How to Wear Lilac

Co-authored by Neepa Sikdar

Last Updated: February 22, 2022 References

Lilac is a bright yet gentle mix of pale purple and pink hues, and it’s a really fun color to add to your wardrobe. It incorporates color without being too garish or glaring, and it can be worn with both casual and formal outfits. The next time you go shopping, buy a lilac piece of clothing and try wearing it out in different combinations to see what you like best!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Incorporating Lilac into Your Wardrobe

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Make a statement with contrasting hues by wearing lilac with a bold color. This is a great way to have fun with bright colors! Lilac is a gentle shade, so don’t be afraid to wear it along with colors like mustard yellow, cobalt blue, or even emerald green. A deeper purple could also complement lilac.^{[1]
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- For example, wear a lilac long-sleeved blouse tucked into an emerald green skirt.
- Try pairing lilac shorts with a mustard yellow tee.
- Put on a pair of cobalt blue bottoms and wear a lilac jacket overtop of a plain white tee.
2
Pair lilac and neutral colors for a subtle office-appropriate outfit. Lilac isn’t just for those who love bold colors and bright patterns. It’s a great color to work into a more neutrally-toned wardrobe.^{[2]
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Neepa Sikdar
Personal Stylist
Expert Interview. 11 February 2022.} Navy, tan, brown, white, and black pants will keep your outfit more subdued, while the lilac top will gently infuse your look with a beautiful color.^{[3]
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- Try finding a lilac blouse, button-down, cardigan, or sweater and experiment with adding this color to your closet.
- Be a little more adventurous and pair lilac with forest green pants.
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3
Amp up your everyday outfit with a patterned lilac top. Whether you normally rock a T-shirt and leggings or a button-down and jeans, simply switch out your top for a lilac one. Look for a top that has a fun pattern, like orange triangles, to add a new look to your wardrobe.^{[4]
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- For example, a lilac shirt with white flowers would look soft and romantic. You could pair it with a denim skirt, a pair of white shorts, or black leggings.
- A striped lilac shirt would be a fun addition to almost any kind of bottom. Look for a shirt with stripes that are all the same color for a more toned-down option, or get one with multi-colored stripes for a brighter choice.
- If you wanted to add even more color, you could sport a pair of lilac shoes. This could make your outfit even more cohesive and stylized if that’s something you’re into.
- If you’re not into the patterned style, seek out a simple monotone lilac shirt. You can generally find all styles and cuts in lilac, from a short-sleeved top, to a button-down, to a tank top.
4
Wear a lilac shirt underneath a sweater or cardigan for a pop of color. This will add a nice hint of color to your outfit. You could even wear a high-necked tee underneath a sweater or long-sleeved shirt so some color comes out around the neckline.^{[5]
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- For a similar effect, you could add a lilac tank top underneath other tops. This might work out well if you’re worried about the arms bunching up underneath the sweater or cardigan.
- Keep things bright and playful by pairing lilac with colors like yellow, burnt orange, emerald green, or even a deep pink.
- Keep the rest of your outfit pretty neutral with a brown, navy, or gray sweater and let the lilac shirt add subtle color.
5
Create an eye-catching outfit for a special event with a lilac dress. The gentle hue of lilac will immediately soften your entire look. For a more romantic outfit, pick a loose dress made of a soft, flowy fabric. For a more professional or stylish look, opt for a fitted dress that doesn’t have any ruffles or bows.^{[6]
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- In cooler weather, wear a pair of ankle boots with your lilac dress. Dark purple would be a nice complement to the lilac, or you could wear tan, silver, or even light pink boots.
- For warmer weather, choose sandals or flats. A neutral color, like navy, white, or tan, won’t distract from your outfit. You could also add more color by wearing brighter shoes, like yellow, fuchsia, or green.^{[7]
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  Neepa Sikdar
  Personal Stylist
  Expert Interview. 11 February 2022.}
- For a cohesive look, match the color of your shoes to the shade of your dress. You might be afraid that this will look too monochrome, but it actually can create a very put-together and stylish outfit.
6
Brighten up your summer ensemble with a lilac garment. For a more casual and fun look, wear a brightly colored or patterned top with lilac shorts. For a more put-together and cohesive look, choose a solid, darker-colored skirt or pair of shorts.^{[8]
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- For example, a white tee with a lilac skirt would be simple while still showing off some color.^{[9]
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  Neepa Sikdar
  Personal Stylist
  Expert Interview. 11 February 2022.}
- A bright yellow tee with lilac shorts would catch the eye with all those pops of color.
- Wear a striped black-and-white top with your lilac shorts for a hip look.
- If you’re worried about getting chilly, bring along a denim jacket or a darker-hued cardigan.
7
Wear a lilac overcoat or jacket as a statement piece. Getting a lilac coat is a great way to add color to a wardrobe staple. Pair it with any outfit with confidence, even if it clashes a little bit. Soon enough, you’ll be known as that person with the cool coat.^{[10]
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- If you want your lilac overcoat to be the focus of your ensemble, wear all black underneath for a classy look.
- It can be harder to keep lilac items clean, so consider switching it out if you’re going to be doing something where you might get dirty.
8
Rock a tailored lilac suit for a playful twist to a dressy staple. Head-to-toe lilac can be hard to pull off, so keep the rest of your outfit toned down. Wear neutral-toned shoes, keep your hair and makeup simple, and choose minimalist jewelry.^{[11]
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- If you have lighter skin, consider wearing a dark purple button-down or blouse under your suit jacket so you don’t end up looking washed out. Or, wear a white shirt but add a dark purple tie.
- If you have darker skin, pair your suit with a really pale purple or white button-down or blouse.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Adding Lilac Accessories

1
Slip on a pair of lilac sneakers to complete your athleisure outfit. Black leggings or joggers and simple tops are super popular for every-day wear right now, whether you’re heading to the gym or just meeting up with friends for lunch. Lilac sneakers will upgrade your outfit and make it look even more stylized and intentional.^{[12]
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- You could also switch out your regular laces for lilac ones for an alternative if you aren’t ready to buy new sneakers yet.
- Lilac sneakers would also look nice with a pair of dark denim jeans or a shorter skirt.
2
Incorporate some color to your everyday outfit with a pair of lilac loafers or flats. This is a great way to make a single investment that you can cash-in on most days of the week. While you shouldn’t wear the same top every day, there’s nothing wrong with sporting the same pair of shoes multiple times a week.^{[13]
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- For a more dressed-up look, buy flats that have a pointed toe.
- For example, lilac flat with a pair of black skinny-leg pants and a polka-dot blouse would make a really cute outfit.
- If you aren’t ready to commit to all-lilac shoes, get patterned shoes that incorporate lilac into the design.
3
Wear a lilac tie the next time you have to suit-up for a big meeting. Keep the rest of your outfit neutral so that the tie doesn’t become too much of a distraction. You want it to complement the rest of your put-together, cohesive outfit.^{[14]
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- For example, wear a navy suit with a white undershirt and brown shoes. Finish your outfit with a skinny lilac tie.
- For extra fun, wear a lilac bowtie.
4
Drape a lilac scarf around your neck to add a streak of color to your outfit. Whether it’s solid-colored, color-blocked, or patterned, this is a great way to add color to most outfits. It would look especially good with a darker ensemble that doesn’t include a lot of other colors.^{[15]
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- You could even incorporate the scarf into your hairstyle. Try wrapping it around a bun or ponytail, or wear it like a headband.
5
Include a subtle flash of color to your ensemble with lilac socks. This is a great way to show off your whimsical and stylish side, especially if you have to adhere to a more traditional dress code. Experiment with solid-colored lilac socks and patterned ones.^{[16]
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- Opt for socks that reach mid-calf or higher to prevent any skin from showing, which could look unprofessional.
- Lilac socks would look best with navy blue or dark brown pants. You could also pair them with black or white, but avoid wearing them with denim.
6
Add color every time you walk out the door with a lilac purse or bag. Making a staple piece of your wardrobe lilac will ensure you always have some color in your ensemble. Choose a bag that’s solid lilac, or get a patterned purse for more variation.^{[17]
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- Even if you don’t carry the same bag every day, a lilac bag is still a great way to occasionally add this color to your outfit.
7
Brush on lilac eyeshadow to add a pop of color to your makeup routine. A light dusting of lilac-colored eyeshadow will make your eyes pop, especially if you have green, hazel, or brown eyes. If you like extra glitz, choose lilac eyeshadow with sparkles or glitter.^{[18]
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- If you feel especially bold, pair your lilac eyeshadow with lilac lipstick!

Expert Q&A

Question

What colors go well with lilac?

Neepa Sikdar
Personal Stylist
Neepa Sikdar is a Personal Stylist and the Founder of Accessible Style. With 18 years of fashion experience, she specializes in working with female leaders to develop their style through personal styling, brand styling, and online styling. She also coaches women on personal style through her membership program. Neepa has worked with brands such as Nordstrom and J. Crew and has been featured in publications such as Business Insider. She holds a BS in Economics and English from Rutgers University and trained in styling through Fashion Institute of Technology.

Neepa Sikdar

Personal Stylist

Expert Answer

Colors that complement lilac are mint green, pale blue, lemon yellow, white, gray, camel, and bright green.