And Now, a Tightly Curated Edit of the Chicest Pre-Fall Pieces in Fall's #1 Color Trend
Brands and retailers are already prepared for the takeover of this rich shade.
I'm fully aware that summer is far from over, but pre-fall fashion finds have been trickling in on my favorite sites, catching my eye and getting me eager about dressing for the season ahead. While I browsed the new arrivals, one thing stood out above all else: color. Designers aren't leaving bold hues behind with summer. One shade in particular that is poised to define fall and maybe even dethrone burgundy is purple.
If you pay close attention to the runway trends, this probably doesn't come as a surprise. Loud, rich shades of purple like violet and royal purple popped up all over the spring/summer 2026 runways and then seamlessly continued into the fall/winter 2026 collections. The color was everywhere, from trench coats at Celine and sheer skirts and blouses at Ferragamo to textured minidresses at Loewe and asymmetrical maxi dresses at Tory Burch.
While many fashion insiders, including myself, bought into the color trend early—last spring—it seems like everyone else is just starting to notice it and get excited to embrace it this fall. So prepare yourself, as you'll certainly start to see more and more purple pieces being adopted as August rolls on.
If you're ready to buy into the trend, I've rounded up the chicest purple pieces to carry you through the season in style, from a must-have V-neck sweater at COS to fluid trousers at Toteme. I'm confident these hero items will be sold out by September 1. Scroll on to see and shop the full edit, and remember, you don't have to commit to a head-to-toe monochromatic look. In fact, I suggest subtly incorporating the color in your outfits through a pair of flats, a handbag, or a simple tee.
Shop Purple Pieces for Pre-Fall
This beautiful hue also comes in a turtleneck.
Shop the Rounded Cashmere Mock-Neck Sweater ($329).
Fashion people are obsessed with this clutch that is part of Reformation's collaboration with content creator Courtney Grow.
I tried Flore Flore's full range of tees and tanks, so I can attest that they're worth the investment.

Nikki Chwatt is an associate fashion editor based in New York City. She joined Who What Wear in 2024 after writing fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content for WWD, Well+Good, Editorialist, and more. With a passion for personal style and the creativity that comes with it, one of Chwatt's goals is to help others understand that there is no such thing as a “good” or “bad” style; it’s just about putting an outfit together that makes you feel confident in yourself.