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From deep aubergine to punchy violet, the colour that dominated the autumn/winter catwalks has arrived just in time for party season.
For the past couple of years, adding colour to an autumn outfit has largely meant one thing: red. First came the flashes of bright scarlet, followed by the burgundy takeover that saw everything from handbags and loafers to knitwear rendered in deep wine tones. But if the autumn/winter 2026 catwalks are anything to go by, there’s a new colour vying for our attention.
Purple emerged as one of the standout shades of the season, appearing across the collections in everything from saturated royal purple to deeper aubergine. Mugler, Prada and Valentino were among the designers experimenting with the colour, while Gucci sent rich purple down the Milan catwalk. And rather than limiting it to the odd accessory, designers went big, with head-to-toe colour and unexpected combinations proving that purple deserves another look.
Now, we’re starting to see that catwalk influence filter into partywear – and the timing couldn’t be better. Purple has the richness we tend to gravitate towards once winter arrives but feels fresher than another black dress or burgundy top. Karen Millen’s new Made For Midnight edit is a case in point. Violet, aubergine, berry and merlot run through the collection, alongside lace, velvet, satin and metallic finishes that make the colour feel particularly at home after dark.
And you don’t need to commit to purple from head to toe. A lace bodysuit with black trousers or a berry satin top with denim offers a relatively easy entry point; a floor-skimming violet coat is there if you’re ready to fully embrace it. Here are the pieces currently making us consider switching allegiance.
Karen Millen lace long-sleeve bodysuit
Lace has made a serious return this year, and this purple bodysuit brings two of the season’s biggest trends together. The long sleeves and sheer lace make it interesting enough to do the work of a party top, so we’d keep everything else relatively pared back: black wide-leg trousers, pointed heels and a great pair of earrings. It’s also the kind of piece that solves the annual ‘jeans and a nice top’ conundrum if your plans don’t call for full-on occasionwear.
Karen Millen wool double-breasted tailored maxi coat
If you’re going to invest in a colourful coat, this is how to do it. The violet shade transforms what would otherwise be a classic double-breasted wool-blend coat into something far more exciting, while the sweeping maxi length and structured shoulders give it plenty of presence. We’d wear it over black tailoring or a simple evening dress now, but it would look just as good with denim and a grey knit on an ordinary winter day. Proof that the purple trend doesn’t need to be reserved for parties.
Karen Millen feather-detail bandeau knit midi dress
If ever there were a time to wear a violet bandeau dress finished with feathers, party season would probably be it. This is the statement option of the edit: bold colour, a strapless midi silhouette and feather detailing all in one. The trick is not to compete with it. Keep shoes and accessories simple, and let the dress be the focal point. For anyone whose wardrobe is already well stocked with black occasion dresses, it’s a much more fun proposition for this year’s big event.
Karen Millen viscose satin cowl-neck midi dress
There are some dresses that require a complicated styling plan and others that simply need shoes and a bag. This satin number falls firmly into the latter category. The cowl neckline and fluid satin give it that simple 90s evening-dress quality that works particularly well for winter weddings, dinner parties and smarter festive events. The berry shade also sits somewhere between the burgundy we’ve been wearing and the purple we’re moving towards, making it an easy way to update your partywear without venturing too far outside your usual colour palette.
Karen Millen viscose satin cowl-neck top
The same berry satin comes in top form, too – and this might be the more useful buy if your party-season diary involves plenty of occasions that don’t really warrant a dress. The cowl neckline gives it an evening feel, but it’s easy enough to wear with pieces you already own. Add black trousers and heels for something smarter or pair it with straight-leg jeans, a blazer and slingbacks for dinner.
Karen Millen compact viscose corset top
Another strong argument for buying separates rather than an entirely new party outfit. This aubergine corset top has enough structure to make a pair of trousers or jeans feel evening-ready without needing much else. For a smarter event, we’d pair it with wide-leg black trousers, a blazer and pointed heels; for drinks, dark denim and a great earring will do the job. And because the colour is so deep, it feels surprisingly easy to work into a wardrobe built around black, grey, navy and brown.
Karen Millen sequin cosy-knit sleeveless midi dress
This sleeveless midi combines the comfort of a cosy knit with sequins, so you get the party element without relying on a flimsy fabric when it’s freezing outside. The merlot colour sits at the redder end of this season’s purple palette, too, making it a good option if you’ve spent the past two winters happily wearing burgundy and aren’t quite ready to give it up.
Karen Millen embellished-trim velvet mini dress
Few fabrics make as much sense for winter evenings as velvet, and the deep purple shade makes it feel rich and elegant. We’d let the colour and texture take the lead and keep the styling simple with sheer tights, black heels and minimal jewellery. Add a long black or camel coat over the top, and you’re sorted for everything from after-work drinks to a birthday celebration.
Karen Millen metallic jersey ruche-front bodysuit
If you’re not quite ready to embrace bright purple, aubergine is an excellent place to start. It’s deep enough to work almost like a neutral but feels noticeably different from the black and burgundy that tend to dominate our wardrobes at this time of year. The metallic jersey gives this bodysuit an evening feel without requiring sequins, while the ruched front adds texture. Try it with black tailoring for a work party or dark denim for dinner and drinks.
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