Move Over Butter Yellow: Purple is the Colour to Wear this Autumn
Forget butter yellow, this autumn, purple is the colour to be seen in.
According to Google Trends, searches for ‘purple tops for women’ are 250% year-on-year, with ‘plum maxi dress’ and ‘lilac dresses for women’ seeing similar increases. From the runways to the high street, purple has emerged as the defining hue of AW25 – both bold and versatile.
Whistles Tie Neck Detail Sheer Blouse, Purple
While butter yellow had its moment, a new statement shade has emerged as the standout hue of autumn and winter 2025. This season, purple is the colour to wear – and in every shade, from delicate lilac and dusty mauve to rich aubergine and deep royal plum.
MANGO Maria Halterneck Midi Dress, Medium Purple
According to fashion platform endource.com, purple is set to be the defining colour of the season, offering a refreshing and luxurious twist to the colder months ahead. Fashion’s most influential houses have already crowned purple the new power hue. On the AW25 runways, Valentino, Miu Miu and Gucci leaned into striking shades of violet, lilac and orchid, featuring everything from oversized knits and glossy handbags to knee-high boots and tailored outerwear.
Designers are embracing purple not just as an accent but as a statement of confidence and individuality.
Martina Cherry, fashion stylist at endource.com says,“Purple might feel like a daring choice, but its versatility makes it incredibly wearable. The rise of purple follows the same emotional logic that made butter yellow the breakout shade of spring and summer. It’s unexpected, optimistic and quietly luxurious. But where yellow feels airy and fresh, purple brings depth, confidence and warmth.”
“After several seasons dominated by earthy tones and neutrals, shoppers are gravitating towards richer colours that feel joyful yet sophisticated. Purple strikes the balance perfectly: expressive, yet endlessly wearable.”
How to wear purple: Expert styling tips
Whistles Tie Neck Detail Sheer Blouse, Purple
1. Start small with a pop of purple
Martina tells YCB, “If purple feels intimidating, start with subtle accents that lift an outfit without overpowering it. Accessories are the easiest entry point: try a purple clutch bag, a silk scarf or even socks that peek out from loafers. For minimalists, a lilac knit casually draped over the shoulders or a pair of plum-toned boots can introduce the trend in a refined way.”
John Lewis Made in Italy Riv Knit Wool Silk Mix Socks, Purple
2. Mix with neutrals
“Purple comes alive when paired with timeless neutrals.” Martina says. “Shades of grey, beige, navy and chocolate brown all help ground the colour and make it feel effortless. For example, layer a lilac jumper over denim for an everyday look, or pair a plum dress with a camel coat for something more elevated. Aubergine tones with cream or taupe are especially flattering and give a sense of understated luxury.”
3. Experiment with texture
Martina says,“Texture is one of the simplest ways to elevate purple. Satin, velvet and corduroy transform how thse colour feels. A lilac satin blouse adds polish for evening, while a chunky plum knit feels warm for daywear. Pair matte with glossy finishes, like a suede bag with a silk dress, for visual interest.”
4. Play with contrast
“Purple works beautifully when mixed with unexpected colours.” Martina recommends. “Try pairing it with bright pink, powder blue or even bold red for an editorial look. Tonal layering, mixing lavender, plum and deep violet, adds depth without being overpowering. For a bolder take, colour-blocking with primary shades adds a playful, modern edge.” Martina tells YCB.
5. Pick the shade that flatters you
“If you have cool undertones, opt for lilac, lavender or icy violet. Warmer complexions glow in aubergine, mulberry or plum. Test different fabrics against your skin to see which makes your eyes appear brighter and your complexion more luminous.”
6. Go for statement layers
“A purple coat, blazer or chunky knit can become the anchor of your outfit. Draped over the shoulders or layered over denim, it can instantly elevate your look with minimal effort. Leather outerwear in rich purple shades feels particularly modern this season and adds depth to any winter look.”
Long associated with royalty, creativity and ambition, purple’s reemergence in fashion speaks to a renewed desire for individuality and confidence. Today’s take on the colour is less about opulence and more about quiet strength, refined, expressive and adaptable to any wardrobe.
Martina adds,“After a few seasons of pared-back palettes, shoppers are ready for something joyful and expressive. “Purple offers that vibrancy without sacrificing sophistication. It’s a new way to bring energy and warmth into winter dressing.
From aubergine leather trenches and purple suede handbags to lilac knits and velvet tailoring, purple will be everywhere on the high street this autumn.