Prime your closet for more color with this #SGapproved series of men’s style guides. The team at SG HQ is breaking down how to wear stylish hues (like how to wear lavender!) with easy color combinations and outfit ideas.
Catch up on every color guide, including: bright blue, amber, army green, slate grey, orange, teal, khaki, red, evergreen, white, cobalt blue, mint green, orange sorbet, yellow, and navy.
For too long, lavender has been denied a rightful spot in men’s closets.
We’ve got it on good authority, though, that this light purple shade is about to dethrone millennial pink as the new hot hue for men and women alike, so get ready to start seeing it everywhere. Yes, including your own closet.
Below, learn how to wear lavender in your outfits:
What colors go with lavender
Here’s the deal: Lavender is the palest version of violet, which is a deep purple. Which means, lavender is a light purple.
It tends to have more pink undertones than blue, but like the flower fields where it got its name, lavender-the-color has many different variations. Sometimes it’s pale enough to look nearly white, while other times it looks more lilac-y.
For these reasons, and depending on the mix of hues, lavender can fall into the blue, purple, and sometimes even grey corners of the color wheel. When shopping for lavender clothes online, be sure to tick the ‘purple’ box when filtering by color, as that’s where you’ll find items in the hue.
Lavender plays nicely with lots of colors including neutrals like grey and navy, reds, oranges, and pinks (yes, really), brighter blues, and other pastels.
How to wear lavender
Lavender was practically made to be worn in warm weather, making spring the perfect time to start strategizing which pieces to add to your wardrobe. Solids, prints, and patterns are all good bets. Lavender gingham? Yes, please.
Men’s lavender outfit inspiration
SG Says: Sneak lavender into your favorite casual outfit by scoring a plaid style with the color in it, though it doesn’t need to be the hero hue of the pattern, if that feels like “too much.”
Looking for more subtle ways to mix lavender into your look? Keep an eye out for bandanas, “fun” socks, and even friendship bracelets that incorporate the color.
SG Says: You don’t have to save this flower-inspired hue for warm weather. Bundle up in a cozy sweater in the color and pair it with your favorite Wallabee boots.
SG Says: Chance the Rapper shows that you can dress lavender down and look super-stylish doing it.
Consider a pocket tee just like his, or a polo shirt in the lilac color.
SG Says: What to wear with lavender shoes? Anything you want! But navy pants and off-white layers on top are a good place to start.
When to wear lavender
Not sure how to work lavender into an outfit? Here’s a good rule of thumb: If you were planning on wearing white or off-white, you could probably sub in lavender without a hitch.
Meaning? The white dress shirt you were going to wear with a khaki-colored suit could easily be swapped for a lavender one. Or maybe you were going to top of those navy shorts with a white pocket tee? Why not reach for a lavender style instead?
Personally, we love seeing guys in lavender. Positive masculinity is a guy sporting pastels with confidence!
You can wear a lavender dress shirt with a classic grey wool suit or a khaki-colored chino suit in the summer, but perfect pairings aren’t limited to neutrals.
Lavender looks great against a buttery yellow or as a backdrop for a deeper purple or blue. If you’re looking to really mix things up, try lavender with orange. It’s bright, but so stylish!
Shop men’s lavender style
More style stories from SG HQ:
A Cardigan is the Perfect Lightweight Layer
What to Wear with Canvas Sneakers
8 Spring Jackets to Add to Your Coast Closet
How to Wear Birkenstock Boston Clogs
5 Days, 5 Ways: The Shirt Jacket (aka Shacket)
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