What Clothing Colors Go Together?  Get our FREE Clothing Color Chart to find out!

Once reserved for royals, emperors, and high priests, purple clothing still whispers luxury and mystery.  But today, it’s not just for royalty—it’s for anyone who's bold enough to wear it.

Want to elevate your seasonal wardrobe, wear a color that commands attention, or show your sartorial savvy in a color steeped in symbolism?  Purple has you covered.

We'll start with its royal origins, then finish with some style tips and outfit ideas.

Purple has long been the color of royals — for good reason.

In ancient times, purple dye came from the mucus of Murex sea snails, which are only found off the coast of Tyre in modern-day Lebanon.  It took the mucus of 10,000 snails, dried in the sun, to make a single gram of dye (or around 250,000 to make an ounce).

It was so rare and costly that Roman law forbade anyone but the emperor from wearing it. 

During the Middle Ages and the Tudor era, sumptuary laws limited its use to nobility and religious leaders.

Thus, from ancient times to the Victorian era, purple belonged to kings.  Any commoner who dared to wear it could face imprisonment or even death.

During Easter break 1856, 18 year old William Henry Perkin stumbled across a way to make synthetic purple dye.

A student at the Royal College of Chemistry, he'd set up a crude lab in his apartment so he could continue his research during the break.

His goal? 

To create synthetic quinine.

Quinine had been used to treat malaria for centuries.  But since it was derived from a tree that only grows in Peru, it was labor-intensive and costly to produce.  Industrial England demanded a cheaper alternative.

After one of his experiments, Perkin was cleaning the lab beaker with rubbing alcohol when he noticed a purple residue.  As a chemist who also dabbled in painting, he was immediately intrigued.

The new color, which he called mauvine, launched the synthetic dye industry - and brought the "color of kings" to the masses.

These days, it's one of the most popular clothing colors, particularly for women.

Purple clothing has long been associated with royalty, luxury, and mystery.

Wearing purple can convey creativity, confidence, and independence.

It mixes the calming nature of blue with the passionate energy of red, making it ideal for expressing individuality and elegance. 

Purple clothing is a go-to for those who want to stand out with sophistication...

...or for brands seeking to do the same.

Photo courtesy of turbologo.com

Purple is one of the most symbolic colors of the Easter season.

In Christian tradition, purple represents penance, preparation, and royalty—making it especially meaningful during Lent.

It symbolizes both the suffering and the sovereignty of Christ, and is  often seen in church vestments and decorations throughout Holy Week.

Wearing purple clothing for Easter isn’t just stylish; it’s a subtle nod to centuries of spiritual significance.

Whether you choose a soft lavender Easter dress or a bold plum accessory, incorporating purple adds both elegance and meaning to your holiday look.

Purple is created by mixing red and blue.

It's a secondary color, and works with other colors as follows:

Is this giving your some ideas?

Your purple outfit options are only limited by your imagination.

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Just as you buy fruit in season, you can wear various shades of a color to match the season.  For example:

Spring purples lean bolder and more playful. Think violet dresses, orchid tops, or mauve  separates.. These hues are perfect for Easter dresses, brunch dates, or garden parties.

Style with:

Summer calls for gentle, airy shades of purple to reflect the sun and keep cool. These hues are perfect for vacation trips, date night, or evening social events.

Style with:

As leaves turn, purple deepens.  This richer hues work well with textured cool-weather fabrics like velvet, suede, and wool.  

Style with:

Purple is perfect for cold-weather glam.  A velvet purple dress can be a showstopper at holiday parties, while a deep purple coat can bring drama to daily wear.  

Style with:

If you're not ready for head-to-toe purple, try adding it in small doses, like:

Purple clothing isn’t just beautiful—it’s a symbol of creativity, elegance, and timeless power. 

Whether you’re styling a stunning purple dress for spring, adding a touch of lavender to your summer wardrobe, or embracing bold looks year-round, purple lets you channel confidence and royalty with every outfit.

Ready to take your style to the next level?

👉 Download our FREE Clothing Color Chart to discover even more colors that flatter you so you can create outfits that turn heads in every season!

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Ever wonder which clothing colors go together? This FREE guide breaks it all down AND gives you some easy outfit ideas, too!

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