The Colour Purple

Jenny Joseph once pondered on the idea that 'when I am an old woman I shall wear purple'. Well Jenny, Team LBD are here to say that you don't have to wait that long as purple is making its mark in 2013! But don't just take our word for it — Stella McCartney's collection for Paris Fashion Week showed heavy, block colour PURPLE coats sported by the likes of supermodel Karlie Kloss, while both Matthew Williamson and Christopher Kane designed dresses in the same berry hues. Equally for the dramatic conclusion of the Burberry Prorsum SS13 show, a parade of purple, metallic macs came down the runway, so cementing the shade for this season. And for the cherry (or rather mulberry) on the cake, even model of the moment Cara Delevingne has been powering the purple craze as she rocked a fuchsia mohawk on the Fendi catwalk. The regal shade will be soaking through our wardrobes this spring in a multitude of guises; from pretty periwinkle to punchy pomegranate, expect style that is painted purple. And as we at LBD HQ are devoted to dresses, here are some of our favourites of the year so far. GLORIOUS GRAPE: JENNIFER GARNER The Oscars is usually a good litmus test for trends to come and this was one of our favourite looks of the night. With the romantic ruffles and unusual colour that perfectly suited Jennifer Garner's fair skin-tone, she looked flawless. This is the great thing about colour trends — there is a tone for every complexion so we can all have a go. Get involved with this gorgeous grape evening gown by Elliot Claire which has an equally flattering design with added trend conscience embellishment detail. Get the look: Elliot Claire Purple Luxe Silk Asymmetric Evening Dress, ¬£268. AWESOME AUBERGINE: BLAKE LIVELY At the premiere of The Croods, Blake looked anything but prehistoric in a unique Marios Schawb purple mini dress. By playing with texture Ms Lively kept the look exciting while dashes of white gave it a modern touch. Always a fan of flaunting her legs, you can steal Blake's short dress styling in an orchid Gorgeous Couture draped dress. Get the look: Gorgeous Couture Aymeline Dress in Purple, ¬£166. PERFECT PLUM: TAYLOR SWIFT When Taylor Swift hit the Golden Globes this year she looked like she was out to impress *cough, Harry Styles, cough* which she certainly managed in a deliciously dark, plum dress. The open back and fishtail hem are all about drama, something which is added to with such a rich hue. For equally risqué style this magenta Muriel dress clings to every curve while giving a fair flash of thigh; perfect for showing someone what they're missing! Get the look: Bernshaw Muriel Dress in Magenta, ¬£395. LOVELY LAVENDER: ANNE HATHAWAY Throughout awards season Ms Hathaway kept her look chic and simple, so it's nice to see her in something more adventurous. In this ornate, Valentino print dress Anne flirts with the hue of the moment within a busy print rather than diving straight in; something that looks fresh rather than frenzied with minimal accessories. If you're not quite ready to go the whole hog either, this shift mini dress is perfect. Get the look: Emma Louise London Feather Ombre Shift Dress, ¬£188. VIVACIOUS VIOLET: LILY COLLINS Since her outing in Snow White last year, Lily has become a serious fashion crush of ours, so when she stepped out in this gown at the Vanity Fair Oscars party we think we fell a little bit more in love. Hair as black as coal, skin as white as snow and a Zuhair Murad lace maxi dress as violet as…violets! This purple evening dress divided opinion but we think she looked incredible. If you agree emulate her style in another designer Elliot Claire dress. Get the look: Elliot Clare Lindsey Purple Chiffon Evening Dress, ¬£426. Shop all purple dresses here. For more purple inspiration take a look at our Pinterest board for the gorgeous hue.