Purple pants can be a fun and stylish addition to any wardrobe. However, figuring out what to pair them with can be tricky. The key is finding colors and styles that complement the vibrancy of the purple hue. With some strategic pairings, you can easily pull off this eye-catching look.
Quick Answer: Neutrals, White, Black
Some of the best colors to pair with purple pants are neutral tones like white, black, gray, tan, and brown. These muted shades balance out the bold purple color. Black and white, in particular, makes for a classy high-contrast look. Beige, nude, light gray, and cream neutrals also work well for a more subtle pairing.
| Neutral Colors | Pairing Suggestions |
|---|---|
| White | White button-down shirt or blouse |
| Black | Black blazer or leather jacket |
| Gray | Heather gray sweater |
| Tan | Khaki trench coat |
| Brown | Brown boots or belt |
Complementary Colors
Complementary colors are located opposite each other on the color wheel. For purple, ideal complements are yellow and orange. These bright, vibrant shades create a striking color combination with purple. Mustard yellow, burnt orange, peach, and coral work especially well.
| Complementary Colors | Pairing Ideas |
|---|---|
| Yellow | Yellow blouse or cropped jacket |
| Orange | Burnt orange sweater or scarf |
| Peach | Peach camisole |
| Coral | Coral heels |
Analogous Colors
Analogous colors sit next to each other on the color wheel. For purple, this includes other cool tones like blue, pink, mauve, and lavender. Pairing purple with softer, similarly-hued colors creates a harmonic look. Pastel blue, blush pink, and lilac make breathtaking color combos.
| Analogous Colors | Pairing Ideas |
|---|---|
| Blue | Light blue denim jacket |
| Pink | Pink crop top or blouse |
| Mauve | Mauve cardigan |
| Lavender | Lavender button-down shirt |
Metallic Accents
For added flair, bring in some metallic accents. Silver and gold jewelry and accessories pop against purple. Try a glitzy gold belt, silver dangling earrings, or a metallic handbag. Just limit metallics to one or two accessories to avoid looking over the top.
Prints and Patterns
Prints and patterns also pair nicely with solid purple pants. Polka dots, florals, paisley and animal prints all make fun combinations. Stay clear of plaids, stripes and graphics, which tend to clash. Scale down busy prints by choosing smaller motifs.
Shoes
In terms of footwear, purple pants look great with black or brown boots, loafers or oxfords. Nude heels or wedges also elongate the leg. Sneakers in white, black or gray keep the outfit casual. Avoid matching loud shoe colors to the purple pants.
Accessories
Big, chunky statement jewelry grabs attention next to purple pants. Wooden, leather or fabric texture necklaces and cuffs add visual interest. For bags, structured satchels and hobo bags balance the volume of the pants. Backpacks and crossbody bags work for a more casual vibe. Finish off the look with a hat like a fedora or panama for extra sophistication.
Conclusion
With some thoughtful pairings, purple pants can make a vibrant style statement. Stick to neutral, complementary, or analogous hues on top for a harmonious look. Incorporate metallics and prints as accents if desired. Choose footwear and accessories that don’t compete with the purple hue. By balancing and complementing the bold bottom half, you can confidently strut in purple pants.