The Unexpected Colour Everyone Is Wearing Right Now

We had a vote in the office the other day about the colour purple (as you do), and we were split 50/50, confirming my suspicions that it's one of those hues that always divides the crowds. I've always been in the ambivalent camp when it comes to any shade of purple, finding it a tricky colour to pull off. Too dark and it looks a bit gothic, too light and it washes you out.

However, this season has offered up an unexpected colour trend that may have just changed my mind. Usually, lilac is one of those sickly sweet pastel shades reserved for the spring months, bringing to mind pretty, candy-coloured frocks. But for autumn/winter 2019, it has taken on a cool-girl twist thanks to our favourite fashion influencers and plenty of winning new season staples.

The likes of Lucy Williams, Nnenna Echem and Marianne Theodorsen have all embraced a love of lilac, bring their own distinctive style personalities to the trend. My favourite look has to be Lucy Williams's snake-print-trousers–and–lilac-jumper pairing, which manages to look both achingly cool yet low-effort. I also have so much time for & Other Stories's lilac croc baguette, which is an easy way to add a pop of colour to your wardrobe basics. Plus, it's one of those shades that pretty much works on any skin tone—don't knock it before you try it. Scroll down to see and shop my lilac shopping edit.

Style Notes: Never one to be outdone in the print-clashing stakes, Nnenna Echem uses her statement lilac coat too offset a pair of gingham trousers. Genius. 

Style Notes: A lilac jumper goes surprisingly well with darker wintery tones, such as brown and black. We particularly love Lucy Williams's lilac-and–snake-print pairing. 

Shop Our Lilac Trend Edit

Next up, the biggest spring/summer 2020 fashion trends you need to know.