Photo via @claudiali
Chocolate brown and sienna orange feel like the obvious autumnal color choices, but there’s a new option defying expectations. It’s been stealing the spotlight on the runways and newsstands – purple. And it’s not the soft, pastel lilac you might associate with spring. This is a true royal purple. It’s surprisingly sophisticated and manages to feel seasonally appropriate despite being the last color most people would reach for this time of year. That unexpectedness is what makes it worth trying. The color has shown up everywhere from cozy knits and tailored separates to statement outerwear and accessories, proving that purple is just as versatile as the safe neutrals in your wardrobe. If you’ve been feeling like your fall rotation is missing something but can’t quite put your finger on what, this might be your answer. We rounded up 10 fresh, on-trend ways to wear the purple color trend this season. Each one makes a case for why this deep grape hue belongs in your shopping bags, stat. From the easiest entry points to the most committed combinations, consider this your introduction to fall’s most unexpected color obsession.
Photo via @christinaelezaj
1) Turtleneck + Denim
When it comes to styling a new trend or color, keeping it casual with denim is the easiest way to dip your toes first. Slip on a royal purple turtleneck to give your favorite pair of jeans a playful update. Then, accentuate the look with other in-season accessory trends, like an animal printed handbag. It’s proof that your everyday blues can work with just about anything.
PURPLE KNITS & ZEBRA DENIM EDIT
Photo via @helenabeckmann
2) Tights
Consider purple tights your new secret weapon for making a simple fall outfit feel instantly more fashion-forward. The saturated hue adds a punch of color peeking out from underneath a mini skirt, dress, or shorts. Keep the rest of your look relatively neutral for a cool contrast. We highly recommend giving this one a go if you’re looking for low-effort styling tricks that make a major impact.
PURPLE STATEMENT LAYERING EDIT
Photo via @di.poli
3) The Shoulder Drape
There’s something inherently chic about draping a sweater over the shoulders. If you’re looking to add just a touch of color to your fall outfit, this style move is a no-brainer. The punchy color enhances even the simplest outfits while adding a preppy touch. Then, when it gets chilly later, you already have a layering device on hand – a win-win in our book!
LILAC & PURPLE KNITWEAR EDIT
Photo via @sallynoa
4) Y2K Yoga Mom
The Y2K yoga mom aesthetic gets a decidedly more colorful update with a hit of royal purple. It’s as simple as slipping into stretchy flared yoga pants and layering a royal purple sweater over a basic tee. Finish off the high-low look with a pair of flats and you have a weekend warrior outfit that’s guaranteed to get compliments.
PURPLE, ACTIVEWEAR & STATEMENT ACCESSORIES EDIT
Photo via @ekvell
5) Gloves
When it comes to accessories, purple gloves are anything but an afterthought. A pair of saturated violet gloves can instantly elevate a fall outfit, especially if it’s contrasted against something dark like a black leather jacket. With the opera aesthetic taking over this season, consider violet gloves the most fearless way to approach the trend.
PURPLE, LACE & FAUX LEATHER EDIT
Photo via @vivianyrl
6) Outerwear
A purple coat is one of the easiest ways to make the color trend the focal point of your entire fall wardrobe as you’ll likely reach for it on multiple occasions. From oversized wool silhouettes to sleek trenches, the unexpected shade makes every look feel like a breath of fresh air. It screams “main character” moment.
PURPLE KNITWEAR & STATEMENT OUTERWEAR EDIT
Photo via @morozova_nastyaa
7) Leather
When you want to dress up a cozy purple knit without losing the ease of the piece, leather pants are the answer. The glossy, structured texture creates an immediate contrast against the softness of the sweater – and gives it an edge it wouldn’t otherwise have. The result lands somewhere between cozy and rebellious, which is exactly the sweet spot for fall dressing.
PURPLE & FAUX LEATHER EDIT
Photo via @taynnabrito
8) Double Down
Why stop at one purple piece when you can double down? Matching purple separates create a monochromatic moment that is surprisingly easy to pull off. To keep the look from feeling too matchy-matchy, play with different shades such as a deep purple knit and a lighter lavender bottom. The end result is proof that sometimes more really is more.
PURPLE DENIM & KNIT EDIT
Photo via @mayrafmtz
9) Pop of Red
Purple and red might not be the first color combination that comes to mind, but together, they make a seriously striking pair. A bright red tank against a deep purple base adds warmth and contrast without overpowering the eyes. If that’s still too much for your liking, try a red bag or pair of shoes to add a flash of warmth against the dark hue.
DEEP RED & DARK PURPLE EDIT
Photo via @pinterest
10) Pants
Purple pants are an instant outfit-maker, especially when you’re working with a relatively simple fall wardrobe. A cozy pair of purple corduroys or jeans can turn a basic sweater into the hottest outfit of the season. Consider these grape-colored bottoms your new shortcut to an endlessly chic wardrobe – grab our favorites below.
