Purple suits bring elegance, individuality, and a touch of creativity to men’s fashion. But with a range of shades from light lavender to deep aubergine, choosing the right shade can be a challenge. Each shade has its own personality, best-suited occasions, and styling tips. In this guide, we’ll break down when and how to wear light and dark purple suits, helping you find the perfect tone for any occasion.
Bold Purple Suits For Bold Men
Purple suits aren’t for the faint of heart—they’re for those looking to add a unique edge to their wardrobe while maintaining sophistication. Purple, a color long associated with royalty, luxury, and power, offers an alternative to traditional neutrals. A well-chosen purple suit allows you to stand out with style and elegance, whether you’re at a wedding, an evening event, or a social gathering.
Light Purple Suits: When and How to Wear Them
When to Wear Light Purple
Light purple suits, including shades like lavender, lilac, and pastel purple, have a softer, more casual vibe. They’re ideal for daytime events, spring and summer settings, and outdoor occasions where a lighter color feels more seasonally appropriate.
- Weddings: Light purple suits can be a fantastic choice for daytime weddings, particularly in spring or summer. The light hue adds a festive, airy touch, and the unique color choice sets you apart without overwhelming.
- Garden Parties and Daytime Social Events: If you’re attending a garden party, brunch, or any daytime social gathering, a light purple suit is the perfect blend of sophisticated and relaxed.
- Creative or Casual Offices: In creative or casual work environments, light purple suits can add a playful touch that remains professional. Pairing it with understated accessories can help make it work-friendly without coming off as overly formal.
Styling a Light Purple Suit
When styling a light purple suit, choose subtle, neutral accompaniments to keep the look balanced:
- Shirts: A white or light grey shirt works well with a light purple suit, providing a clean backdrop that lets the color of the suit shine. You can also opt for a light blue shirt for a soft contrast that feels cohesive and fresh.
- Ties: Stick to muted shades like grey, silver, or soft pink. A patterned tie with subtle detailing can add personality without overpowering the light suit.
- Shoes: Brown or tan leather shoes complement light purple suits beautifully, especially in casual or outdoor settings. Loafers or brogues are ideal choices, as they keep the overall look relaxed yet polished.
Dark Purple Suits: When and How to Wear Them
When to Wear Dark Purple
Dark purple shades, such as plum, aubergine, and eggplant, are deeper and more formal than their lighter counterparts. These shades are ideal for evening events, cooler seasons, and formal gatherings where a bold yet elegant look is appropriate.
- Evening Events and Formal Dinners: Dark purple suits bring a rich, luxurious feel that’s perfect for evening wear. They offer a distinctive look that’s formal but not overly traditional.
- Weddings and Special Occasions: Dark purple can be an excellent choice for fall or winter weddings, adding depth and warmth to your look. The richness of the color works well with the mood of colder seasons, making it an elegant alternative to black or navy.
- Corporate Events in Creative Fields: In creative industries or workplaces where personal expression is valued, a dark purple suit can make a powerful statement that’s both professional and unique. It shows confidence and creativity while remaining within the bounds of formality.
Styling a Men’s Dark Purple Suit
Dark purple suits can be styled for elegance and sophistication. Here’s how to get it right:
- Shirts: Pair your dark purple suit with a crisp white shirt for a classic, high-contrast look. Light grey shirts also work well, creating a more monochromatic effect that feels sleek and modern. A black shirt can add drama, but reserve this combination for evening settings or special events.
- Ties: Choose ties in deep, complementary colors like silver, navy, or dark green. Patterns such as stripes or subtle polka dots can add interest without clashing with the rich color of the suit.
- Shoes: Black leather shoes are the best choice for dark purple suits, especially in formal settings. Oxfords or Derbies in black or a deep burgundy add a polished touch that matches the formality of the suit.
Choosing the Right Shade of Purple for Your Skin Tone
Just like any suit color, different shades of purple suit different skin tones. Finding a shade that complements your complexion will make the suit look even better.
- Light Skin Tones: Dark purple suits with cool undertones, such as plum or eggplant, contrast well with lighter skin tones, creating a balanced, flattering look. Light purple shades like lavender can also work, especially in spring or summer.
- Medium Skin Tones: Medium skin tones are versatile and can wear a variety of purple shades. Rich, mid-tone purples like royal purple or violet bring out the warmth in medium skin, while lighter shades add a pop of color without overwhelming.
- Dark Skin Tones: Dark skin tones look stunning in both light and dark purples, as the colors provide a striking contrast. Vibrant shades like royal purple or deep aubergine bring out the richness of darker complexions.
Of course, as a man, you will need more than one suit. So don’t limit yourself to just one shade or color.
Tips for Styling Purple Suits for Different Occasions
Each occasion calls for different styling techniques. Here’s a quick guide to help you nail the look:
Formal Occasions
For formal events, dark purple suits work best. Stick to classic pairings with white shirts, black shoes, and elegant accessories. A silk tie in a complementary color, such as silver or navy, adds a refined touch.
Smart Casual Settings
In smart casual settings, a light purple suit with a simple shirt—perhaps even without a tie—can create a relaxed, polished look. Pair with brown or tan shoes to keep things laid-back but sophisticated.
Outdoor or Daytime Events
Light purple suits are ideal for outdoor and daytime events. Keep your accessories light and breezy, with tan shoes, a white or pastel shirt, and maybe even a patterned tie or pocket square for added personality.
Final Tips for Wearing Any Shade of Purple Suit with Confidence
- Fit is Everything: As with any suit, fit matters. Make sure your suit is tailored to your body for a sharp, put-together look. Even the most unique color choice can fall flat if the fit isn’t right.
- Balance Your Accessories: Let the suit be the star. Choose simple, understated accessories to avoid a cluttered look. Opt for a classic watch and subtle cufflinks if needed, keeping everything cohesive.
- Own the Look: Wearing a purple suit is a bold choice, and confidence is key. When you wear it with assurance, you’ll feel great, and it’ll show in the way you carry yourself.
Choosing The Right Shade of Purple For Your Men’s Suit With xSuit
Choosing between a light and dark purple suit depends on your personal style, the occasion, and your skin tone. Light purple suits bring a fresh, playful feel that’s perfect for daytime events, while dark purple suits add richness and sophistication suited to evening gatherings and formal settings. Whether you’re attending a wedding, a cocktail party, or a special dinner, the right shade of purple can elevate your look with elegance and style.
For more tips on choosing suit colors and styling advice, explore the xSuit collection. With high-performance options designed for comfort, flexibility, and impeccable style, xSuit offers the perfect selection to make you look your best in any shade of purple you choose.
