Prince's 16 Most Iconic Purple Outfits

By Kelsey Glein
Updated Jul 03, 2014 @ 4:30 pm
Credit: Paul Natkin/WireImage

In 1984 Prince was the most popular man in America. The reason? Purple Rain, his groundbreaking, genre-blurring, genius sixth album landed in stores. The massive seller acted as a soundtrack to a rock musical drama film of the same name, which hit theaters a month after the No. 1 record came out.

Even now, 30 years after Purple Rain’s release, Prince is still as hot as ever. With a recent guest appearance on Fox's New Girl with Zooey Deschanel (InStyle’s August cover star), his touring trio 3rd Eye Girl, a much-anticipated solo album in the works, and his upcoming headlining performance at the 2014 Essence Festival on July 4 in New Orleans, Lousiana, the star has proven that he's not done creating and is here to stay for years to come. "A real musician is always in creative mode," Prince told Essence in their June issue.

While Prince was huge in the 1980s, he's still a power player in today's pop culture scene. When it comes to his style, there's never any chance of mistaking the legend that is Prince. Fondly known as "The Purple One" (among other nicknames), largely due to the amount of violet-hued items in his wardrobe, the color has become a signature for the artist. In honor of the singer, we rounded up 15 of his best purple fashion moments throughout the years for your enjoyment.

Prince is having a moment! Celebrate by taking a look at his best purple fashion moments in our gallery.

Start Slideshow

1 of 16

March 5, 2014

Credit: The Arsenio Hall Show / Courtesy CBS Television Distribution

Prince wore a deep shade of his signature hue for an appearance and rocking performance on The Arsenio Hall Show.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 16

December 29, 2010

Credit: Kevin Mazur/NPG

Prince rocked a ruffled purple shirt and black beaded collar during his Welcome 2 America tour stop in New York's Madison Square Garden.

3 of 16

June 27, 2006

Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty

Prince performed onstage at the 2006 BET Awards in a stylish grape-colored ensemble.

Advertisement

4 of 16

May 24, 2006

Credit: Vince Bucci/Getty

For a performance on the American Idol Season 5 finale, Prince donned a suit in a muted version of his signature hue.

5 of 16

July 2, 2004

Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty

At the 10th anniversary Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, the artist wore a black ensemble with purple accents, crazy shades, and a wig.

6 of 16

February 27, 2005

Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

The Purple One presented the awards for "Best Original Song" during the 77th Annual Academy Awards in a snazzy amethyst suit jacket, which he paired with a white shirt, pants, and pocket square.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 16

February 8, 2004

Credit: Frank Micelotta/Getty

Prince performed his classic song "Purple Rain" at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards in a full-on purple ensemble, including a matching guitar.

8 of 16

February 8, 2004

Credit: M. Caulfield/WireImage

At the 2004 Grammy Awards, Prince gave an electric performance onstage clothed in purple alongside Beyoncé.

9 of 16

April 19, 1997

Credit: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty

The Artist Formerly Known as Prince donned a revealing, lacy violet-hued outfit during a performance at the San Jose State Event Center.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 16

July 1, 1990

Credit: Frank Micelotta/Getty

The singer performed at Wembley Arena in London in a body-hugging grape-hued ensembles that featured embellishments with his the male and female symbols combined.

11 of 16

January 1, 1990

Credit: Kypros/Getty

Prince showed off his favorite hue in the form of a sparkling sequin hoodie.

12 of 16

March 1, 1985

Credit: Ebet Roberts/Redferns/Getty

Prince excited the crowd during one of the stops on his Purple Rain Tour wearing a purple sequined jacket and vibrant floral trousers.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 16

February 1, 1985

Credit: Richard E. Aaron/Redferns/Getty

For his epic Purple Rain Tour, Prince rocked a pair of purple velvet pants adorned with flowers.

14 of 16

November 28, 1984

Credit: Ebet Roberts/Redferns/Getty

The star embodied his nickname "The Purple One" in this dazzling violet look from Purple Rain Tour.

15 of 16

July 26, 1984

Credit: Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage

For the premiere of the film Purple Rain at Mann Chinese Theater in Hollywood, Prince chose a metallic plum jacket and white ruffled shirt.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 16

June 7, 1984

Credit: Paul Natkin/WireImage

The Purple One celebrated his birthday and the release of his Purple Rain album in Minneapolis, Minnesota wearing a patterned, halter neck lavender jumpsuit.

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Kelsey Glein