Combining red and purple in an outfit can seem daunting to some, but it’s actually easier to pull off than you might think. As complementary colors on the color wheel, red and purple have the potential to create a striking color combination when worn together. In this article, we’ll explore the dos and don’ts of wearing red and purple together, provide outfit ideas and examples, and give you tips for accessorizing and nailing the red and purple color combo with confidence.
The Design Theory Behind Red and Purple
In color theory, red and purple are considered complementary colors, meaning they are directly opposite each other on the color wheel. This contrast is what makes them pop when paired together. Red has a strong, passionate energy, while purple has a more mysterious, magical vibe. When combined, they create visual interest and vibrancy.
Here are some of the characteristics of red and purple that allow them to work well together:
- They have enough contrast between warm and cool tones to be striking, but not so much contrast that they clash.
- They share similar saturation levels, meaning how deeply pigmented and bright they are.
- They both lean toward the bold side of the color spectrum.
- When placed side-by-side, they make each other appear more vibrant.
Knowing these innate complementary qualities of red and purple makes it easier to understand why and how they can look great together. The key is balancing them properly so the look is eye-catching but not overwhelming.
Outfit Ideas and Examples
When styling red and purple together, you have lots of options. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Red top + purple bottom: Pair a bold red blouse or shirt with a purple skirt or pants. This allows you to anchor the outfit with one color up top and one on bottom.
- Red jacket + purple dress: For more formal occasions, wear a purple dress and layer a red blazer or jacket on top. This creates a sophisticated color-blocked look.
- Red pants + purple sweater: Reverse the color placement by wearing purple on top with red pants or trousers. This also works for casual or dressy occasions.
- Pattern mixing: Don’t be afraid to mix red and purple prints, like a red floral blouse with purple polka dot skirt. Just make sure the patterns have similar scales.
- Red accessories: Add pops of red to a purple outfit with a handbag, shoe, belt, scarf or jewelry. This allows purple to take center stage while red plays a supporting role.
Here are some real outfit examples showing how to effectively style red and purple:
| Outfit | Description |
|---|---|
| Red blouse + purple skirt | A red top with ruffle details is paired with a purple A-line midi skirt for a feminine look. Nude heels tie everything together. |
| Red pants + purple sweater | Bold high-waisted red trousers pop against a pastel purple sweater. White sneakers keep it casual. |
| Red dress + purple jacket | A minimalist purple blazer worn over a red fit-and-flare dress creates an elegant color-blocked outfit. |
| Red floral top + purple dots skirt | Mixing red floral and purple polka dot prints creates visual interest, while black tights and boots ground the look. |
| Purple dress + red belt + red earrings | Let purple take center stage in a dress, adding red through accessories like a belt and statement earrings. |
As you can see, red and purple work for all sorts of outfits and occasions. Don’t be afraid to get creative and find new ways to combine them!
Tips for Accessorizing Red and Purple
Accessorizing is one of the best ways to perfect a red and purple outfit. Here are some tips:
- Add metallic shoes, bag, or jewelry for a luxe feel.
- Incorporate neutrals like black, white, nude, or gray to act as neutral anchors.
- Stack red and purple bracelets and necklaces together.
- Echo the colors with a red lip and purple eyeliner.
- Tie patterns together with shoes or a bag that picks out one of the colors.
- A red or purple hat or headband can add a fun finishing touch.
When accessorizing, you generally want to limit yourself to one or two red accessories and one or two purple accessories for balance. You can also accessorize monochromatically by choosing all red or all purple accessories. Have fun and use accessories to give your red and purple outfit extra flair!
Best Practices for Wearing Red and Purple
Follow these best practices when combining red and purple to ensure you’re nailing the color combo:
- Look for red and purple hues in the same color family that complement each other, rather than clashing. For example, pair a berry purple with a blue-based red.
- Use one color more predominantly overall. The secondary color can shine through accessories or key pieces.
- Add balance by anchoring the outfit with neutrals like black, white, gray, or nude.
- Make sure colors are distributed evenly. If you wear a red top and purple bottom, anchor with neutral shoes.
- Consider lighter shades like pink or lilac if you want a softer contrast.
- Know your color palette and choose the right undertones. A warm red will suit warm complexions, while cool purple tones work for cool complexions.
Following these tips will ensure the red and purple truly complement each other as well as your own coloring.
Red and Purple Color Combinations to Avoid
While red and purple are complementary colors, there are certain combinations that can be unflattering or high-contrast. Here are some red and purple pairings to avoid:
- Bright, true red paired with bright purple. This can be overpowering.
- Orange-red next to blue-toned purple. These opposing undertones can clash.
- Light red with dark eggplant purple. There needs to be some parity in shade depth.
- A predominance of both colors. Stick to one color star and one supporting player.
- Matching red and purple prints. This can look overly matchy-matchy.
- Red and purple with equally attention-grabbing patterns. Competing prints usually don’t work.
As long as you avoid these high-contrast combinations, you’ll have an easier time combining red and purple effectively. The colors should complement, not compete, with each other.
Makeup Tips for Red and Purple Outfits
Your makeup can help tie your red and purple outfit together. Here are some makeup ideas:
- Red lips + purple eyeshadow: Pair a bold red lip with soft purple eyeshadow, liner, or a sweep of shadow on the lashline. This directly mirrors the colors.
- Berry lip + plum eyeliner: For a subtler take, do a berry lip and plum eyeliner. You can even extend the liner outward into a cat eye.
- Red cheeks + purple lips: Wear red blush and bold purple lipstick for bright pops of both colors on your face.
- Monochromatic purple: Go monochrome with all purple makeup – eyeshadow, lips, and rosy purple blush. Let your red outfit be the color star.
- Nude pink lip + pops of purple: For a natural look, pair neutral makeup with just a pop of purple on the eyes or lips.
Makeup is another great way to try out the color combination and show off your red and purple outfit coordination. Don’t be afraid to get creative and play with different placements of each shade.
Red and Purple Nail Designs
Your nails present another fun opportunity to incorporate this color pairing. Here are some red and purple nail ideas:
- Red and purple ombre fade
- Red nails + purple polka dots
- Alternating red and purple nails
- Deep purple nails + red glitter tip
- Sheer red base with purple nail art on accent nails
- French manicure tip in purple with red base
- Deep red nails + light purple half moon details
You have endless options for getting creative with red and purple nail art. Play with different patterns, designs, ombre fades, and glitter or metallic textures. Your nail polish is the perfect place to show off school spirit, holiday fun, or your favorite red and purple outfit combo.
Conclusion
Red and purple may seem like an unlikely color pairing, but with the right balance, they can look bold and beautiful together. Use color theory and complementary colors to your advantage when styling these shades in an outfit. Anchor them with neutrals, layer them properly from top to bottom, and use accessories and makeup to tie the look together. Avoid high-contrast pairings and stick to one color as the star. With these tips in mind, you can confidently wear red and purple for a vibrant, eye-catching look.
