What Color Shoes and Accessories Would I Wear With a Purplish-Pink Cocktail Dress?

Fashion mavens who love to make a statement would do well to choose a purplish-pink cocktail dress for their next soiree. Magenta and radiant orchid -- Pantone’s 2014 color of the year -- both fall into this category and boast a rich, luxe look. Use care when selecting jewelry and shoes to pair with your dress; classic neutrals and glam metallics are both elegant, fail-safe options for accessorizing your fancy frock.

Stately and Sophisticated

If you’d like to lend a polished, classic vibe to your purplish-pink cocktail dress, select neutral hues -- namely, black, taupe and nude -- as your accessory colors. A satin magenta sheath paired with dark taupe pointy-toe pumps and a two-toned taupe-and-black clutch translates to instant elegance. Introduce different textures for added depth; a black satin handbag or nude patent heels keep the palette neutral but interesting. If you’d like a wild take, try neutral-hue leopard-print pumps, a black patent belt and a beige leather clutch. Complete the look with crystal studs or drops and a simple tennis bracelet.

Shiny and Sparkly

To bring out the party in your cocktail frock, select metallic accessories. Silver and pewter are especially well-matched with cool purples and pinks, but gold, pewter, bronze and even pearlized finishes look striking against a deep magenta or orchid dress. Select silver open-toe strappy heels and carry a pewter or graphite minaudiere clutch. Add silver-plated rhinestone chandelier earrings or, for a bit more edge, opt for layers of mixed-metal chains studded with crystals. Finish with either a colorful cocktail ring or a metallic cuff bracelet.

References

• The Huffington Post: She Means Business! Eva Longoria Wears Stunning Magenta Dress to Campaign for Barack Obama's Re-election
• InStyle: Fashion Week Fall 2011 -- Stars at New York Fashion Week
• Refinery 29: Twelve Shimmering Shoes That Prove Silver Is Totally a Neutral
• InStyle: What's Right Now -- Celebrities in 2014's Color of the Year: Radiant Orchid

About the Author

Stacey Kole worked for five years as managing editor of the style and pop-culture magazine Savvy, where she traveled coast-to-coast covering all things fashion and beauty. In addition to daily writing and editing duties, she interviewed and penned cover stories on such celebrities as Avril Lavigne, Julianne Hough and “Twilight” star Ashley Greene.

Photo Credits

• Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images