As temperatures rise, we’re compelled to shed the bulkier all-black layers that carried us through winter to make space for a few brighter shades. It’s only natural to be curious about effortless ways to incorporate more color into your wardrobe, especially if you’re trying to figure out how to wear purple, one of spring’s top color trends.
Although purple has been around for centuries, it’s not necessarily an easy color to style, especially after years of neutral-toned runways and trends that have left the collective fashion conscience feeling a bit blah. “Color trends directly reflect a given time’s social, economic, and emotional climate. When we see an influx of neutral tones, beige, grey, and soft browns, it often aligns with a period of uncertainty or a cultural shift towards minimalism and practicality,” says Shakaila Forbes-Bell, a best-selling author and fashion psychologist. “Color is deeply tied to identity and self-expression; different shades can bring out various aspects of our character and influence those around us.”
That idea is reflected in the particular meaning prescribed to purple throughout history—evolving from a visual indicator of class in medieval times to the embodiment of springtime itself more recently. But one of the more compelling things about this color is just how much it can influence your mood. “Purple has the shortest wavelength, dramatically impacting our parasympathetic nervous system. Shades like lavender have become synonymous with relaxation because they can lower your blood pressure and heart rate,” Forbes-Bell adds. The calming effect of this color alone is enough evidence to compel anyone to incorporate the color into their closets. But if you need further convincing, let Forbes-Bell change your mind: “Neutral tones might be having a moment, but color is cyclical. Vibrancy will always find its way back into fashion.”
That moment is right now, as purple has become one of the most prominent color trends in the 2025 runways. From Miu Miu and Gucci to McQueen, there was no shortage of runway looks that showed purple slowly becoming a neutral shade in its own right. But if you need a masterclass in making this shade a transitional staple in your wardrobe, ahead, you’ll find all the ways you can style purple, whether you’re an outright color expert or a neutralist stepping outside their comfort zone.
Opt for Straightforward Pieces
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Ease yourself into embracing wearing this shade by picking statement pieces that are straightforward to style. For instance, a frilly full-length dress in a dark shade of purple doesn’t take too much forethought. All you have to do is add a pair of black thigh-high boots (or sandals) and a matching crescent handbag. Although it’s a simpler outfit formula, the bold color, you’ll still captivate everyone’s attention.
Start Small
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If opting for statement pieces in purple initially seems overwhelming, start by taking smaller steps. You can incorporate more color into your capsule wardrobe by swapping neutral accessories for those in varying shades of purple. Pairing your favorite everyday staples, such as a button-down shirt and pleated shorts, with purple accessories makes embracing this color an effortless endeavor.
Go Tonal
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Arguably, one of the most frustrating things about figuring out how to wear purple is not knowing what colors to pair it with. When in doubt, you really can’t go wrong with opting for a head-to-toe tonal look. Don’t be afraid to sport a double-breasted dark purple coat with a matching silk midi skirt and slingback heels. You can always break the look up with a neutral turtleneck or handbag if you can’t commit to a head-to-toe purple outfit just yet.
Incorporate Neutrals
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Another straightforward way to make purple as approachable as any other neutral color is to simply style it with a more muted color palette. Whether you opt for black, white, gray, or brown, pairing this secondary color with less saturated ones is a simple solution to your styling dilemma. You can easily copy-paste the styling shown above by picking one purple piece (potentially outerwear) to pair with two to three neutral shades so that it stands out to the max.
Play with Pastels
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When you want to break away from wearing the same old boring neutrals, it’s a safe strategy to go for a similar color category: pastels. For example, a lavender polo knit and pleated midi skirt become more visually compelling when paired with a baby blue chore jacket and brown accessories. Playing with pastels will give the most basic pieces in your closet a bold spin.
Embrace Color Blocking
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Another way to draw more attention to your look is to embrace color-blocking. The key to effectively implementing this styling principle is to pair darker shades of purple with two to three contrasting colors. Ideally, one shade would be neutral, and the other would be a primary color. It’s a delicate balance to achieve, but if you do, you’re bound to make heads turn.
Print Mania
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For those whose sartorial preferences lean more maximalist, let the outfit shown above be your styling blueprint. Nothing can make any purple piece pop more than pairing it with a few mismatched prints. Try styling a pair of purple cargo pants with a leopard print coat and a striped polo shirt. The key to ensuring that the prints don’t clash too much is having a method to the madness, such as picking printed pieces with the same color palette or opting for chunkier accessories in one neutral color.
Create Aesthetic Contrasts
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Prints are not the only way to create a visually compelling outfit when adopting this color trend. You can make purple feel more dynamic, drawing attention to aesthetic contrasts. Embrace pairing your piece pieces with unexpected items. For example, the delicate “femininity” of an oversized light lilac sweatshirt can be dialed up when styled as a mini dress with edgier “masculine” accessories like a studded belt or chunky silver jewelry. It’s all about getting creative with your styling to see this color in a new light.
Keep it Simple
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By now, we’ve hopefully provided you with plenty of inspiration for how to wear purple in your everyday life. However, if we’re going to leave you with parting wisdom, let it be the following: keep it simple. You can never go wrong with pairing purple with your most beloved pieces in the back of your closet. Ultimately, adopting any color trend into your closet is all about choosing the styling combos that make you feel (and look) your best.
Incorporate Texture
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Let’s be honest: embracing any color can be intimidating. Rather than embracing the purple rainbow, incorporate texture into the mix as a solution. Leather outerwear is an easy fix that will add depth and boldness to your outfit without overdoing it.
