Purple dye used to be one of the most complicated colors to make. It was expensive and time-consuming to create purple cloth, so often only royalty could afford this rich color. With the advent of synthetic dyes, however, everyone could enjoy this shade in their wardrobe, not just the super-rich.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your prom dress, you might want to consider crafting a look around around a favorite fictional character. Think of it as a subtle, incognito cosplay. Purple can be a flattering color on many skin tones and there are plenty of fictional babes who look fabulous in the color purple on film and tv.
We’ve compiled a list of some iconic purple dress looks from our favorite fictional characters that can serve as styling inspo for your own purple prom dress moment. To find your own purple prom dress, we recommend looking at Sherri Hill’s purple collection!
1. Rapunzel, Tangled
Arguably one of the best modern Disney musicals, Tangled gave us a relatably anxious protagonist who goes on a journey to escape, not just a tower, but her own emotional confinement. She also has an adorable purple cottagecore look, and a great leading man.
To channel Rapunzel, choose a light pinkish purple dress with soft touches like puff sleeves or floral details. You could even add a gold princess crown to the ensemble.
2. Queen Ramonda, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
As a literal queen, Romonda wears an incredible sleeveless purple gown in this Marvel sequel. She is an image of strength, power, and femininity all rolled into one, taking the reigns of the country after the death of her son. In the film, she wears a purple gown with a matching crown and 3D details to a UN meeting far from home in Geneva, Switzerland.
To channel a similar elegance, you could choose a sleek, fitted gown in a deep shade of purple. Like Queen Ramonda, choose a strapless gown and accessories with gold jewelry around the neck and on the arms. A matching headpiece can take the look even further.
3. Elizabeth Swan, Pirates of the Caribbean
POTC is a modern adventure classic and Elizabeth is the character we follow through three films as she goes from a restricted young girl to a daring woman. In the first film when she is kidnapped by a cursed pirate crew, she wears a plum-colored early 18th-century gown. This gown has inspired many cosplays and street fashion moments.
Elizabeth’s plum gown is supposed to be a historical piece, even considered old-fashioned during the time of the film. You could embrace a vintage look with a purple gown in a warmer shade of purple. A satin dress will have the same sheen as Elizabeth’s. Add some lace accessories or even a pirate doubloon on a chain around your neck to accessorize the look.
4. Effie Trinket, Hunger Games
The District One Fashion in Hunger Games is notoriously over the top and that’s to provide a stark contrast between the people of this world who conspicuously consume and those who struggle to survive. Effie is a naive character who slowly awakens to reality through the series and she is recognizable by fans for her distinct style.
Her most iconic look is a Victorian-inspired skirt suit with a large flower hair piece. You can take inspiration from her looks by choosing a gown or two-piece set with a lot of ruffles and visual details. A large floral hair accessory would be a nice nod to this famous costume.
5. Sailor Saturn, Sailor Moon
So much fashion has been inspired by the classic girl’s anime Sailor Moon. Each of the main characters had a color associated with them and Sailor Saturn was purple.
Sailor Saturn is the last of the guardians introduced by the show and she is distinctly darker and more morally ambiguous than the other guardians. The costumes in the show are heavily inspired by school uniforms, with a pleated skirt, sailor collar, and a neck bow.
Show your love for classic anime by making a subtle nod to the Sailor Saturn. Choose a dresser two-piece set that features a dark purple skirt with pleating details. Add a purple ribbon to your neck instead of a necklace, or even find a dress or top with an attached bow.
Be a Queen in Purple
As you can see, purple is often associated with beauty, elegance, and power. This makes it a great color for a prom or formal dress. You can take style inspiration from fictional characters who have famously worn purple dresses in popular films and shows. No matter which character inspires you, you’ll be channeling queenly energy for your big night.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
