Catwalks and street style show a preference for lilac and lavender© Getty Images

Fashion trends for 2020: Millennial purple is the must-have color for your wardrobe


FEBRUARY 18, 2020 8:51 AM EST

If you’re looking for a color to rock this season, one of 2020’s biggest  fashion trends  is a powdery pastel palette of lilac and lavender, hues dubbed “ Millennial Purple ”. They are shades that have taken over many celebrities’ and stylists’ looks, and they’re predicted to be one of the most promising color trends of the year, whether spring, summer or fall.

The best ways to wear lilac and lavender are either a color block or a head-to-toe monochrome approach which makes these soft hues a very bold fashion statement. You can also mix and match with classic black and white creams, yellows, hot pinks, and light blues. Keep scrolling to see how you can wear this trend inspired by street style influencers and creations on the catwalk.

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An oversized suit

The runways were full of proposals that were hard not to notice. At New York Fashion Week, Dynasty strutted a lilac blazer and pant suit featuring the relaxed silhouette that’s been all the rage in recent seasons. Yes, all-lilac looks will be one of the set rules of style destined to prevail this year.

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Goddess gown

An evening dress is the most glamorous way wear the sweet shades of purple. Julien Macdonald presented a design at London Fashion Week that not only includes sensual sheer fabric, but also a sexy draping technique that sculpts your figure.

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Mini dress

The color was also seen in Valentino’s Spring/Summer collection catwalk, for example in this frilled and feathered minidress with an asymmetrial neckline. This look would be great for a summer event, or worn with tights for the colder season.

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Head to toe monochrome

Can you take a monochrome look too far? We don’t think so! Check Max Mara’s proposal, which includes several lilacpieces, including a tie, flat-brimmed cap and boots!

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With other similar colors

These pastel colors really pop when paired with others that are even brighter, but they’re also truly elegant when paired with more subtle shades. On Prada’s Spring/Summer 2020 runway, the Italian fashion house demonstrated that two soft shades go together perfectly, and we love the embroidered detail on the skirt.

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Statement sleeves

Statement sleeves are one hot trend, and so are pussy bows. So why not throw in pastel purple to combine three trends in one look! Here’s a dress that brought all of those elements together for a major style statement.

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Color block

Embrace color contrast by mixing and matching lilac with even more attention-grabbing colors: like this satin skirt in bright fuchsia paired with a pastel top with statment sleeves. (A sweet knit would also work well for a more subtle look.) Finish off the look with metallic accessories like ankle boots, a clutch and belt, like in this cool street style look.

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Wide-leg trousers

Concerned lavender doesn’t match your skin tone? Try it in a skirt or pants. Influencer Leonie Hanne chose a nude sleeveless top and a beige coat to go with a pair of wide-leg trousers, a simple combination that got more of a punch with heeled sandals and a shiny clutch in sky blue.

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All about accessories

You can also introduce these hues into your wardrobe with fun accessories to add a chic touch to any look. You can try bags and shoes in a solid minimalist design, or experiment with extra touches, like feathers, sparkles or prints to add a special twist.