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.

Purple outfits from the catwalks | 40plusstyle.com

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

Purple outfits - psyche wears purple jogging bottoms | 40plusstyle.com

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.

Dokotoo chiffon blouse | 40plusstyle.com

Dokotoo chiffon blouse

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.

LARACE swing tunic top | 40plusstyle.com

LARACE swing tunic top

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 | 40plusstyle.com

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 front cardigan | 40plusstyle.com

Lock and Love draped open frsont cardigan

Purple jacket

Melissa wears a purple blazer and jeans | 40plusstyle.com

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.

Allegra K suede moto jacket | 40plusstyle.com

Allegra K suede moto jacket

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 | 40plusstyle.com

Aprsfn mid-length wool blend coat

Purple dress

Mel wears a purple dress | 40plusstyle.com

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 | 40plusstyle.com

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 | 40plusstyle.com

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 | 40plusstyle.com

Cemi Ceri high waist dress pants

Purple jeans

Laura wears purple jeans | 40plusstyle.com

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 | 40plusstyle.com

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 | 40plusstyle.com

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.

HEAWISH suede flats | 40plusstyle.com

HEAWISH suede flats

Akk tennis shoes | 40plusstyle.com

Akk tennis shoes

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.

Purple accessories | 40plusstyle.com

BOSTANTEN leather bucket bagC.C cable knit beanieAchillea pashmina scarfAkola 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

50 Shades of Purple: How to wear purple outfits in every shade from lilac to violet | 40plusstyle.com

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.

purple and white outfits | 40plusstyle.com

Outfit 1: Beyond Yoga hoodieSweaty Betty long cardiganGirlfriend Collective high waist leggingsPUMA Carina sneakerGaiam Essentials yoga mat

Outfit 2: Urban CoCo open front blazerCurves 360 by NYDJ sleeveless blouseKaren Kane ankle pantsHEAWISH suede flatsNordstrom pendant necklaceBrahmin satchel

Outfit 3: Design by Olivia moto jacketClub Monaco mesh stripe sweaterAmy Lynn bias cut satin slip skirtSTANTEN leather bucket bagPUMA 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.

purple and black outfits | 40plusstyle.com

Outfit 1: Karen Millen biker jacketKaren Millen asymmetric wide leg jumpsuitIDIFU block heel sandalsNina satin beaded clutchKendra Scott drop earrings

Outfit 2: LARACE swing tunic topBeyond Yoga high waist leggingsadidas running shoeDreubea faux leather tote

Outfit 3: Nordstrom notch collar textured coatBoden silk shirtNYDJ wide leg pantsCL by Chinese Laundry peep toe bootieBOSTANTEN leather bucket bagNordstrom pendant necklace

Purple and green

Kim wearing purple and green | 40plusstyle.com

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.

purple and green outfit inspiration | 40plusstyle.com

Outfit 1: Beauhuty front surplice wrap topKaren Millen tailored wide leg trousersCL by Chinese Laundry peep toe bootieDreubea faux leather tote

Outfit 2: Karen Millen short pleated trenchBoden silk shirtLock and Love flare midi pull-on skirtDREAM PAIRS over the knee bootBOSTANTEN leather bucket bagvxsvxm plaid scarf

Outfit 3: ODCOCD suede jacketAG asymmetrical midi slipdressDREAM PAIRS over the knee bootBrahmin 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.

Purple and neutral outfits | 40plusstyle.com

Outfit 1: Club Monaco cashmere sweaterMilly jacquard silk blend pantsJ. Reneé slingback pumpNina satin beaded clutch

Outfit 2: BP. crop sweaterNordstrom wide leg flannel pantsBOSTANTEN leather bucket bagReebok sneaker

Outfit 3: Barefoot Dreams long cardiganLARACE swing tunic topBeyond Yoga high waist leggingsReebok sneakerDreubea faux leather tote

Purple with red

Claudia wearing purple and red | 40plusstyle.com

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.

purple and red outfits | 40plusstyle.com

Outfit 1: JASAMBAC tie waist pencil dressDREAM PAIRS kitten heel pumpJNB suede clutchAkola drop earrings

Outfit 2: GRACE KARIN V-neck sweaterKaren Millen wide leg trousersCL by Chinese Laundry peep toe bootieDreubea faux leather tote

Outfit 3: Karen Millen cotton tweed biker jacketHalogen crossover wrap dressHEAWISH suede flatsFashionPuzzle 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.

A purple capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

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:

  1. How To Wear Red – Your Comprehensive Guide On Wearing The Color Of Love!
  2. How To Wear Pink – A Comprehensive Guide With Lots Of Ideas And Color Combinations!
  3. 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!

50 Shades of Purple: How to wear purple outfits in every shade from lilac to violet | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Sheree @shesheshow

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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