The Best Ways to Wear the Color Purple

How to Best Wear the Color Purple

There are a variety of colors in men’s fashion that are approached with comfort even by those who could care less about fashion; blues, neutrals and greens come to mind. Other colors, however, are enough to make even the most fashion-forward individuals a bit uneasy, and purple certainly finds itself on the list. Like pink, purple can be difficult for certain men to wear with confidence, which is a real shame given the fact that the color can be so effective when worn properly. Wearing purple doesn’t have to be nearly as difficult as many people think, and really requires little more than a bit of knowledge regarding the psychology of the color. So long as you understand the connotations associated with purple, you’ll find wearing the color to be quite a bit easier than you might have thought otherwise.

Royalty
There are a variety of reasons why it can be effective for men to wear purple, with connotations of royalty being chief among them. Purple is a very rich color, which is perhaps why it is so often associated with wealth and high-society. Preppy culture (also associated with wealth) has assimilated the color to a large degree, likely due to the fact that it does indeed come along with connotations of wealth. While wearing purple in formal scenarios might seem difficult, the purple tie or pocket square can be very effective in connoting wealth and sophistication, and is very popular among those who tend to embrace business dress on a regular basis. Note that the darker and richer the purple, the more it will connote wealth and royalty.

Spirituality
Most people don’t set out to wear ensembles that make them appear to be more spiritual, but this is exactly what purple can do when worn correctly. In and of itself, purple can bring to mind an air of wisdom on those who wear it, as well as make them appear exceptionally spiritual in nature. This comes through most in those who wear solid purple tops, such as polos or dress shirts. Lighter purples (lilac, for example) are especially effective when it comes to conveying spirituality, and learning how to wear them properly is never a bad idea. Even if you aren’t trying to come off as spiritual per say, the positive connotations associated with wisdom and spirituality can do wonders for your appearance.

Wearing Purple Effectively
The name of the game with purple is to pair it with the right ensemble elements. Purple and black are too close in tone, thus making it best to pair this color with subtle neutrals such as tan. A purple polo or dress shirt paired with a pair of tan khakis, for example, can be exceptionally attractive. Perhaps most importantly is to learn how to incorporate the color into your business ensembles. Start with a purple geometric tie, as breaking up the color can often be more effective than leaving it solid. Go with lighter shades at first (such as lavender), moving towards darker purples as you become more experienced with the color. Also, keep in mind that the darker the purple and the larger the clothing item, the harder it will be to pull off. That’s why we suggest you start out with a lavender necktie (such as this Lavender and White Striped Tie) and possible also the matching pocket square.


More on Colors in Men's Fashion:
Cultural Meaning of Colors

Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team