So I did it. Church. Me. Purple and Red. Yep.
Wearing: Skirt-Anthropologie Ingonish Skirt, Top-Ann Taylor, Cardi-ATL, Tights-Anthro Cockle shell Tights, Shoes-Chie Mihara NINA
Red and purple, I was close-mindedly taught in elementary school, don’t “go” together. Hogwash! They most certainly do, when done right. As I was playing around with this skirt the other day, I wanted something a bit more….hmmm….grabbing. So I put these Cockleshell Tights up against the skirt and my heart skipped a beat. Then I grabbed my Chie NINAS and it did a full-on triple front flip, and then nailed the landing. I didn’t go completely cray-cray though….if you notice, there is a strong neutral presence of tonal browns in the cardi and shoes, keeping the red and purple in line. I did a little digging on red and purple and found this fun article.
Here’s a tidbit to whet your red and purple whistle:
“A color wheel will tell you that red and purple should not be combined. Red and Blue make purple, which means red is purple’s mother. Purple and red make magenta, which is a monotone cousin to purple…Red and purple are unsettling because they’re related, but aren’t equal. Red dominates purple, as many mothers tend to do. Of course, there are ways you can liberate purple from its domineering mother. Try using red accents against a purple palette or combine lavender with a bright red for more contrast”
Here’s one of the interior design rooms they show as an example of red and purple executed well:
Notice the strong presence of a neutral in the brown bookcase, lampshades, and other coffee table?
Any questions?
Class dismissed.
xoxo Molly
P.S. Thank you so much to all who entered Colorphile submissions. I will have those up later this week. Y’all are in for a treat. I knew my readers had color game.
sweet! It's purple week! I like mixed colours best (green over blue, orange over red) and yet somehow I've been resisting purple. and now it's got me in its hold something fierce! I would kill for a purple gingham J Crew perfect shirt if I could only find one!
I not only love the colour combination you've got here (dark muted purple with bright orangey red) but the shape of the collar is sublime against the pattern on the skirt!
I like the look…I promise I do. I kinda dig the idea of color blocking with red and purple. However, I have a major hang up about it. Three words. Red Hat Society. Do you know what I am talking about? Crazy old ladies with red and purple hats parading around restaurants in large groups…all based on a book or something. My work-your-tail-off-for-a-dime-at-the-coffee-mug former waitressing self was severly damaged by these demanding and usually rude older ladies. I just can't get past that mind block of red and purple hats…
Ha! I totally get you on the red hat society. I think I'd feel the same having had your experiences. Color is something our subconscious/gut never forgets. I fear they've ruined purple and red for you for life. Ah well…. so many color combos out there, ya won't miss it!
I got Anthro's AG Stevie Cords in Plum this winter and love pairing them with red and gray. Never even knew I was breaking a rule!
You go girl, with the plum and red. That's awesome! Don't you just want to sleep in your Stevie cords, they're so dang comfortable?!?
I always knew red and purple were meant to go together, because my favorite color was always purple and my hair never minded!
I love a redhead in purple. And green. And for that matter, blue too. But purple….yep. colorrific harmony.
I have always loved red and purple together. Actually I am wearing it right now. I have on red tights and a deep purple top with a plaid dress I made inspired by Anthropologie's Perthshire dress. I will send you a pic later tonight. Your style inspires me so much.
Thank you, Rachel. Red tights? Nicely done. Must. see. outfit. photo. pronto!!
Fabulous outfit, Molly! Of course those Chies are the icing on the cake:)