If you’ve spent any time scrolling through social media recently, it’s hard to deny that there are some shades that everyone’s into at the moment. Burgundy? It’s blown up. Dove gray? It’s the new neutral. Olive green? It’s basically the embodiment of fall. While I’d consider myself a fan of each of these colors, I’ll confess that I’ve reached the point where they’ve begun to feel oversaturated to me. Maybe it’s a hazard of the occupation. While I understand these shades are still great investments for the season, the idea of showing up in the same color as everyone else sends shivers down my spine. Luckily, there’s one other color trend that hasn’t fully caught on yet that I’m thoroughly convinced will become the next big thing: plum. Given the context of previous color trends, it’s perfectly rational to assume plum will follow in the footsteps of its close cousins, chocolate and merlot.
It’s worth noting that specific lighting can make this dark purple seem similar to the colors we’ve seen dominate the runway, but it’s distinctly different. Far less vibrant than merlot but still not as dark as chocolate brown, the plum color trend is a particularly moody version of purple that has largely been pushed to the side—until now. Across recent collections, we saw this shade surface as decadent variations of eggplant, violet, mulberry, and even dark fig. Unlike lilac and lavender, this shade of purple is compelling to adopt right now because it’s closely related to other winter shades we’ve all come to love while still being cool enough for those of us who want to wear a color that hasn’t been spotted everywhere. Admittedly, my initial desire was to gatekeep this color trend, but I’ve decided to do my duty as an editor and prove why this color is poised to become the next big thing.
Ahead, you’ll find examples of how to style the plum color trend based on its presence in the fall/winter 2024 and spring/summer 2025 collections. Plus, I’ve rounded up some of the best purple pieces for the season at every price point. Consider this your sign: You can still look sophisticated without wearing the same shades as everyone else.
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; Pictured: Burberry F/W 24)
Burberry
Mini Rocking Horse Bag
Everything about this crossbody bag is effortlessly chic, from the curved shape to the subtle hardware to the color.
The Frankie Shop
Gaia Double Breasted Coat in Dark Plum
Prepare to wear this coat all the time.
Dip your toe into this trend with these pumps.
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; Pictured: 16Arlington)
Michael Kors
Ludlow Medium Leather Shoulder Bag
The sharp edges on this shoulder bag are so sophisticated.
SoftGoat
Brushed Turtleneck
16ARLINGTON
Vante Leather Straight-Leg Pants
I am not going to lie; these leather trousers sold me on this color trend.
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; Pictured: Tory Burch F/W 24)
Tory Burch
Wave Earring in Eggplant
Eggplant earrings? I’m here for it.
H&M
Lyocell Mock Turtleneck Top
Layer this underneath your favorite button-down or barn jacket.
Veronica Beard
Holmes Skirt
The easiest way to make your work wardrobe feel more polished is with this patent-leather pencil skirt.
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; Pictured: Gucci F/W 24)
ZARA
Adjustable Oversized Shirt
The nipped-in waist elevates this button-down shirt.
Massimo Dutti
Lightweight Midi Skirt With Lace Trim
Slip skirts are seasonless.
Gucci
Jordaan Loafer in Dark Purple
These loafers are the perfect investment for the long haul.
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; Pictured: Fendi F/W 24)
Bottega Veneta
Small East-West Andiamo Bag
Just when I thought I couldn’t love the Andiamo bag more, Bottega Veneta released this version.
Fendi
Dark Purple Grain de Poudre Wool Coat
SARTO by Franco Sarto
Gwyn Pointed Toe Over the Knee Boot
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; Pictured: Remain F/W 24)
& Other Stories
Wool Wrap Blazer
Nipped-waist blazers are all the rage right now.
Donna Karan
Amagansett Shoulder Bag
The twisted handle? The hardware? The color? Perfection all around.
Reiss
Gabi Slim Fit Suit Trousers in Berry
You’ll wear these trousers all the time.
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; Pictured: Aaron Esh F/W 24)
& Other Stories
Draped Knotted Top
Lena Hoschek
Daydream Wool Midi Skirt
Please stop scrolling for a second to admire the super-sophisticated hourglass silhouette on this skirt.
Reformation
Prudence Ballet Flat
Ballet flats won’t be going out of style anytime soon.
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; Pictured: Erdem F/W 24)
Erdem
Scarf Draped Long Sleeve Satin Cady Cocktail Dress
You’ll be the best dressed guest at that winter wedding in this cocktail dress.
ZARA
Feathery Heeled Open Back Shoes
Carrie Bradshaw would approve of these feathery heels.
ASTR the Label
Angelle Dress
It’s perfect for the upcoming holiday season!
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; Pictured: OpéraSport F/W 24)
Miu Miu
Wander Matelassé Nappa Leather Hobo Mini-Bag
I’ll be spending the next three to five business days thinking about this bag.
The neckline of this top paired with the color is so beautiful.
You can style these cargo pants with a cropped T-shirt and cool kicks or a boxy blazer and ankle boots.
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; Pictured: Zimmermann F/W 24)
Zimmermann
Illustration Asymmetric Satin One-Shoulder Gown
The asymmetric neckline on this satin gown has me swooning.
Michael Costello
Blythe Heel
LESET
Barb Open-Back Washed-Satin Midi Dress
Have you ever seen a more stunning slip dress? I’ll wait.
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; Pictured: Ferragamo F/W 24)
It’s a need, not a want for me.
Source Unknown
Gwendalia Draped Leather Dress in Dark Plum
Gawking over this gorgeous leather dress.
Sam Edelman
Bianka Sling in Eggplant
These slingbacks are some of the best shoes in my collection, hands down.
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; Pictured: Tibi S/S 25)
Banana Republic
Boucle Pullover Sweater
Loewe
XL Flamenco Bag in Nappa Calfskin
Loewe always understands the assignment.
French Connection
Carmine High-Rise Flannel Pants
Pleated purple pants? Yes, please.
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; Pictured: The Attico S/S 25)
The Attico
Purple Day Off Shoulder Bag
With suede trending for the season, there’s no safer investment than this shoulder bag.
There’s nothing I love more than an off-the-shoulder jersey dress.
Open Edit
Remington Ankle Strap Sandal
You’ll wear these sandals well into the springtime.
Explore More:
