On Trend: Purple
Associated with royalty, luxury and ambition, the colour purple and its full spectrum of shades has been prominent across new AW20 staples such as t-shirts, hoodies, trousers, fleeces and waterproof jackets. Carrying political connotations from California based Patagonia this year, purple may not be the first choice for many, but has easily brought a fresh look to staple styles whilst being easy to pair with both darker earth tones and lighter shades for varying moods throughout the season. Leading skate brands such as Pop Trading Company and Nike SB have utilised the shade to refresh an array of their best loved core t-shirt and hoodie staples, whilst Carhartt and Patagonia have built upon their reputation for classic jackets and insulated styles that incorporate elements from their own heritages and modern updates to ensure protection from the changing weather conditions.
In preparation for the transition into autumn, shades vary from deep boysenberry to lavender and placement differs between flashes on zip detailing and branded logos, to full colour washes for a strong statement look. Enhanced by a key colour palette of darker black, moss green and charcoal tones with additional bursts of golden yellow and rich red, the placement of varying shades of purple increases the impact of textural fabric combinations such as technical nylon against plush sherpa fleece and natural wool with cotton across practical t-shirts, jacket and trouser silhouettes. Whether you’re seeing purple as your colour focus for the new season or prefer more subtle accents, we’ve pulled out some of the best picks currently on offer that showcase different trend-driven shades at their very best.
Carhartt Prentis Liner Jacket | Carhartt Chase T-Shirt | adidas Bouclette Pants | New Balance Numeric 379
Still proving to be a core outerwear style following on from the resurgence of ‘Gorpcore’ hiking-come-streetwear styling in recent years, fleeces remain a favourite for comfort and casual styling. Suited to both everyday wear and more active pursuits thanks to the variety on offer from both fashion focused labels and established outerwear companies, fleeces this season vary between polyester fleece produced in different thicknesses with full length and quarter zip fastenings. Sherpa fleece is favoured for a more plush finish that acts as a barrier against wind chills whilst lightweight recycled polyester designs from the likes of Patagonia are best for layering below waterproof jackets or on top of a t-shirt for extra warmth during cold days. Additionally, the option to choose a block colour variation or a pattern such as the camo blueprint seen on our selected outfit opens up styling variations further which for casual everyday comfort - we recommend pairing a fleece jacket with a longer cut colour matched t-shirt and lightweight sweatpants.
Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket | Pop Trading Company Striped Pocket T-Shirt | Dickies 873 | Nike SB Bruin React
Suitable for wear with long and short sleeve t-shirts as well as sweatshirts, insulated jackets are the perfect transitional piece for summer into autumn. Demonstrating why puffer coats and jackets have become so popular over the last few years, our ensemble demonstrates the versatility of insulation thanks to both their functionality and ability to be worn for different activities in varying climates. Signifying the fact that we are strong together, Patagonia’s use of purple this season for their technical designs acts as a reflection of the mix of Democratic blue and Republican red for the US elections. Quilted with a textural brickwork pattern that holds a layer of PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation Eco in place, Patagonia’s Nano Puff Jacket offers a blend of warmth and packable comfort suitable for travelling and although patterns can be difficult to combine, we have found that choosing a lighter shade of purple within a custom vertical striped pattern works particularly well when it comes to styling. We would suggest looking at the offerings of striped t-shirt styles this season to double up with visible quilted insulation patterns. Monochrome accessories and trousers also work best with doubled up colour combinations as seen here.
Yardsale Henry Knit Crewneck Sweatshirt | Helas Nautique Cap | Helas Nautique Tracksuit Pants | adidas Copa Nationale
Tracksuit trousers have remained a firm favourite for skateboarding and everyday comfort. Styles this season have harnessed nostalgic ‘90s styling through pops of colour and signature graphics from both sportswear and skateboard brands. Lightweight polyester remains the fabric of choice to achieve a light sheen finish associated with tracksuits and ankle detailing such as an elasticated trim or printed graphic are popular for AW20. Designed to be paired with the matching Nautique Cap, Paris-based Hélas has opted for accents of two key colours for AW20 - yellow and purple - demonstrating the independent brand’s ability to incorporate up and coming trends with their own creative vision. Acting as a statement piece in itself, you can double up with a tracksuit jacket for wind protection or for a more relaxed approach, a long sleeve t-shirt or hoodie works well as a top layer complete with adidas’ grip-focused Copa Nationale shoes.
Carhartt Whitsome Shirt Jacket | Dickies Cankton Elasticated Pants | Nike SB Janoski Remastered
Remaining a favourite fabric of many brands for autumn/winter collections, corduroy has been accentuated by darker shades of purple such as boysenberry and cold viola through current collections which brings a richness to the textural pattern and natural qualities of cotton corduroy, which not only looks good but is also naturally warm. Perhaps most popular for button-through long sleeve shirt styles, which double up as a lightweight jacket when paired with a t-shirt, a corduroy shirt acts as an easy go-to for autumn days whether you’re working, relaxing at home or are spending time outdoors. With a choice between fine and wider wale versions, corduroy opens up options to play into both traditional workwear and ‘70 influences depending on how you choose to style it. Seen here with an extra burst of a key AW20 colour on the solar flare edition of the Nike SB Janoski Remastered Shoes, we’ve gone for a relaxed workwear inspired ensemble with a pair of workwear trousers for relaxed at-home days.
Nike SB Paradise Hoodie | Nike SB Sunday Shorts | Vans Epoch Sport Pro
All over repeat prints have been interpreted by selected brands to bring a vibrant character to casual hoodies, shorts and accessories. Ideal if you’re not ready to let go of that summer feeling quite yet, lighter shades of purple will help you retain the vibe especially when paired with similar pastel shades, which proved particularly popular earlier in the year. Prominent throughout Fashion Week styling in the spring, doubling up on prints is a go-to trend that is set to continue throughout the winter and adds a playful touch to otherwise simple combinations. Playing into earth-inspired tones that are key to the colour palette for the season, further references to nature can be seen with tropical all over floral designs that give an immediate holiday feeling no matter the weather. Presenting core AW20 colour palette tones of lavender, fossil, green and red, Nike SB’s Paradise hoodie and matching shorts present a leisurewear combination that will remain relevant during the months ahead, even if you are just relaxing at home for the time being.
Appearing alongside an earth-inspired colour palette throughout AW20 collections that brings attention to a stronger connection to nature which has been slowly increasing for the last few years, purple variations bring a burst of richness without deterring from practical, versatile silhouettes that are in abundance for the new season. With the option of going for a full colour look to make a statement or a more low-key approach with strategic accents, each brand has incorporated key colour tones in their own way through print, pockets and custom wash effects.
