One of the most coveted colors of the soft autumn palette is purple. Finding the “just right” shade can often be a challenge. I find that purples leaning too blue can be a bad look on my complexion. But purples with a hint of pink, brown, or red can have the right balance of warm and cool to stand out in a good way without being too overpowering. Let’s explore four shades and see if we can take some of the mystery out of this elusive color.
Which soft autumn purples work best for our palette? Let’s dive in!
- Warm Lavender. Picture fields of fragrant lavender flowers swaying in the autumn breeze – that’s the vibe we’re going for. Soft and serene, lavender is the perfect choice for lightweight sweaters, flowy dresses, and delicate blouses. Pair it with soft neutrals like beige and cream for an ethereal look, or add a pop of contrast with plum accessories. Look for shades that have some depth and just a pinch of pink in them to ensure that we don’t go too cool or pastel.
- Mauve. The perfect balance of softness and sophistication. Mauve purples are understated yet elegant, making them a versatile choice for any autumn ensemble. This muted hue is the perfect balance between pink and purple, and it adds a touch of romance to your look. Pair it with rich browns, warm grays, or even soft greens for a polished finish.
- Dusty Plum. Refined and luxurious, plum purples give off a sense of opulence. Think plush velvet blazers, sleek pants, and statement coats. Pair with metallic accents for a touch of glamour, or keep it classic with navy blue, olive green, or taupe.
- Faded Eggplant. Bold and dramatic, eggplant purples make a statement wherever they go. This deep purple hue adds a touch of drama to any outfit. Slightly more brown than dusty plum, this color is beautifully earthy while also delicately elegant. Pair it with earthy tones like olive green and burnt orange for a rustic-chic vibe.
Warm lavender, sophisticated mauve, dusty plum, or faded eggplant are all excellent choices for the soft autumn palette. So go ahead, embrace the cozy allure of purples, and let your wardrobe bloom with beauty.
Below are some examples of good purples for soft autumns. Notice how dusty the colors appear – almost like they’ve got brown or gray blended into them.
Here are some examples of purples that aren’t great for the soft autumn palette. Notice how bright some of them are! We also want to avoid anything that looks like a pastel color as these colors will most likely wash out our features.
