Red and Purple Is the Unexpected Color Combo of the Season—Here’s How to Wear It

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 SweaterMoritz Scholz//Getty ImagesWhether 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.For Drinks With a Friend: A Red Bag + Purple TopEdward Berthelot//Getty ImagesFor 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.For Brunch With Friends: A Casual Tee + SneakersValentina Frugiuele//Getty ImagesIf 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.To The Office: With a Brown Leather JacketChristian Vierig//Getty ImagesIf 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.For Weekend Errands: Casual Pops of ColorEdward Berthelot//Getty ImagesJust 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.Aemilia Madden is a freelance writer, editor, and consultant with over 10 years of experience in the fashion industry. She’s written for publications including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle,The Cut, and The Wall Street Journal. She also writes a newsletter called Taeste Bud, that covers stuff we buy, places we go, and the people we want to be. Previously, she held roles at The Zoe Report, WhoWhatWear and Popsuagar. Aemilia attended the University of California, Berkeley where she majored in Political Economics. In her time away from the internet, Aemilia is probably out on a hike. You can follow her on Instagram here.