This winter, we’re moving beyond the classic neutrals—black, white, and charcoal—and embracing colour in our tops and knitwear. While timeless basics still have their place, lighter hues are making waves, and lavender is leading the charge.
But there’s another standout shade gaining traction: lilac. Often confused with lavender, lilac is a touch lighter, softer, and quickly becoming a favourite for those wanting to add a subtle pop of colour to their winter look.
In this blog, we’ll dive into why lilac deserves a place in your winter wardrobe—and share some easy outfit ideas to help you wear it well.
Lavender vs. Lilac: A Closer Look at the Hues
While both lavender and lilac are delightful shades of pale purple, they possess distinct undertones that give them unique characteristics and influence how they feel and look when worn.
- Lavender: Think of lavender as a tranquil, serene twilight sky. It's a pale purple with cooler, often bluish or grayish undertones. This gives it a more classic, minimalist, and sometimes understated elegance. Its connection to the calming herb often evokes feelings of serenity and peace.
- Lilac: Now, picture the soft, blushing dawn or the delicate blooms of a lilac bush. This hue is a pale purple with warmer, often pinkish undertones. This warmth makes lilac feel more romantic, youthful, fresh, and playfully charming. It's gentle and inviting, often radiating a subtle glow.
These subtle differences in undertones are crucial for fashion, as they can alter the overall feel of an outfit and how the color complements various skin tones. While lavender offers a cool sophistication, lilac brings a gentle warmth and a touch of modern romance.
Why Lilac is Your Wardrobe's New Must-Have Hue
Here's why this beautiful shade, whether in a cosy knit or a stylish top, is gaining so much traction:
- Universally Flattering - With its warm, pinkish undertones, lilac suits a wide range of skin tones and adds a soft glow without washing you out.
- Supreme Versatility - Lilac pairs effortlessly with neutrals like cream and charcoal, or bold shades like navy, olive, and soft yellow—making it easy to dress up or down.
- Softness Meets Comfort - The gentle hue pairs perfectly with soft, luxurious fabrics—ideal for comfy knits and breezy tops that feel as good as they look.
- Season-Spanning Style - Light enough for spring and summer, yet bright enough to lift winter looks, lilac works all year round.
How to Style Lilac: Chic Tops and Cosy Knitwear for Women
Ready to add lilac to your winter clothing lineup? Ballentynes Fashion Central has a gorgeous selection of knitwear and tops in this elegant hue—blending comfort with style. Here’s how to wear your new favourite pieces with confidence:
- Casual Chic: Pair a soft lilac knit jumper or longsleeve top with your go-to denim jeans and classic white sneakers for an effortlessly cool weekend look.
Outfit Idea #1:
Jumper - Knitwear LILAC MARLE, Regular Coloured Denim Jeans NAVY, Skechers Machine Washable Sneaker WHITE
Outfit Idea #2:
Jumper- Knitwear LILAC, Regular Coloured Denim Jeans NAVY, Orthotic friendly Sneaker WHITE/SILVER
Office Elegance
Layer a lilac longsleeve top over a plain jacket or any tailored outerwear and relaxed fit charcoal or navy trousers for a sophisticated office outfit.
Outfit Idea #1:
Plain Marle Warm Touch Top LILAC MARLE, Short Stretch Crepe Pants NAVY, Fully lined Short Coat Black Silver Check
Outfit Idea #2:
Cotton Rich Lurex Stripe Shirt LILAC, Textured Tailoring Short Pants NAVY, Veronica Shoes BLACK
Evening Gatherings
Pair a lilac knit tunic or long-sleeve top—especially one with subtle details or a unique neckline—with a flowy skirt for a soft, romantic look that’s perfect for a dinner date.
Outfit Idea #1:
Diamante trim plain Warm Touch Top LILAC MARLE, Leather Ankle Boot BLACK, Skirt Black
Outfit Idea #2:
Season Basic Turtle Neck Top – Lilac, Pull‑On Jacquard Ponti Skirt – Berry Charcoal, Tall Boot – Black Elsie B1
Texture Play
Elevate the luxe feel of lilac by mixing in contrasting textures—think suede boots, a corduroy skirt/jeans, or a structured wool coat. The softness of lilac pops beautifully against rich, tactile fabrics.
Outfit Idea #1:
Multicolour Bubble Yarn Jumper – Lilac Purple, Fully Lined Marle Coat – Oatmeal, Short Length Corduroy Jeans – Navy
Outfit Idea #2
Jumper Knitwear – Lilac Silver, A‑Line Corduroy Skirt – Black
- Complete the Look with Accessories - Silver or rose gold jewellery complements lilac beautifully, as do subtle scarves or delicate handbags in complementary pastel tones or classic neutrals.
Here are some accessories from bag, scarf, to necklace that match well with your lilac outfit:
Scarf – Ivory, Scarf – Natural, Necklace – Silver, Necklace – Sky, Bag – Black, Bag – Sapphire
Shop Lilac Tops and Knitwear for Women at Ballentynes Fashion Central
The time is now to embrace the elegance and charm of lilac. It's a fresh, sophisticated, and incredibly versatile addition that will elevate your wardrobe with its soft, inviting presence.
Ready to elevate your clothing for the season? Explore a gorgeous range of tops and knitwear in lilac shade and add that pop of colour to your winter wardrobe. Shop in-store or online and get free shipping on orders over $99.99.