What Colors Go with Purple Clothes (And What Doesn’t)

I have always loved purple. I’m more of a “lavender” girl, but I like all shades of purple! It can be so pretty, but it can also be really tricky to style. Sometimes, I wear a purple shirt, and suddenly, nothing else in my closet looks right. So, I decided to share a post and discuss what colors go with purple clothes. Once you figure out the right color combinations, wearing purple gets easier.

Whether it’s lavender, plum, royal purple, or some random purple piece you ordered late at night and forgot about, the right pairing makes all the difference. Over the years, I’ve tried many purple outfits. Some were cute, some were not. But now I have a better sense of what works, and I wanted to share what helps me whenever I try to style something purple.

First, Why Is Purple So Tricky?

Purple sits in a funky spot on the color wheel. It’s a mix of cool blue and warm red, which makes it moody, elegant, and sometimes hard to match. The good news is that when you find the right color pairings, purple becomes the star of your whole outfit or space. So, knowing the basics of the color wheel and how different shades interact is key.

Some purples lean cooler (think lavender or lilac), while others lean warmer (like plum or deep purple). So, your color combinations will depend a little on the type of purple you’re working with.

My Go-To Colors That Work with Purple Clothes

Here are some of the combos I always use when styling anything purple. They just work, whether I’m going for something bold, soft, or a little unexpected. These pairings make the outfit feel effortless but still put together.

1- Fuchsia

Fuchsia with purple is one of those combos that just hits right. It especially looks amazing with lavender tones. The softness of lavender and the boldness of fuchsia balance each other in the best way. It gives that playful, put-together look without trying too hard. Whenever I wear these two together, it looks fresh and fun, like you planned the outfit instead of throwing random colors on it.

2- Don’t Be Afraid to Mix It Up (Throw in a Little Black Too)

Don’t be afraid to mix bold and soft tones. Fuchsia with lavender already makes the outfit stand out in the best way, but adding a little black, whether a belt, shoes, a bag, or even sunglasses, pulls everything together.

3- White

White is always a safe bet. It goes with literally every shade of purple. I love throwing on a lavender top with white jeans, or a white tee with purple pants, it always feels clean and fresh.

4- Beige, Cream, and Neutrals

These softer tones balance out purple so well. Beige or cream makes purple look more elevated and less in-your-face. It’s such a good combo for fall or when you want something neutral but still interesting.

5- Black

Black and purple is bold, but it works. I especially love black with darker purples—like a plum top and black pants. It’s great for nighttime or cooler weather.

6- Gold

Purple and gold = yes. Whether it’s gold jewelry, a gold bag, or even gold heels, it makes purple feel more put-together. It gives off expensive energy without trying too hard.

7- Green

I know it sounds weird initially, but green and purple actually go together well, especially soft green, sage, or emerald. If you’ve never tried this combo, give it a shot. It looks fantastic in outfits and in home decor.

8- Navy Blue

If black feels too heavy, go with navy. It still gives contrast but feels a little softer. I love navy with lavender or even a deeper purple.

9- Blush or Soft Pink

If you like softer looks, try blush pink with lavender or lilac. It’s girly but not over the top. I love it for spring outfits or something a little dressier.

Let’s Talk About Outfits

Here are a few of my go-to outfit ideas when I wear purple:

Lavender Eyelet Dress + Raffia Platform Sandals + Straw Tote
Cropped Lilac Cardigan + White Pleated Tennis Skirt + White Sneakers
Purple Gingham Set (Crop Top + Skirt) + Flat Sandals + Tiny Sunglasses
Light Purple Satin Cami + Wide-Leg Cream Pants + Barely-There Heels
Lilac Off-the-Shoulder Top + High-Rise White Shorts + Lace-Up Sandals

Color Combinations to Be Careful With

Here are some combos I usually skip…

1. Bright Red

This combo can get real loud, real fast. It’s hard to make it look cohesive unless you’re doing it in a really intentional way.

2. Bright Orange

This feels very Halloween, and not in a cute way. I’d skip it unless both colors are super toned down.

3. Neon Anything

Just… no. Purple is already bold, and adding neon usually makes the whole outfit feel like too much. Keep it classic with more grounded tones.

And accessories totally count! A purple bag or scarf is such an easy way to add color without going full-on purple outfit.

Final Thoughts

So, if you’ve ever stood in your closet wondering what colors go with purple clothes, I hope this makes it easier. Don’t overthink it—just pair it with white, black, beige, navy, gold, or soft green. Try it on, take a quick pic, and go from there. Purple becomes much easier to wear once you find the combos you like.

Love,

Sherry XOXO