Purple is a versatile and chic color that can be paired with many different tops and outfits. When choosing a top to wear with purple bottoms, there are a few key factors to consider:
The shade of purple
Not all shades of purple will look good with every color top. Darker jewel tones like amethyst, eggplant or plum purple look beautiful with black, white, gray, navy and other deep neutral tops. Lighter lavender or lilac shades pair well with pastels like mint, peach, light pink and blue. Vibrant purple hues like fuchsia or magenta make a bold statement with equally vivid oranges, yellows, greens or metallics.
Color theory
Following basic color theory can help guide your purple top pairings. In general, colors next to or opposite each other on the color wheel tend to complement each other. Purple’s complementary color is yellow, so wearing purple with yellow is always a foolproof choice. Analogous colors like blue, red and pink also make harmonious purple pairings. For a more unexpected look, go with a striking contrast by pairing purple with its opposite on the color wheel – green.
Your skin tone
The right top colors will complement your skin tone and bring out your best features. Warm skin tones look great with oranges, yellows, reds, pinks and peach. Cool skin tones are flattered by blues, greens, purples and magenta. Neutral and olive skin tones can pull off both warm and cool colors well. Know your color season to pick the most suitable hues.
Top silhouettes
The style and fit of your top is also key when matching with purple. Form-fitting tops in soft materials help tone down bold purple shades, while structured tops with clean lines give lighter purples a chic edge. Flowy blouses or peasant tops provide an effortlessly feminine vibe. Cropped tops and tunics highlight the waist. There are no hard rules – just go with silhouettes you feel most confident and comfortable in.
Accessorizing
Smart accessorizing brings your whole outfit together. Metallic jewelry like gold, rose gold or silver work with any purple shade. You can pick up one of the metallic tones with shoes or a handbag. Statement necklaces and dangling earrings pop against both light and dark purple hues. Don’t be afraid to mix metals for an eclectic vibe. Purple also pairs beautifully with natural wood, leather or neutral accessories.
Best Tops to Wear with Purple
Here are some of the best top colors and styles to pair with different shades of purple bottoms:
| Purple Shade | Best Tops to Wear |
|---|---|
| Dark Purple | Black, white, gray, navy, red, hot pink |
| Light Purple | Pastels like mint, peach, light blue, blush pink |
| Bright Purple | Yellow, orange, neon green, magenta, turquoise |
Tops for Dark Purple
Jewel tones like amethyst, eggplant and plum purple have a luxurious, elegant vibe. These rich dark shades pair perfectly with classic black and white tops. A black turtleneck, button-down or tee looks chicly understated with dark purple. Crisp white tops pop against the darkness, letting the purple be the star.
Gray is an ideal neutral that complements the cool tones of deep purples. Go for a heather gray long sleeve tee or sweatshirt for an effortlessly stylish casual look. Charcoal and silver gray dressier tops work for both daytime and evening. Navy is another versatile neutral that brings out the subtle hints of blue in dark purples.
Finally, don’t be afraid to go bold with your top colors too. Red and hot pink make vibrant complements to play up the pink undertones in many dark purples. Try pairing an eggplant pencil skirt with a cherry red blouse for a striking business look. Or rock a magenta cropped tank with plum purple jeans on the weekend.
Tops for Light Purple
Softer purples like lilac and lavender have a sweet, romantic vibe perfect for spring and summer. Pastel tops in shades like mint green, peach, light blue and blush pink bring out the dreamy delicacy of light purples. A peach peasant blouse over lilac shorts or a mint green tank with a lavender skirt conjure up images of Easter eggs and flowers.
For a preppy twist, look for classic stripes, polka dots and color blocking. Nautical stripes paired with light purple add vintage flair. A striped collared blouse or breton tee balances the femininity. Polka dots give off quirky retro vibes, especially on collars or hems. For color blocking, go for contrasting pastels like baby blue with pale purple.
White cotton button-downs and t-shirts work year-round with lighter purples. Keep the look breezy by tying a white tee at the waist or rolling up the sleeves. Light purple cropped pants or a skirt with a crisp white shirt says summer in a chic, understated way.
Tops for Bright Purple
Vibrant purples like fuchsia, magenta and grape scream fun. These bold brights look best with equally vivid top colors like yellow, orange, neon green, turquoise or metallics. Don’t be shy – the more color the better to let these dynamic purples shine.
A neon yellow tank or tee makes the ultimate color-blocked statement. Acid yellow, chartreuse and lime green bring out the yellow undertones in bright purples. For tropical punch, try pairing magenta bottoms with a palm print top in oranges and pinks. Metallic silver or gold sequined tops make a glam evening look.
Or lean into the ’80s trend with bright purples and opt for an oversized blazer with strong shoulders. Leave it open over a plain white tee and leggings or jeans in a bright purple wash. Accessorize with stacks of colorful bangle bracelets for a funky retro touch.
Conclusion
Purple may seem like a daring color choice, but it’s actually quite versatile. With the right top, you can rock any shade of purple from the palest lilac to the boldest fuchsia. Follow the color pairing tips above to choose tops with hues and silhouettes that complement your purple bottoms and enhance your style. Don’t forget to accessorize to bring the whole outfit together seamlessly. With so many chic options, you’ll want to wear purple every day!
