At the end of 2021, world-leading color expert PANTONE named Very Peri as the Color of the Year for 2022. Officially called PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri. Very Peri is a “dynamic periwinkle blue hue with a vivifying violet red undertone.” By balancing the consistency of blue with the energy of red, PANTONE created a warm, happy, and empowering shade of purple. PANTONE also aimed to inspire “courageous creativity” and “imaginative expression” with Very Peri — and it is evidently working, as more designers are tapping into this soft purple.
In our recent coverage on the ZIAD NAKAD spring-summer couture collection, we saw gowns in lavender, lilac, and mauve, alongside shades of blue, beige, and soft pink. The colors suited the oversized shoulders, jeweled belts, and embroidery typical of ZIAD NAKAD’s style, creating dramatic but elegant looks. The fall-winter catwalks likewise saw Lanvin, Gucci, and Valentino send lilac and lavender hues down the runway, in dresses, jackets, trousers, and even capes. Interestingly, color-coordinated shoes are also a feature of the latest looks, so we can expect Very Peri and other purple tones to seep into the footwear and accessory trends.
So how can you work tricky, purple shoes into your wardrobe? Here are three ideas to try:
Pair purple flats with a classic silhouette
With nostalgia dominating current trends, ballet flats from the 00s are having a revival moment. Originally a rounded, flat shoe borrowed from ballerina dancers, brands have long reimagined this staple footwear in different colors, textures, patterns, and accents. In the runway for Spring 2022, Simone Rocha’s metallic purple flats with crisscross straps made an appearance. Designers like Molly Goddard and Ferragamo likewise brought their spin on ballet flats, by changing up hues in pink and orange (Goddard) or framing the flats with a signature bow (Ferragamo).
So how do you style this ever-evolving shoe? Stick to the basics. While designers have often paired evening dresses with ballet slippers, most fashionable wearers style this shoe type with comfort in mind. Flats are clean, young, and modern; they don’t try hard to look dressed-up. You can pair them with skinny jeans, denim mini-skirts, tank tops, and tees for a girl-about-town look, or you can try them with a more put-together outfit using blouses, skirts, and dresses.
Keep purple sneakers casual
Sneakers are, of course, a versatile staple for any wardrobe — and they feature plenty of exciting colorways. Purple sneakers can be very eye-catching, so the rest of your outfit wouldn’t need to be as loud. The great thing about purple is that they go easily with blue, like blue denim jeans, for a fresh and comfortable look.
You can also keep the colors balanced by finding kicks with a clean design. The Nike Air Huarache OG “Purple Punch” sneakers are one pair that can be worn with a classic t-shirt and jeans combo. With its white neoprene toe box panel and white leather overlays, the purple heel cage, insoles, and collar stand out, but not garishly. Wear a plain white tee with your jeans, then top everything off with a pink or purple bomber jacket to look effortlessly stylish.
Use purple heels as a statement piece
Brands like Miu Miu, Prada, and Saint Laurent are all bringing height back to high-fashion with platforms and heels. As the 90s are making a comeback, loafers and espadrilles are now on the radar for 2022. Platform heels can be paired with pretty much anything, from jeans, shorts-suits, sundresses, skirts, and lightweight separates.
Dua Lipa’s bright purple heels made a stunning debut while the singer was on vacation, which she paired with a black knit cropped top and a matching high-slit sarong. The purple platform mules are very on-trend, and compared to normal black pumps, serve as a stronger statement piece. Pair bolder shades of purple with black, white, or neutral tones for an interesting contrast.
For more of the latest style tips, check out our other articles on POP STYLE TV today.