Plum-coloured pieces that make autumn outfits feel instantly richer
Deep purple seems to have appeared almost out of nowhere this season, and somehow it already feels impossible to ignore. It is not quite burgundy, not quite aubergine and definitely not the kind of bright purple that makes you question whether you can actually pull it off. This version is deeper, moodier and incredibly rich – the sort of colour that gives even a very simple outfit a little more character.
It also feels like the perfect next step after several seasons dominated by burgundy and chocolate brown. It still has all the depth we naturally gravitate towards in autumn, but feels fresher and slightly more unexpected. I recently wore a dress in almost exactly this shade to my friend Cait’s wedding, and I genuinely cannot remember the last time I received so many compliments on a colour. There is something about deep purple that looks striking without feeling loud. It makes an entrance, but a very elegant one.
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The Deep Purple Pieces Worth Wearing This Season
The first piece that comes to mind is a beautiful long coat. Imagine one in brushed wool, cashmere or a structured wool blend, in the deepest shade of plum. It would look incredible over something as simple as black trousers and a fine knit, but I would also love it with pastel pink underneath to soften the colour and make the entire look feel a little less expected. We have already established that this is the season of colour and, no, apparently everything will not be beige this time.
A jacket is another easy way to introduce the shade into your wardrobe. A leather jacket in deep aubergine would be such a beautiful alternative to black or brown, while a tailored wool blazer could add exactly the right amount of colour to denim, grey trousers or an otherwise neutral look.
Knitwear might be the most wearable option of all. A cashmere jumper in this shade looks particularly luxurious and works beautifully with dark denim, chocolate brown, charcoal grey and even navy. I also love the idea of a slightly oversized knit worn with a satin skirt in a similar tone – tonal, but without looking too coordinated.
Then there are the accessories, which might be my favourite part. A deep purple leather bag can make an entirely neutral outfit feel more interesting, while plum sunglasses, leather gloves or even a pair of pointed heels create the same effect on a smaller scale. These are the pieces that require almost no additional styling but still make it look as though you thought very carefully about the outfit.
For me, that is exactly why this colour works. It has all the richness of the darker shades we naturally reach for in autumn, but feels much more special than another black, grey or brown piece. Consider it the unexpected neutral of the season – only richer, more romantic and far less predictable.
