Just as the burgundy and espresso color trends are reaching their highest peaks, designers are already conspiring with their followers. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t see these particular colors going anywhere soon and they have started to be reclassified as basic tones rather than passing trends, but this past fashion month, designers have revealed a united face in the new It color that is set to take the role known as burgundy and espresso—to show the vibe of a rich outfit.
Meet royal purple, a deep and rich shade of purple that, as the name suggests, is imbued with a sense of royalty, wealth, and status. The history of the color dates back to 1600 BCE when it was more valuable than gold because it was more expensive to produce. In 2026, however, the people who wear the most royal purple are fashion insiders who are among the first to style the runway. The shade appeared in all the latest spring/summer 2026 collections and even fall/winter 2026 at Prada, Celine, Valentino, and Miu Miu, where it was central to the runway looks. Of course, purple is the trickiest color to style, so I’ve put together a guide to styling it like a true fashionista. Here, find out how to wear royal purple in 2026 with six no-fail ideas.
Get a Pop of Purple
With a color this saturated, one pop of purple goes a long way to make an outfit stand out. Carry a purple bag instead of black, or choose a purple version of a classic shoe style—like these epic Dries Van Noten sneakers—to make the color feel more accessible.
On the runway:
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Celine)
For the fashionista:
CELINE
Young Celine Lulu in Suede Calfskin
Dries Van Noten
Suede Sneakers in Dark Purple
KHAITE
Lotus Mini Hair Tote
Pair it with Black Denim
If, like most of us, your daily uniform consists of jeans with a simple top, notice how this Kallmeyer spring/summer 2026 model combines a purple knit top with black wash jeans. A colorful top will make all your denim outfits look “now.”
On the runway:
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Kallmeyer)
THE ATTIC
Embroidery Cotton-Blend Velor Sweatshirt
Kaite
Danielle Stretch High-Rise Indigo Jeans
Kallmeyer
Eleanor Polo in Matte Viscose
Citizens of Humanity
Zurie Stretch High-Rise-Stight-Leg Jeans
Marry Purple With Red
If you’re ahead of the curve, I know you don’t just drive royal purple but instead write it in something cherry red. This Miu Miu leather look is where the color combination started, and since then, fashionistas with trendsetting style have been rocking the look and marrying two bold tones together. There’s something about it that doesn’t seem like it should work, but somehow, it just does.
On the runway:
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Miu Miu)
For the fashionista:
FLORE FLORE
Esmé Tank Top
LOULOU DE SAISON
Engel Paneled Suede Midi Skirt
PLEATS PLEASE ISSEY MIYAKE
November Trousers
Embrace the Statement Coat
Figuring out how to style a bold color may feel like it takes all your brain power, but when you’re wearing a statement piece like a coat or dress it’s all the more important. is something dress, does all the styling work for you. Just add the accessories and call it a day.
On the runway:
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Valentino)
Bottega Veneta
Resinated Metal Twill Parka
MARIA MCMANUS
Lesteen Leather Cropped Jacket
COLLEEN ALLEN
Twist Gathered Cotton Maxi Dress
Make One Piece the Focal Point
One of my favorite tricks for wearing any kind of color outside is to pick something colorful and make it the focal point of the look. This works especially well with skirts and tops as you can take an item and dress it up with basics in all black or neutral tones to let the colorful piece grab the attention.
On the runway:
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/ Nina Ricci)
For the fashionista:
Elite Sports
Billie Wool sweater
Fleur du Mal
Juliet Lace and Silk Skirt
Lisa Yang
A juniper sweater
Try an Unexpected Style Piece
The runways weren’t just filled with royal purple. They were especially full of funkier style pieces—bloomers at Prada, leather opera gloves at Balenciaga—showcasing plenty of experimental ways to wear color. Try purple tones or a purple bra under the top that will change your styling skills without breaking your budget.
On the runway:
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Prada)
For the fashionista:
DES_PHEMMES
Balconette Bra
Kaite
Remo Mid Leather Gloves
Maison Close
Obsession Control Top Tights
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