Black and Brown Will Always Be Timeless, But This Stylish Colour Trend Is Very Much In RN

2026 will become known as the year fashion's shift towards statement colour and full-throttle maximalism ended the era of quiet luxury. However, amidst the noise of psychedelic prints, bold brights and heavy embellishments, one trend has emerged to oversee it all: royal purple. You see, whilst we may have fallen for spring's cherry red and zingy chartreuse hues and marvelled at summer's vibrant aqua blues and neon pinks, this spellbinding shade seems to have something the other brights lack: longevity.

Long before it hit the autumn/winter 2026 runways, royal purple was the definitive colour of power, prestige and drama. From Queen Elizabeth II to Prince’s iconic Purple Reign (and lest we forget Carrie Bradshaw’s Fendi Baguette), few colours hold such rich historical weight and have room for a modern edge.

After a quiet hiatus from the spotlight in the 2000s and 2010s, the Miu Miu autumn/winter 2025 show helped spark its revival, when those internet-breaking (and Alexa Chung-approved) buckle boots came down its ‘60s-inspired runway. And with Victoria Beckham, Celine, Valentino, Loewe and Tory Burch all showing the shade this year—alongside several best-sellers from high-street hero COS—its comeback is undisputed. The only thing left to consider is how to make it work for your wardrobe.

I've scoured the social media feeds of some of the most fashionable people and uncovered five outfits to help you resolve any purple-hued style conundrums. And don't fret; whether you lean minimalist or fancy yourself as more of a maximalist, there's something here for everyone. Convinced? Scroll down to find out how to wear purple in 2026.

5 Purple Outfits to Wear This Winter and Beyond

1. The Cool Girl

Style Notes: The secret to wearing rich purple without feeling formal? Take notes from Borislava Sekova (pictured above). By layering a luxurious V-neck knit over a clean white T-shirt and finishing with barrel-leg cargo trousers, she balances the high-impact colour with laid-back utilitarianism, creating an understated yet compelling combo. The real genius lies in the high-low styling. Anchored by a sleek white pointed-toe kitten heel and iconic Chanel 25, this is a look I want to re-create immediately.

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2. The Maximalist

Style Notes: Pared-back dressers, look away now—this purple outfit is pure, unapologetic colour-blocking at its finest. Starting with a bold purple blazer, Karyna Balaban (pictured above) mixes vibrant green and pink to deliver a look that gives a high-fashion Daphne from Scooby-Doo. From her lime long-sleeved T-shirt to her pink knee-length skirt and stocking-and-witchy-heel combo, this is how to clash bold brights with confidence.

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3. The London It Girl

Style Notes: Gabrielle Luksaite's look (pictured above) is a masterclass in London street style. Her outfit balances nostalgia with the new, pairing vintage-inspired pieces like fluid taffeta trousers with directional cut-out pumps and a relaxed purple jumper. Contemporary in feel, these once "dated" pieces perfectly speak to the style of the city—a little old, a little new and a lot cool.

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4. The Minimalist

Style Notes: Now, I like to make my edits as inclusive as possible, which means that minimalists too can rejoice, as I’ve found the perfect look for you. Styling a monochrome black leather 'fit, Aisha Potter uses her purple knitwear to create a pop of colour around the waist and add a point of interest.

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5. Colour-Drenched

Style Notes: If you think purple is a quiet shade, think again—it reaches peak drama when layered in tonal colour-blocks. Pairing a dramatic, moody opera coat with a fitted top and a lilac beret, the hues create rich textural contrast. Add chocolate-brown trousers to ground the look and a lime green bag as the ultimate flash of colour, and there you have it: a high-impact outfit that commands attention.

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