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A purple abaya is a beautiful way to add colour, elegance and personality to a modest wardrobe. While black abayas remain a timeless choice, shades of purple offer something a little different. From soft lilac and lavender to rich plum and deep royal purple, there is a shade to suit almost every personal style and occasion.
Whether you are looking for a purple abaya for everyday wear, an elegant design for Eid, or a statement piece for a wedding or evening event, the right styling can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll look at the most popular purple abaya designs, how to style a purple abaya with hijab, which colours work best with purple, and how to choose the right style for different occasions.
Why Choose a Purple Abaya?
Purple has long been associated with elegance, creativity and individuality. In modest fashion, it provides an alternative to traditional neutral colours while still maintaining a sophisticated appearance.
The beauty of a purple abaya is the variety of shades available:
- Lilac abaya: Soft, feminine and perfect for daytime outfits.
- Lavender abaya: Light and fresh, particularly suitable for spring and summer.
- Royal purple abaya: Rich and eye-catching for a statement look.
- Plum abaya: Deep and sophisticated for evening occasions.
- Eggplant purple: A darker option that works beautifully for autumn and winter.
Choosing the right shade allows you to create anything from a soft everyday outfit to a glamorous occasion look.
Modern Purple Abaya Designs
Modern abayas have moved beyond simple, traditional silhouettes. Today, women can choose from open-front designs, flowing butterfly styles, layered abayas and embroidered occasionwear.
A contemporary purple abaya can combine modest coverage with details such as:
- Flowing sleeves
- Contrast piping
- Layered panels
- Subtle embroidery
- Open-front designs
- Waist belts and ties
- Lightweight, comfortable fabrics
These details allow you to choose an abaya based not only on colour but also on your lifestyle and the way you prefer to dress.
At Ayda Sumayah, our approach to modern abayas focuses on combining graceful silhouettes with comfortable, wearable details.
Signature Purple Abaya by Ayda Sumayah
Our signature purple abaya is designed for women who appreciate simple details with a distinctive finish. Its flowing shape creates an elegant silhouette, while the contrasting white piping adds definition to the design.
Deep Royal Purple Colour
The deep purple shade gives the abaya a rich and sophisticated appearance. It is bold enough to stand out but versatile enough to style for different occasions.
For daytime, pair it with light neutral accessories. For eveningwear, darker or metallic accessories can create a more polished look.
Elegant White Piping
The white piping running along the front gives the purple abaya a clean contrast. Matching piping around the cuffs brings the design together without adding unnecessary decoration.
Relaxed and Comfortable Fit
A loose, flowing cut allows comfortable movement and provides the coverage expected from modest clothing. The relaxed shape also makes it easier to layer with different hijabs and accessories.
Lightweight Fabric
A soft, lightweight fabric can make an abaya much more comfortable for extended wear. It allows the garment to move naturally and makes the design suitable for everyday dressing as well as casual occasions.
4 Popular Purple Abaya Styles
If you’re choosing a purple abaya, the colour is only one part of the decision. The silhouette can completely change how the outfit looks and feels.
1. Purple Butterfly Abaya
The purple butterfly abaya is recognised by its wide, flowing sleeves and relaxed silhouette. It creates a graceful shape while giving you plenty of freedom to move.
A butterfly abaya works particularly well for:
- Eid
- Weddings
- Family celebrations
- Evening gatherings
- Modest occasionwear
For a balanced outfit, pair a statement butterfly abaya with a simple hijab and minimal jewellery.
2. Lilac Open Abaya
A lilac open abaya offers a softer interpretation of purple. Its open-front design makes it particularly versatile because it can be worn over different inner outfits.
You can layer a lilac abaya over:
- A modest maxi dress
- A plain inner abaya
- A coordinated skirt and top
- A simple everyday outfit
Cream, white, beige and soft grey work particularly well underneath lilac.
3. Layered Purple Abaya
A layered purple abaya adds movement and dimension to the traditional abaya silhouette. Tiers, pleats, embroidery or subtle decorative details can create a more feminine appearance.
This style is especially suitable for Ramadan, Eid, family events and occasions where you want your outfit to feel more special.
4. Plum Abaya
A plum abaya is a great choice when you prefer darker, more sophisticated shades of purple. Plum and eggplant tones are particularly effective for eveningwear and cooler seasons.
Pair a plum abaya with beige, champagne, taupe or soft metallic accessories for an elegant finish.
How to Style a Purple Abaya with Hijab
One of the easiest ways to style a purple abaya is to keep the colour palette balanced.
White and Cream Hijab
A white or cream hijab creates a fresh contrast against deep purple. This combination works particularly well for daytime and summer outfits.
Beige and Taupe Hijab
For a softer, neutral look, try beige, taupe or warm nude tones. These colours allow the purple abaya to remain the main feature of the outfit.
Lavender Hijab
For a tonal outfit, pair a deep purple abaya with a lighter lavender or lilac hijab. Using different shades from the same colour family creates a coordinated appearance without looking overly matched.
Grey Hijab
Light grey can give purple a more contemporary feel. It is especially useful if you want a neutral colour that feels slightly cooler than beige.
Purple Abaya Styling Tips
Accessories can transform the same abaya from a simple daytime outfit into an elegant occasion look.
For everyday wear: Choose flats, comfortable footwear and a simple hijab.
For work or smart occasions: Add a structured handbag, neutral shoes and understated jewellery.
For Eid: Choose an embellished hijab, elegant flats or heels and delicate jewellery.
For weddings: A deep purple or plum abaya can be paired with subtle metallic accessories and a sophisticated hijab.
Remember that if your abaya already features embroidery, piping or dramatic sleeves, simple accessories will usually create a more balanced outfit.
What Colour Shoes Go With a Purple Abaya?
Neutral shoes are the easiest option because they complement almost every shade of purple.
Try:
- Nude or beige heels
- White or cream flats
- Black shoes with darker purple shades
- Silver footwear for formal occasions
- Neutral trainers for a casual outfit
Your shoes do not need to match your abaya exactly. Coordinating tones often create a more natural and modern appearance.
When Can You Wear a Purple Abaya?
One of the biggest advantages of a purple abaya is its versatility.
Everyday Wear
For daily dressing, choose a simple silhouette in lilac, lavender or a muted purple shade. A lightweight fabric can make the outfit comfortable for shopping, work, travel or casual outings.
Eid and Ramadan
For Eid or Ramadan gatherings, consider a purple butterfly abaya, layered design or embroidered style. These add a little more detail while maintaining an elegant modest appearance.
Weddings and Special Events
For weddings, deep royal purple, plum and embellished abayas can create a sophisticated occasion look. Pair them with a plain hijab and carefully chosen accessories.
Evening Wear
Darker purple shades work particularly well in the evening. Add subtle metallic jewellery, a small handbag and elegant footwear for a polished finish.
How to Choose the Right Purple Abaya
Before buying a purple abaya online, consider more than just the colour.
Think about:
Fit: Make sure the length and sleeve measurements work for your height and preferred coverage.
Fabric: Choose a material that suits the season and how often you plan to wear the abaya.
Design: Decide whether you prefer a classic, open, butterfly, layered or embroidered silhouette.
Occasion: A simple design is usually more versatile, while embellished styles are better suited to special occasions.
Colour: Consider whether you prefer a soft lilac, bright royal purple or deep plum shade.
These details can help you find a purple abaya that fits naturally into your existing wardrobe.
Where to Buy Purple Abayas in the UK
If you’re searching for a purple abaya UK shoppers can wear for everyday dressing or special occasions, online modest fashion stores offer a wide range of colours and silhouettes.
When shopping online, check the size guide, garment measurements, fabric information and care instructions before ordering.
Ayda Sumayah offers contemporary abaya styles designed around modesty, comfort and modern elegance, including statement pieces suitable for different occasions.
Final Thoughts
A purple abaya is an elegant way to bring colour and personality into modest dressing. Whether you prefer a soft lilac open abaya, a flowing purple butterfly abaya, a layered design or a sophisticated plum abaya, there are plenty of ways to make purple work for your individual style.
The secret to styling a purple abaya is balance. Choose complementary hijab colours, practical footwear and accessories that suit the occasion rather than competing with the abaya itself.
At Ayda Sumayah, we believe modern modest fashion should feel both beautiful and wearable. Explore our collection of contemporary abayas and discover a style that brings together modesty, comfort and effortless elegance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Purple Abayas
What hijab colour goes with a purple abaya?
White, cream, beige, taupe, grey and lighter shades of purple all work well with a purple abaya. The best choice depends on the shade of purple and the overall look you want.
Is purple a good colour for an abaya?
Yes. Purple offers a wide range of shades, from soft lilac for everyday outfits to deep plum and royal purple for formal occasions.
What is a purple butterfly abaya?
A purple butterfly abaya features a loose, flowing silhouette with wide sleeves. It is popular because it combines comfort, movement and an elegant modest appearance.
Can I wear a purple abaya every day?
Absolutely. For everyday wear, choose a simple purple abaya in a comfortable fabric and a practical silhouette. Lighter or muted purple shades can create an easy daytime look.
What colour goes well with a purple abaya?
Neutral shades such as white, cream, beige, taupe and grey are easy choices. Metallic shades can also work well for formal occasions.