Fall is the time when a lot of us swap our bright, vibrant colors out for a more muted palette. Black, brown, grey, navy, and burgundy all become on high rotation as we transition to the colder months—something about that chill leaves us wanting for a moodier palette. Plenty of us still gravitate towards jewel tones and primary colors, though, like rich gold and Klein blue. A pop of red has been especially popular in recent years. Any runway from Valentino to Balenciaga to Proenza Schouler can point to proof of this. But according to the Fall/Winter 2026 runways earlier, a pop of purple—royal purple, to be specific—is taking red's place as the color of the season.
AREA FW26 // Spotlight Launchmetrics
Celine FW26 // Spotlight LaunchmetricsTwo of the most enduring colors every season are poppy red and cobalt blue. Both primary tones remain a mainstay each year, season, and decade, so it makes sense why royal purple, almost the lovechild of the two iconic colors, is having a moment right now. Incorporated into the trend cycle in monochromatic approaches, like it was done at Loewe, Ferragamo, Area and Tory Burch for Fall/Winter 2026, or added as a pop of color like at Celine, Conner Ives, and Julie Kegels' presentations.
Ferragamo FW26 // Spotlight Launchmetrics
Loewe FW26 // Spotlight LaunchmetricsWhere purple was color blocked, interpretations of the rich tone were rendered in evening looks, silk and lace dresses at Area, mousseline separates at Ferragamo, and textured mini dresses and sharp suits at Loewe.
Tory Burch FW26 // Spotlight Launchmetrics
Julie Kegels FW26// Spotlight LaunchmetricsOver at Celine, purple leather trench coats were seen alongside looks that merely incorporated purple leather bags and gloves. At Prada's Spring/Summer 2026 show, pops of purple were seen via bloomer-type knickers and '50s-style dresses, while just this September it was brought back for Spring/Summer 2027 in leather east-west bags and almost hand-painted onto biker style skirts and vests. At Julie Kegels and Conner Ives' Fall/Winter 2026 shows, casual separates were rendered in a muted version of the color, offering shrunken v-neck knit sweaters and oversized polo shirts.
It's a pop of purple Fall! Shop our picks from the trend, below.
