When putting together an outfit, it can be tricky to know if certain color combinations work well together or if they clash. Specifically, red and purple are two bold colors that some may think don’t pair nicely. However, the devil is in the details, and with the right shades and accents, red and purple can be blended beautifully. This article will explore if and how red complements purple footwear.
The Color Wheel
On the classic color wheel, red and purple sit across from each other, technically making them “complementary colors.” This means they create a striking visual contrast that draws the eye. However, being complementary doesn’t automatically mean two colors work in harmony. It depends on the particular shades and tones chosen.
Darker, richer reds and purples tend to go together more seamlessly than bright, clear versions of the colors. Burgundy, maroon, eggplant, plum, and wine shades usually mix and match better with one another than primary red and royal purple.
Tones & Accents
Outfits with red and purple shoes can use varying tones and accents to pull the look together. Pairing a deep red shoe with lighter purple clothing often works better than matching it with dark eggplant shades. Conversely, bright red tops can match well with muted purple shoes.
Small accents also help unite red and purple pieces. A touch of purple in jewelry, tights, or belts complement red shoes nicely. Similarly, red handbags, lipstick, or scarves balance a purple shoe. Just a splash of one of the colors helps tie them together.
Skin Tone Considerations
The interaction between red, purple, and your skin tone impacts how harmonious the pairing appears. Those with warm, yellow-leaning complexions tend to look best in shades of red. Meanwhile, people with cool, pink-leaning skin often shine in purples.
Therefore, if you suit red well, opt for red shoes with purple clothing. If purple flatters you more, choose purple shoes with red outfits. Sticking with the color that complements your skin usually creates a put-together vibe.
Styling Tips
Certain styling techniques reliably produce cohesive red and purple outfits:
- Anchor with neutrals – Gray, black, white, and nude pieces (especially tops and bottoms) offer a neutral base for the red and purple shoes to work against.
- Color block – Wearing red and purple color-blocked in solid separates helps the shoes tie the look together.
- Pattern mixing – Small patterns and textures in one color connect well to shoes in the other.
- Monochromatic – Different shades of just red or just purple allow the shoes to stand out while still relating.
5 Red & Purple Shoe Combinations
Here are 5 examples of outfits with red and purple shoes that demonstrate how to make the pairing work:
| Outfit | Description |
|---|---|
| Dark red booties, plum sweater dress, maroon belt | Rich tones in the same color family create harmony |
| Bright purple flats, red striped top, neutral trench coat | A neutral solid balances the eye-catching colors |
| Wine pumps, light gray suit, eggplant blouse | Neutral separates allow the red and purple to coordinate |
| Red kitten heels, purple maxi skirt, ruby jewelry | Small red accents tie the purple and red together |
| Plum sneakers, monochromatic wine outfit | Monochromatic base allows the purple shoes to pop |
Conclusion
Although red and purple are bold, contrasting colors, they can work in harmony if styled intentionally. The right tones and accents allow the two colors to complement each other. With some color theory know-how, red and purple can be mixed fashionably. So don’t be afraid to rock red shoes with purple pieces and vice versa!