Purple is a regal, mysterious and luxurious color that can make a bold fashion statement. When choosing outfits in purple hues, it’s important to select complimentary colors that will enhance the vibrancy of the purple rather than clashing with it. Certain color combinations work particularly well with purple clothing and accessories. Understanding color theory and knowing which shades pair best can take your purple fashion to the next level.
Complimentary Colors for Purple Clothing
According to traditional color theory, the colors that most complement purple are yellow and orange. These fall directly across from purple on the color wheel. When placed side-by-side, complimentary colors create a striking visual contrast that allows both hues to stand out.
Yellow has a bright, cheerful energy that balances beautifully with the depth and moodiness of purple. For example, pairing a rich purple dress with bright yellow heels and accessories creates an eye-catching look. Lighter tints of yellow work best, rather than harsh neon shades. Soft sunny yellows and pastel yellows flatter purple in an elegant way.
Vibrant orange shades also liven up purple clothing and make an exciting color combination. Burnt oranges and peach tones work well, bringing warmth and luminosity to balance cooler purple hues. Try teaming a purple blouse with an orange skirt or an orange jacket over a purple dress. Orange shoes, jewelry and bags provide pops of color against purple outfits.
Analogous Colors for Purple
Using analogous colors is another great way to complement purple clothing. Analogous colors sit directly next to each other on the color wheel, creating harmonious color palettes with subtle gradations between the shades.
The analogous colors that pair attractively with purple are red-violet and blue-violet. Mixing different shades of reddish purples, bluish purples and true purples creates a sophisticated monochromatic look. For example, pairing a purple top with a red-violet skirt and adding blue-violet accessories pulls the whole outfit together stylishly.
Deeper, richer shades of red like burgundy, maroon and oxblood also complement purple beautifully. Cool-toned pinks work well too, such as mauve, lilac and lavender. Try combining different purple garments with red or pink items to vary shades and textures. A pink coat over a purple dress or red shoes with a purple top demonstrate how gorgeous analogous colors can look with purple.
Neutrals that Complement Purple
Neutral shades provide an easy way to make purple pop without clashing colors. Crisp white paired with vivid purple has a clean, modern look. Different shades of gray and black also couple elegantly with purple clothing. Charcoal gray, silver, pewter and gunmetal are flattering neutrals to accent purple.
For softer contrast, pale grays work well. Pair a pale lilac purple with soft dove gray or heather gray. Black is classic with purple, but can feel stark, so balance it with lighter purples rather than deep eggplant shades. Cream, beige and tan neutrals complement lighter purples like lavender or lilac.
Try mixing different neutral textures with purple clothing, like a smooth white top with a fuzzy purple sweater. Neutrals allow the vibrancy of purple to shine. Ground bold purple pieces with neutrals to avoid overwhelming an outfit.
Metallic Shades that Enhance Purple
Metallic shoes, jewelry and bags are an easy way to make purple outfits shine. Metallic shades with cool, bluish undertones best enhance purples. Silver, pewter, platinum, steel and metallic grays beautifully accent purple clothing.
Soft gold tones and champagne gold also work well with purple, depending on the shade. Brassy yellow gold doesn’t pair as attractively. Coppery metallic shades like rose gold and bronze lack enough contrast against most purples.
Try metallic heels, earrings, cuffs and clutches in silver, pewter or steel with your purple pieces. Metallic shoes or bags are impactful complements to purple dresses, skirts and trousers for both dressy and casual occasions.
Tips for Wearing Purple Confidently
– Stick to 2-3 core colors in an outfit for harmony – such as purple top with gray pants and orange heels
– Add interest with textures like leather, suede, satin, lace paired with purple
– Use brighter tones sparingly as accents against richer purple hue
– Keep makeup and nails neutral or metallic to complement purple clothing
– Choose purples that enhance your skin’s undertones and flatter your complexion
– Feel empowered to express your individuality by embracing bold purple fashion
Conclusion
Purple clothing makes a statement. Choosing the right complementary colors to pair with purple is key to creating stylish, put-together looks. Following basic color theory principles helps guide the selection of flattering shades. Yellow, orange, red-violet, blue-violet and metallics like silver and pewter all make purple pop beautifully. Keep outfits streamlined with just a few well-chosen accent colors against the anchor purple pieces. With the right combinations, purple outfits exude flair, elegance and confidence. Embrace one of fashion’s most regal colors knowing how to perfectly complement your purple clothes and accessories.