Much to my own surprise, I was really excited when ultraviolet – aka purple – was announced as the color of the year. Up until recently I didn’t own a single purple item but have gradually come around to it because of the softer lavender tones and bluer shades like ultraviolet. Like any true color, it can be intimidating to try if it isn’t already part of your wardrobe or color palette. I do gravitate to the lavender side but throw in pops of it. If you’re nervous about how to tackle the 2018 color of the year, don’t be! Ultraviolet is a pretty easy shade of purple to work with and is really flattering on most skin tones which is why I’m sharing my five tips on how to wear it (and other shades of purple) whether it’s as little as nail polish or as much as a head-to-toe look. 

PAINT IT PURPLE

Whenever I am really nervous about a new color, I always dabble in it by trying it on my nails first. If I am really nervous, I’ll try it on my toes… in the winter!  I recommend putting it on your nails. This gives you a chance to acclimate to the color. Hopefully, every time you look down or see the ultraviolet color on your nails you’ll be less intimidated and want to wear even more of it. Worse case scenario, if you really hate it, you know it will be gone in a week, two if you use gel. I prefer lighter shades on my tips so used the OPI color “You’re Such a Budapest” and had my manicurist add a very subtle line on the side of each nail in hot pink. Which brings be to tip number two…

PAIR ULTRAVIOLET WITH COMPLEMENTING COLORS

Millennial pink- and all other shades of pink- have been so hot the past few seasons. Whether it is blush, fuchsia or bubble gum, you probably already own something in the pink family. Try updating your pinks with an ultraviolet topper. Cardigans, jackets and coats in transitional colors are a great way to finish out the remaining weeks of winter and ease into the milder temps of Spring. The tones of millennial pink and ultraviolet complement each other so well, but it’s not the only purple friendly mate. As I mentioned earlier, ultraviolet has a bluer undertone and therefore pairs well with blues. I’m partial to the Carolina and navy blues but you could easily pop a royal in there and look fierce.  I found this amazing color block sweater that did all the purple matching color work for me so I went with it and added this gold camera bag. Gold, ochre and white are not only great complementing colors for lavender, but ultraviolet too.

GO HEAD TO TOE

Feeling bold? Take all of your purple pieces and pile them on! It may be simple and obvious but purple plays well with purple – just be sure to keep a good distinction among your shades. Even though I’m not 100% head to toe in this look, I had this purple velvet ruffle skirt (under $30) that was pretty dead on for the color in my sweater so I threw it on. I found my surprisingly comfortable designer dupe sock boots in ultraviolet and knew they would be the pop the look needed to give it dimension.  If you take the full on color approach, be mindful of shades and textures to avoid looking too flat in all one hue. If you don’t want to go softer and brighter, go deeper and darker.

EASY AS ACCESSORIES

Like nail polish, accessories are a super easy way to try on trending colors without making a serious investment. Even though I fell in love with these sock booties the minute I saw them, I had to really push myself to wear them. I have to confess, as much as I love and admire bold and outrageous shoes, I get so intimidated when it comes time to wear them. I convince myself they don’t work for me or it’s just “too much”. If you are even close to feeling the same way, then force yourself to get past it. It took me 2.5 seconds of feeling self conscious before I realized how killer these booties were and then it was instant confidence. Bags, clutches and statement earrings are also great ways to incorporate the trend.

MAKE [ IT ] UP AS YOU GO

Say yes to purple cosmetics. I just got on the purple lip wagon and I have to say it is another category were purple plays like pink. TBH – It’s the same thing as “it tastes like chicken” – especially if you are into brighter berry pinks. I really love this one from Urban Decay. Purple eye shadow is another easy way to work the color into your palette. I find a dark purple eye shadow and sub it in for my black when I do a smokey eye. I also use this purple blush when I want a stronger and more defined cheek bone. A light application is all you need, unless of course you want to look like Barney. Overall it is not as scary as it looks in the pot and definitely worth a try.

How are you feeling about ultraviolet? Have you guys found any knock out items I need to check out or tried incorporating the color in a different way?!

Let me know in the comments or tag me in your insta pictures I’d love to see!

xoxo

Sweater // Velvet Skirt // Sock Booties // Camera Bag (c/o) // Shades // Lip // Nail Color

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