen much written on it. Thank you for this article.