If you've spent any time scrolling through social media recently, it's hard to deny that there are some shades that everyone's into at the moment. Burgundy? It's blown up. Dove gray? It's the new neutral. Olive green? It's basically the embodiment of fall. While I'd consider myself a fan of each of these colors, I'll confess that I've reached the point where they've begun to feel oversaturated to me. Maybe it's a hazard of the occupation. While I understand these shades are still great investments for the season, the idea of showing up in the same color as everyone else sends shivers down my spine. Luckily, there's one other color trend that hasn't fully caught on yet that I'm thoroughly convinced will become the next big thing: plum. Given the context of previous color trends, it's perfectly rational to assume plum will follow in the footsteps of its close cousins, chocolate and merlot.
It's worth noting that specific lighting can make this dark purple seem similar to the colors we've seen dominate the runway, but it's distinctly different. Far less vibrant than merlot but still not as dark as chocolate brown, the plum color trend is a particularly moody version of purple that has largely been pushed to the side—until now. Across recent collections, we saw this shade surface as decadent variations of eggplant, violet, mulberry, and even dark fig. Unlike lilac and lavender, this shade of purple is compelling to adopt right now because it's closely related to other winter shades we've all come to love while still being cool enough for those of us who want to wear a color that hasn't been spotted everywhere. Admittedly, my initial desire was to gatekeep this color trend, but I've decided to do my duty as an editor and prove why this color is poised to become the next big thing.
Ahead, you'll find examples of how to style the plum color trend based on its presence in the fall/winter 2024 and spring/summer 2025 collections. Plus, I've rounded up some of the best purple pieces for the season at every price point. Consider this your sign: You can still look sophisticated without wearing the same shades as everyone else.
Everything about this crossbody bag is effortlessly chic, from the curved shape to the subtle hardware to the color.
Prepare to wear this coat all the time.
Dip your toe into this trend with these pumps.
The sharp edges on this shoulder bag are so sophisticated.
Chic, chic, chic.
I am not going to lie; these leather trousers sold me on this color trend.
Eggplant earrings? I'm here for it.
Layer this underneath your favorite button-down or barn jacket.
The easiest way to make your work wardrobe feel more polished is with this patent-leather pencil skirt.
The nipped-in waist elevates this button-down shirt.
Slip skirts are seasonless.
These loafers are the perfect investment for the long haul.
Just when I thought I couldn't love the Andiamo bag more, Bottega Veneta released this version.
A girl can dream.
Made for walkin'.
Nipped-waist blazers are all the rage right now.
The twisted handle? The hardware? The color? Perfection all around.
You'll wear these trousers all the time.
Such a steal!
Please stop scrolling for a second to admire the super-sophisticated hourglass silhouette on this skirt.
Ballet flats won't be going out of style anytime soon.
You'll be the best dressed guest at that winter wedding in this cocktail dress.
Carrie Bradshaw would approve of these feathery heels.
It's perfect for the upcoming holiday season!
I'll be spending the next three to five business days thinking about this bag.
The neckline of this top paired with the color is so beautiful.
You can style these cargo pants with a cropped T-shirt and cool kicks or a boxy blazer and ankle boots.
The asymmetric neckline on this satin gown has me swooning.
Yes, yes, yes.
Have you ever seen a more stunning slip dress? I'll wait.
It's a need, not a want for me.
Gawking over this gorgeous leather dress.
These slingbacks are some of the best shoes in my collection, hands down.
Sweater season is here!
Loewe always understands the assignment.
Pleated purple pants? Yes, please.
With suede trending for the season, there's no safer investment than this shoulder bag.
There's nothing I love more than an off-the-shoulder jersey dress.
You'll wear these sandals well into the springtime.
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