Kate Middleton just wore autumn's trending colour – here's how to style it

At the global premier of Tom Cruise’s new movie Digger in London’s Leicester Square, the Princess of Wales made a strong case for autumn’s trendiest – but trickiest – shade: purple. Notoriously difficult to style, Kate Middleton’s embracing of purple follows the colour’s fashion week dominance. While conversation around autumn colour palettes often revolves around burgundy, chocolate brown, and tomato red, the pivot to purple feels fresh. Kate’s dress is a custom Jenny Packham purple chiffon gown, which appears to be based on a Jenny Packham A/W 2016 design, distinguished by its deep V-neck, pleated bodice, cape-like sleeves and a floor-sweeping skirt. Alejandro González Iñárritu, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Tom Cruise and David Beckham attend the "Digger" World PremiereGettyIn New York, we began to see the shade popping up on the runway. The Tory Burch Spring 27 collection gave us all shades of purple, from plum to lilac to grape on structured jackets and dresses. And in London, Simone Rocha and Erdem had lilac flowing throughout their Spring 27 collections. Most recently in Milan, Mrs Prada has given everyone a new handbag for their wishlist, in purple of course. And while I love to look at the runway for upcoming trends, it's the attendees that truly inspire me each season, and for SS27, they were loving purple. The shade was impossible to miss, saturating the streets. Midi skirts, leather jackets, knits and shoes were transformed with the colour.How to style purpleUnderstanding that purple can act as a neutral is the first step to styling it; there are few shades it doesn't go with. If you want to gently introduce it to your wardrobe, start by pairing it with brown. A chocolate brown knit with a bold aubergine midi skirt would be a perfect pairing for your autumnal wardrobe. If you’re a seasoned bold colour wearer, pair your purple with pops of teal, mustard or tomato red. The contrasts feel exciting but not overwhelming. A teal skirt with a purple long-sleeve is refreshing; a plum jacket with a tomato red bag is chic. My favourite way to trial a new colour in my wardrobe: socks. When wearing it with autumn's best friend, the loafer, you test the pop of colour without feeling like the main event or investing in larger or more expensive items. Another great way to get purple into your wardrobe is through your shoes. I don’t know about you, but 90 per cent of my shoes are neutral, as when I bought them I would’ve said to myself, ‘but this goes with more’. But as we now know, purple can act as a neutral, making it the perfect shoe colour to bring into your collection. If you’re after a 1990’s feel, opt for a strappy lavender kitten heel or for something more wearable but fun, a deep plum ballet flat. If you’re still wondering how to get this season's most exciting colour into your wardrobe, I’ve gone through and picked out some of my favourite pieces on the high street right now. COS V-Detail Cashmere Funnel-Neck JumperCosCos is championing the trend and currently have a page dedicated to all things purple. This cashmere funnel-neck jumper in a subdued aubergine tone would style perfectly with black barrel-leg trousers or a structured pleated midi skirt. Pairs socksPairs The simplest way to incorporate some plum tones into your looks is to add a pop of colour with your socks. Worn with loafers, peeking under trousers or shown off proudly with a skirt, these socks allow you to explore the colour without dedicating your entire look to it. Mango 100% silk tie-neck blouseMangoFor something bolder but still elegant, Mango’s silk tie-neck blouse shows purple in a feminine but contemporary way. Worn under a brown blazer or paired with a light mini skirt would make the piece pop.Phase Eight Malina Collarless Button-Down Faux-Leather JacketPhase EightPurple leather was one of street style's most captured this season. It's playful for the day but also sophisticated for the night. This eggplant Phase Eight leather jacket is a great transitional piece to take you into autumn and would make a perfect smart casual work jacket. Asos reclaimed vintage lace trim skirtAsos My favourite way to style the colour of the season is through a midi skirt. Midi skirts themselves were everywhere this London Fashion Week, down to their practicality and elegance, making them great to wear to shows. This lace trim plum skirt would be the girls' night-out hero piece when worn with a simple white tank and kitten heels with a pop of colour.