Helen Skelton just made purple and red look so chic at the NTAs - we're seeing this unexpected colour pairing everywhere this season
She accessorised with statement cuffs that can be snapped up on the high street
Helen Skelton might have revealed to us here at woman&home that it only took her ‘40 minutes’ to get ready for this year’s National Television Awards, but you'd never have guessed it with how elegant and thoughtful each detail in her outfit was.
On the red carpet, she wore the Citra strapless maxi dress by Solace London, with its bold block colour and elegant, strapless design making it a standout from the night. To complement its rich, royal purple hue, she played with what’s quickly becoming one of the most sophisticated colour pairings of the season by adding bold red accessories. If you weren’t already sold on the trending combination, you’re sure to be now.
Helen slipped into some red pointed heels, adding a pair of sold-out red floral earrings from Mango. She finished off the look with the ASOS Design limited edition large cuff bangle with watch-strap design on each of her wrists for a striking, modern touch, while she also carried a silver clutch with a contrasting red tassel, which, she told woman&home on the red carpet, had been made for her by a friend.
Get Helen Skelton's NTAs Look
There is so much to love about Helen's gown. With a curved, strapless neckline, it frames the chest beautifully before hugging the waist and hips for a flattering, structured shape. A column skirt and short train add to the elegance, while the bold block colour creates a luxurious, statement look.
With the sleeveless design of her dress, Helen's choice to accessorise with this statement cuff bracelet was a great choice to complement the cut. She wore one on each wrist, though it only comes as a single piece, so keep in mind that you'll have to order two if you want to recreate her look.
If you're daunted by the idea of styling red with purple, a pair of heels is a great way to dip your toe (quite literally) into the trend. Their tone is so rich and can be effortlessly paired with purple dresses or with your favourite jeans and a purple blouse.
It was the purple tone of this Phase Eight dress that originally caught our attention, but as you look closer, you'll spot more details that make it a standout. As well as the fluted sleeves and pleated accents, there's the wrap bodice that adds an eye-catching touch, and the waist is beautifully defined.
These earrings offer a similar look with their mix of red resin and brass (that's gilded with fine gold). Whether styled with a striking purple gown or slipped on to bring in a touch of trending red to any autumn outfit, they're sure to add an elegant touch to your seasonal wardrobe.
A silver clutch like this one can work as the perfect finishing touch for any evening wear look, whether you carry it as it is or add a red tassel to enhance its design. For ease of wear, this one comes with a detachable crossbody strap.
While purple and red might not be the first two colours you think of wearing together, the unlikely combination is quickly becoming one of the season’s must-have pairings and is rivalling many of the current trending colour combinations loved by stylists. Helen’s outfit proves they work perfectly - they’re neighbouring colours on the colour wheel, so they blend smoothly with their similar warm undertones.
As you plan your autumn outfit ideas and shop for pieces to build a versatile autumn capsule wardrobe, these two tones, worn together or separately, make for perfect choices this season. Whether you wear a purple blouse and red heels with your most comfortable jeans, or go all out with a party-ready gown and accessorise with pops of contrasting colour, red and purple is definitely a colour clash worth trying out this season.
