Purple is a great colour palette to have in your wardrobe. Not only does it work with most skin tones and hair colours, it’s also trans-seasonal meaning that you can practically wear it all year round. From light and playful lavender tones to dark and moody mauve, there is a lot to love about this versatile and beauteous colour. When it comes to event dressing, it is only natural that so many gravitate towards the colour purple as it is such a bright and bubbly colour which makes it perfect for celebratory occasions such as weddings, birthdays, engagements, formals and more.
The allure of a purple dress is undeniable, it exudes confidence, and sophistication, and even adds a touch of mystery. It also helps draw out your playful side as one can’t help but smile when one sees this warm and welcoming hue, particularly during the Summer months. But if there is one downside of choosing to rock this colour at your next function, it is that it is sometimes difficult to accessorise if you haven’t worn much of it before. This shouldn’t turn you off wearing dresses of this colour, however, as they are fortunately many ways to accessorise purple and incorporate jewellery into your look. It’s just about understanding what flatters it and what doesn’t.
So, read on as we unpack how to accessorise a purple dress so you can feel like the Belle of the Ball at your next event.
Overview:
Pay Attention To The Neckline
Before you even begin browsing jewellery cabinets at your local mall or scouring the web for the perfect accessories to go with your purple number, you should first establish what type of style you are going for. Think about the occasion, whether you would like to splurge on diamond jewellery and gemstones or play it safe with the budget-friendly zirconia. You will also need to consider the hue of your outfit as that can also play into the accessories that you choose. Purple comes in all different shades from light pastel tones all the way to dark mauve-like hues which aren’t necessarily going to mix well with the pieces you would ideally coordinate with a lighter shade of purple.
But the biggest thing you will need to pay attention to when learning how to accessorise a purple dress is the neckline of your dress. Different necklines require different styles of jewellery. A plunging V-neckline, for example, can be complemented by a pendant or long chains that follow the line of the neckline, adding an elegant and elongating effect that shows off your decolletage. A turtleneck or boat neck style, on the other hand, may not require a necklace, but instead, attention can be focused on earrings or bracelets to complete the look. If you are opting for strapless styles, you may opt for something a little larger that has a bit more of an impact such as a tennis-style diamond necklace, pearls or even thick curb-style gold chains for a layered look.
Gold vs Silver
It’s important when you’re putting together the accessories for your outfit that you stick to one metal tone to ensure that all your accessories pair together seamlessly. The great thing about purple is that it pretty much pairs well with all metal tones including all the most common shades of gold and sterling silver. So, whether you choose gold jewellery or silver jewellery is really down to personal preference. A lot of people will choose metal tones based on their skin colour while yellow gold jewellery is known to complement those with warmer tones, silver really flatters those with pinkish or cooler undertones. If you are feeling particularly daring, you can experiment with mixing metals including rose gold jewellery and silver or white gold jewellery. However, this is something you will want to do in moderation when wearing such a bold colour as purple.
As highlighted earlier, it’s important to look at the shade of your dress before deciding on any jewellery-including the metal tone you opt for. Gold jewellery adds warmth and richness to a purple dress. It creates a striking contrast with many of the deeper shades of purple such as violet, neon purple and mauve. On the other hand, silver jewellery offers a sleek and elegant aesthetic. It complements cool-toned purples effortlessly, enhancing their inherent coolness, especially some of the lighter shades such as lavender, lilac and any pastel hues. Unlike gold jewellery which tends to give a slightly more intense appearance with those richer more regal shades of purple, silver blends into the purple that does not distract from it nor does it get lost in it.
Purple & Blue Gemstones
A lot of people try and stay away from gemstone jewellery and other coloured accessories when wearing brighter shades of clothing out of fear that they will clash and make the outfit look messy. However, certain types of gemstones can not only add richness to your ensemble but they can also help draw attention to it. Namely, blue and purple gemstones like amethyst, sapphires, tanzanite, aquamarine and blue topaz. For darker shades of purple, Sapphires or topaz jewellery, particularly in shades like royal blue or deep blue, can provide a striking contrast against the purple hue of the dress. Choose sapphire earrings or a blue topaz pendant to add a touch of elegance and depth to your ensemble. You could even opt for a touch of purple and blue with a regal tanzanite ring.
Alternatively, you can choose purple gemstones that harmonise with the purple dress, creating a monochromatic colour scheme. Amethyst jewellery, with its rich violet tones, is another popular choice for adding gemstones in order to accessorise your purple dress, especially for lighter shades of purple like pastels. Add amethyst earrings, a bracelet, or a ring to your outfit to enhance the regal and luxurious feel. For a bolder and more vibrant look, consider combining both blue and purple gemstones. If you a wearing pastel tones, play into the powdery and delicate shades in your ensemble by adding some aquamarine jewellery to your look. You can even get a little experimental by having a play around with adding multiple gemstones to your outfit. For example, a mix of blue and purple gemstones in your accessories can create an eye-catching and captivating look. Opt for earrings or a necklace that incorporate both colours or layer and stack rings with alternating blue and purple stones for a unique and somewhat daring statement.
Get The Look:
Sterling Silver Amethyst Pear 8x12mm and Zirconia Pendant with 45cm Chain
$29.99
Embrace elegance in this stunning Sterling Silver Amethyst Pear 8x12mm and Zirconia Pendant with 45cm Chain. Dreamy amethyst is truly beautiful and the birthstone for February; complete with envious tones of purple, this necklace is sure to turn heads. Set… read more
9ct White Gold 6mm Aquamarine and Diamond Halo Ring
$699.50
$1,399.00
Please contact us regarding special order enquiries for this ring. All ring sizes can be specially ordered, with delivery approximately 6-8 weeks.… read more
9ct Marquise Cut Sky Blue Topaz and Diamond 19cm Bracelet in White Gold
$599.00
This 9ct Marquise Cut Sky Blue Topaz and Diamond 19cm Bracelet in White Gold has lush colour and undeniable elegance. Each blue topaz is cut into a beautiful marquise shape, enhancing both shimmer and length. The vibrance blue is contrasted… read more
9ct Yellow Gold 0.90ct Tanzanite and Diamond Pear Halo Studs
$599.50
$1,199.00
Add some sparkle and colour to your outfit with these stunning 9ct Yellow Gold 0.90ct Tanzanite and Diamond Pear Halo Studs. The Tanzanite has been cut into a pear shape where every edge catches the light and glimmers. It has… read more
Pearls Go With Everything
Another great addition to your purple dress is pearl jewellery. Not only are pearls timeless and extremely versatile, but their light and subtle hues go with everything, which means they are great for accessorising with all different colours. Pearls are a symbol of elegance and perfection and therefore can add a touch of femininity to just about any ensemble. They also come in many different shades that mix well with all the different shades of purple. Lighter hues for example such as blush pink and white freshwater pearls pair extremely well with lighter shades of purple. Whereas brighter richer colours including gold South Sea pearls, peacock freshwater pearls and black Tahitian pearls are an excellent contrast with darker shades of purple. Another benefit to pearls is that they can be dressed up or down as opposed to diamonds which can sometimes be too dressy for certain occasions.
Before choosing your pearls, consider the neckline and design of your dress to find the perfect pearl accessories that complement the vibe you are going for. For a subtle and sophisticated look, single-strand pearl necklaces and pearl pendants add the most elegant finishing touches to your ensemble that is reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany’s. They are also a great addition to more casual ensembles. For something a little dressier, a pearl choker or short pearl necklace that sits right above the neckline, paired with some drop-style pearl earrings will undoubtedly make you feel like a Princess. For something a little edgier, master the art of jewellery layering by sporting multiple pearl bracelets, completing the look with a fun pearl pendant and some subtle pearl stud earrings. Alternatively, try adding a pearl ring to your ring stack.
Get The Look:
9ct Yellow Gold Fresh Water Pearl Long Drop Earrings
$179.50
$359.00
These freshwater pearl earrings are classic and timeless. Featuring white freshwater pearls, the 9ct yellow gold earrings are 38mm long and 8mm wide.… read more
White Freshwater Clasp Pearl Necklace
$149.50
$299.00
For an elegant and timeless piece, we love this freshwater pearl pendant. Includes freshwater pearl strand.… read more
9ct Yellow Gold 6.5mm Cultured Pearl Ring
$384.50
$734.00
A smooth, glossy cultured pearl set in a rich golden bezel. This luxury ring is elegant, simple and pure beauty. Wear this treasure on the most special occasions, and draw glances and compliments all night long.… read more
White 7.5-8mm Freshwater Pearl Bracelet
$39.99
$79.99
Come close to nature while embracing the beauty of it with this white 7.5-8mm freshwater pearl bracelet. A glowing strand of freshwater pearl draped over a wrist is a perfect finishing accessory. The deep white colour pearls offer a hue… read more
FAQ
What colours compliment a purple dress?
There's a wide range of shades that will easily complement your purple dress, from blacks and whites to metallics and navy blues. Gold and yellow shades are also the perfect choice for bold purples.
Does silver or gold go better with purple?
No matter what shade of purple your outfit is, purple is super versatile and can be paired with gold or silver jewellery. So, your look will be stunning either way.
Does purple go with fair skin?
As purple is a universal colour, it works well with both fair and warm complexions. Dark purple dresses pair well with lighter skin tones, just as lighter shades of purple match perfectly with warmer skin tones.
What shoes should I wear with a purple dress?
Because of purple's bold nature, we recommend opting for neutral coloured shoes. This includes black, nude, silver, white, gold, clear, and brown coloured shoes.
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