Purple is a regal color that can add flair to any outfit. When wearing purple clothing, it’s important to choose complementary colors and styles that enhance the vibrancy of the purple. Here are some tips on what looks good with purple clothes.
Pairing Purple with Neutrals
One easy way to make purple pop is by pairing it with neutrals like black, white, gray, tan, or brown. Monochromatic looks featuring different shades of purple with black or white can look sleek and elegant. Lighter toned neutrals like tan, cream, or mauve will create a softer contrast against rich purple hues. Darker neutrals like charcoal, navy or chocolate brown will make the purple stand out.
Here are some neutral colors that complement different shades of purple:
| Purple Shade | Neutral Pairings |
|---|---|
| Lavender | Cream, Light Gray, Soft Pink |
| Lilac | Taupe, Blush, Ivory |
| Orchid | Beige, Tan, Light Brown |
| Grape | Charcoal, Dark Gray, Black |
| Eggplant | Navy, Olive Green, Chocolate Brown |
| Plum | Mauve, Dusty Rose, Cream |
Pairing purple with classic black and white combos is an easy way to add striking contrast. A black blazer over a purple dress or crisp white button-down with purple pants makes the purple pop. Go monochromatic with shades of purple and white or purple and black for chic, tonal outfits.
Complementary Color Pairings
Using colors opposite purple on the color wheel is a foolproof way to create vibrant color pairings. These complementary hues make the purple stand out.
Ideal color pairings include:
– Purple and yellow – Try rich purple with mustard yellow or pale purple with lemon yellow
– Purple and green – Deep purple with hunter green or light purple with sage green
– Purple and orange – Vibrant orange contrasts nicely with jewel tones like amethyst or grape
– Purple and blue – Light purple with navy or royal purple with sky blue
– Purple and red – Pair berry tones with crimson reds or lilac with brick red
Here are examples of outfits with purple and complementary colors:
| Purple Hue | Complementary Pairing |
|---|---|
| Amethyst dress | Golden yellow heels |
| Lilac blouse | Olive green trousers |
| Grape button-down | Coral pink skirt |
| Plum sweater | Turquoise earrings |
| Lavender tee | Orange sneakers |
Having one complementary accent piece can make an outfit pop. Go bold with a colorful handbag, shoes, scarf or jewelry paired with a purple garment.
Metallic and Jewel Tones
Metallics like gold, silver, bronze and jewel tones like ruby red, sapphire blue and emerald green pair strikingly with purple. These rich, luxurious shades make purple shine.
Try pairing:
– Golden browns with plum purple
– Silvery grays with lilac purple
– Bronze tones with eggplant purple
– Sapphire blue with orchid purple
– Emerald green with grape purple
– Ruby red with berry purple
Metallic shoes, handbags and jewelry in gold, silver or bronze add shimmer and contrast to purple outfits. A jewel toned blazer or scarf makes a vibrant accent. Go glamorous with a jewel toned cocktail dress in emerald, sapphire or ruby under a purple coat.
| Purple Item | Metallic or Jewel Tone Pairing |
|---|---|
| Purple sweater | Gold necklace |
| Grape dress | Silver heels |
| Plum coat | Emerald gloves |
| Lilac blouse | Ruby red skirt |
| Orchid pants | Bronze belt |
Stylish Color Combinations
Other colors that pair well with purple clothes include pink, blue and shades of gray.
Soft pinks complement pale purples like lilac and lavender. Try a ballerina pink skirt with a lavender sweater. For bolder looks, pair jewel tone purples with fuchsia or magenta pink.
Cool toned blues enhance deeper purples like amethyst, grape and plum. Go for an electric cobalt blue with plum purple for striking contrast. Dusty blues also soften lighter purples.
Shades of gray create chic, sophisticated looks with purple. Charcoal gray makes rich purples pop while soft heather gray works with pale purples. Grayscale plaid prints paired with purple can look edgy and fashion forward.
Here are examples of stylish color pairings:
| Purple Item | Color Pairing |
|---|---|
| Lavender dress | Baby pink cardigan |
| Grape trousers | Navy blue blazer |
| Orchid shirt | Steel gray tie |
| Berry coat | Magenta hat |
| Plum shoes | Light blue bag |
Having one accent color in an outfit with purple creates a stylish, pulled together look.
Patterns and Prints
Pairing purple clothing with patterns and prints can add eye-catching visual interest. Florals, stripes, checks and argyle pair nicely with purple’s vibrant hue.
Small floral prints with purple flowers bring out the beauty of the color. Larger boho florals in warm tones like peach, yellow and terracotta make purple pop. Ditsy florals with purple accents on a neutral background are easy to mix and match.
Vertical stripes in white, black, gray or complementary colors make purple stripes stand out. Crisp check prints with purple gingham or overchecks creates contrast.
Plaids and argyle prints in shades like berry, forest green, navy blue, gray, and mustard yellow complement purple clothing. Madras plaid shorts or skirts with purple complement business casual purple shirts.
Here are examples of purple with stylish prints:
| Purple Item | Print Pairing |
|---|---|
| Purple blouse | White floral skirt |
| Plum sweater | Gingham trousers |
| Lavender dress | Navy and white striped jacket |
| Grape button-down | Forest green argyle vest |
| Amethyst coat | Buffalo check scarf |
Texture Combinations
Layering different textures is an easy way to add interest to purple outfits. Pairing sleek with sheer or combining matte with shiny creates cool contrast.
A shiny satin purple top pops against a matte leather skirt. A sheer purple blouse layered over a silky camisole adds dimension.
Suede purple jackets contrast nicely with crisp cotton button-downs. Velvet purple dresses become luxe paired with lace tights or metallic heels.
Here are creative ways to mix purple with different fabrics:
| Purple Item | Texture Pairing |
|---|---|
| Satin purple blouse | Tweed blazer |
| Velvet purple dress | Sheer lace cardigan |
| Cotton purple tee | Leather jacket |
| Silk purple skirt | Denim jacket |
| Shiny grape pants | Matte jersey top |
The contrast of textures adds visual dynamics and layers to monochromatic purple outfits.
Conclusion
Purple makes a vibrant style statement. Pairing purple clothes with complementary colors, prints, metals, and textures creates stylish head-to-toe looks.
Keep purple as the focal point by choosing neutrals like black, white and gray. Make purple pop with complementary yellow, green, orange or red accents. Metallics, jewel tones and cool tones like pink, blue and plum make purple shine. Patterns like florals, stripes and argyle add flair. Mixing sleek and shiny fabrics with matte and sheer textures makes purple outfits eye-catching.
With so many options, you can create fashion-forward looks anchored in beautiful purple hues. Use these tips to mix, match and layer your purple pieces for occasions from everyday wear to formal events. From the office to evenings out, purple clothing paired strategically commands attention.
