Red and Purple Shouldn’t Work, But It’s the Chicest Color Combo of the Season
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Tradition stands: as soon as fall rolls around, it's time to swap out vibrant summer colors for rich neutrals and jewel tones. But every rule has an exception. This year, it's the vibrant color combo of cherry red and rich, bold purple. What started as a trend on the runway thanks to Tory Burch and Prada has only picked up steam from the streets outside of shows, straight through your phone, and now, IRL.
The trick to pulling off this high-saturation combination is that it takes sartorial confidence. The brighter the colors, the more it shouldn't work ; oftentimes the more right it actually feels . You can style the combination back to more neutral pieces, like a seasonal staple: the brown leather jacket. Or you can continue to layer in more color, just to drive the point home (the point being you know good style). Here, we're diving deeper into the trend of the season, with some fresh takes on exactly how to pull it off.
To A Coffee Date: Purple Coat + Red Sweater
Moritz Scholz - Getty Images
Whether it's a catch-up with a friend or a more romantic endeavor, don't be afraid to have a little fun with your look. Especially if you plan to make a day of it once you're nice and caffeinated (perhaps a shopping trip next!). Pair together playfully trendy pieces like zebra-print pants, a purple jacket, and a bold red sweater to show off the fact that you don't take life—or yourself—too seriously.
Free People Fitted Velvet Military Jacket
Old Navy SoSoft Cropped Crew-Neck Cardigan
Mango Trousers
For Drinks With a Friend: A Red Bag + Purple Top
Edward Berthelot - Getty Images
For a night on the town that definitely includes martinis, and may also involve a dance floor if things shake out right, pull together a look that makes you pop against the standard jeans-and-black-top going-out uniform. Stick to the same color family, or try a pop of contrasting color with a pop of teal.
Reformation Raya Top
Coach Tabby 20
H&M Jeans
For Brunch With Friends: A Casual Tee + Sneakers
Valentina Frugiuele - Getty Images
If you want to test out this color trend in a more low-key way, sneakers are the perfect in for a more laid-back way to insert a little contrasting color. Style with a striped sweater and a preppy pleated skirt for a casual look that has an on-trend, but not overly trendy twist.
Madewell The Holland Sweater in Alpaca Blend
PUMA Arizona Sneaker
Aritzia Olive Midi Skirt
To The Office: With a Brown Leather Jacket
Christian Vierig - Getty Images
If you work at an office where you're able to get a little creative with the dress code, a little bit of color is a fun way to get a little rebellious, while keeping silhouettes the same. To keep things more buttoned-up, style your color combo with more neutral pieces like a brown leather jacket or neutral blazer; it really takes things down a notch.
Still Here Cool Jean
J.Crew Tiny Rollneck Sweater
BLANKNYC Moto Jacket
For Weekend Errands: Casual Pops of Color
Edward Berthelot - Getty Images
Just because you're grabbing groceries or heading to a yoga class doesn't mean you can't do a little bit of trend testing. Try a pair of track pants or baggy trousers with a contrasting red stripe as a twist on the trend. Styled with a purple fleece or sweatshirt, it's cool and casual, but the styling makes it feel a little more purposeful than your usual sweats.
Zara Wide Stripe Pant
FP Movement Mountain High Half-Zip Fleece
Oakley Gascan Sunglasses
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