When I think of purple, a certain friendly dinosaur comes to mind.

Not exactly a ringing endorsement for adding it to your wardrobe, I suppose, but here’s the thing: purple is also a really flattering color for non-dinosaurs to sport. And wearing the unexpected hue sets you apart from the rest of the well-dressed, more neutral-colored, pack.

Below, three outfits for guys to wear purple:

On Campus

The easiest color to match purple to? Other shades of purple.

Get the Look

Purple Checkered Shirt: J.Crew, $148

Purple Sweater: Cutter & Buck, $78

Jeans: Gant, $225

Sneakers: Skechers, $45

Belt: Levi’s, $45

Wallet: Boconi, $48

For the Weekend

You guys are comfortable with colored pants by now, right? At least on the weekends. A grey jacket and suede chukkas offset the bold bottoms for a look that’s easy-breezy.

How to wear it: If you’re feeling intimidated by purple, start out by pairing it with neutrals like grey, brown, or white.

Get the Look

Puple Chinos: Joe Fresh, $29

Shirt: J.Crew, $70

Jacket: Kane & Unke, $109

Chukka Boots: Fossil, $45

Woven Belt: Calvin Klein, $110

Watch: Nixon, $125

At the Office

Returning to the purple on purple, this time for a sharp office look. A deep purple tie looks just right set against a violet dress shirt.

Get the Look

Outfit #3

Suit: Hugo Boss: $895

Dress shirt: Hugo Boss: $95

Tie: Nordstrom: $50

Shoes: Sandro Moscoloni Grant: $100

Belt: Carson Street Clothier: $85

Tell me:

How do you wear purple (if at all)?

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