Delivering a speech at The Design Museum in London today, Catherine, Princess of Wales, wore the trending colour that's completely dividing millennials and Gen Z this season. Dubbed "Gen Z purple", the striking violet shade has become to go-to colour choice for Gen Z-directed marketing—cropping up in adverts and on packaging targeted towards the younger audience for the past few years. Usurping the once prolific "millennial pink" as the favoured colour amongst marketeers, Gen Z purple has transcended the marketing sphere as the latest colour trend being embraced by the fashion set this season.
Millennials on the other hand? They seem to have different opinions on the colour purple, as one of our Who What Wear UK Slack channels this morning attests. All of our editors who fall into the millennial category said this was, and I quote, "my worst colour". "It reminds me of my school uniform, so I'll never wear it", proclaimed social media editor Joy Ejaria. "I'm sure the bedding from my teens was this exact shade of purple," said deputy editor Maxine Eggenberger.
Styling the divisive tone for her outing in London, Kate Middleton rewore her favourite purple Emilia Wickstead suit. Previously paired with a black turtleneck to an engagement in Northern Ireland in 2021, on this occasion, the Princess wore the now sold-out suit set without a visible top underneath and with royal blue court shoes. Declared Pantone's colour of the year in 2022, the purple shade—coined Very Peri—is loved by some for its fresh, vibrant tone, whilst others deem it unforgiving and unflattering. Though undeniably eye-catching, Gen Z purple is easier to wear than you might imagine. Middleton paired hers with royal blue court shoes, but the colour also looks vibrant when paired with red, whilst styling it with white or beige gives it a fresh feel.
If you're interested in experimenting with the trending shade, read on to shop Middleton's outfit, as well as our favourite Gen Z-purple picks.
SHOP KATE MIDDLETON'S LOOK:
Reiss' deep purple longline blazer is a solid replica of the Princess' version.
Style the suit with heeled court shoes or dress it down with white trainers.
A pair of classic courts are a wardrobe necessity for their outfit-elevating qualities.
SHOP OUR FAVOURITE GEN Z-PURPLE ITEMS:
A lilac shade of purple is more flattering than you might imagine. Style with neutral tones for an easy and wearable look.
A strapless dress is an easy route to an elegant silhouette this party season.
As winter weather sets in, cosy up in a deep purple knit.
Wear this sporty jumper with wide-leg trousers or cargo pants for an effortless edge.
Wear with a fresh white tee or try a tonal look and pair with a deep purple jumper.
Wear with embellished jeans for an easy but impactful going-out look.
This is such a pretty lilac.
Wear with the above matching Wide-Leg Tailored Trousers in Light Lilac (£85) or a black, wide-leg pair for a simple but effective outfit.
Next Up: The "Dated" Trouser Trend Kate Middleton and Rosie HW Wore in the Past 24 Hours
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